Materials science
Overall Course Objectives
The course provides a broad and general knowledge of materials. The course aims to give an understanding of how different materials are and what these differences mean for the mechanical properties and applications of the materials. The course highlights the relationship between the microstructure of the materials and their mechanical properties and provides insight into ways to change them. Insight will be gained into methods to select the most suitable materials for a given application and to meet given requirements and demands for a particular component, including using a material data base.
See course description in Danish
Learning Objectives
- define materials classes (metals, polymers and ceramics )
- describe principal types of bonding for different materials classes
- recognize unit cells and crystal lattices in metals and simple ceramics
- distinguish between the main types of polymers, ceramics and composite materials
- interpret 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
- suggest heat treatment of steel for obtaining specified properties
- predict failure of metals (creep, fracture, fatigue)
- select appropriate materials for products based on their properties using materials selection software
Course Content
The course treats materials generally with main emphasis on metals; polymers, ceramics, and composites are presented complementary. Focus is on the relation between manufacturing and processing of materials, their resulting internal structure and their mechanical 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, phase transformations and heat treatment of steel
– 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
– cracks, fatigue failure, and protection against
– introduction to material database software
– method of selection of materials as well as application of a material index
Teaching Method
The teaching is based on active participation of students in group work. There will be introductory and summing up lectures.