Physical metallurgy

• evaluate the impact of mechanical, chemical and thermal mechanisms on microstructure evolution in metals and alloys
• explain the construction of phase diagrams in terms of the thermodynamic principles, i.e. Gibbs energy curves
• reproduce the principles of diffusion (driving force and its mechanisms) in binary systems
• predict single crystal deformation and lattice rotations
• model work-hardening stages in correlation with the deformation-induced microstructures
• analyze interactions between dislocations and other lattice defects based on their stress fields
• apply binary phase diagrams to interpret microstructure changes in metals and alloys
• explain the various stages of phase transformations in terms of the thermodynamic and kinetic principles
• explain the difference between diffusion controlled, interface controlled and martensitic phase transformations
• assess the effect of microstructural restoration mechanisms on the strength of metals and alloys
• analyze a recent scientific metallurgical article by application of the course contents and identify the principal mechanisms responsible for microstructure evolution
• defend a scientific interpretation against an alternative interpretation in a oral discussion

Thermodynamic and kinetic basis for phase transformations in metallic materials. Distinction is made between martensitic, diffusion controlled and interface controlled phase transformations. Thermodynamic background for phase diagrams; energy contribution of point defects, interfaces and strain, plastic deformation and slip, dislocation-defect interaction and strengthening/hardening, microstructure evolution during plastic deformation and annealing. The contents of the course are adapted after consultation of the participating students and through individual literature investigation. Active discussions on various scientific interpretations are part of the teaching form.

41650/41659/41681/41683/41686/41680/41684/41651/41661, Materials science
Metals technology

Lectures, literature search, self study, scientific discussion