Introduction to advanced materials

• define materials classes (metals, polymers, ceramics) and their composites
• describe principal types of bonding for different materials classes
• recognize crystalline lattices and lattice defects in metals and simple ceramics
• interpret simple binary phase diagrams
• calculate amounts of phases present in binary alloys in equilibrium
• differentiate between the elastic and plastic behavior of metals, ceramics and polymers
• relate strengthening mechanisms in metals to their internal structure
• explain thermal and electrical properties of metals, ceramics and polymers
• select materials with specific properties using a materials data base software
• consider the different length scales relevant for materials and their characterization
• simulate materials behavior related to their internal structure
• identify materials structure property relationship from experimental data

The course treats materials and their modelling with main emphasis on metals; polymers, ceramics, and composites are presented complementary. Focus is on the relation between processing of materials, their resulting internal structure and their properties and performance. The course contains:
– atomic bonds, crystal structures, lattice defects, amorphous and semi-crystalline materials
– phase diagrams, interpretation of these and calculation of mass fractions, phase equilibria
– changes in the microstructure of materials due to mechanical and thermal load
– mechanical properties, testing and methods of changing the strength of metals, polymers and ceramics
– thermal and electrical properties of materials and their physical origin
– introduction to material database software
– modelling of materials and their structures
– statistical analysis of materials data and correlations between structure and properties

The teaching is based on active participation of students in group work. There will be introductory and summing up lectures.

The course is a technology core course for B.Sc. in General Engineering and obligatory for specialization Advanced Materials.