Course Plan

Introduction

This course deals with the various strengthening mechanisms of metals and alloys, which can generally be related to the microstructural evolution that occurs as a result. Therefore, structure-property relationship in alloy systems, imperfection in solids, diffusion and phase transformation will be covered in this course. Strengthening mechanisms will also be discussed especially those dealing with mechanical working and heat treatment of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys. In addition, metal matrix composites (MMC) will be included since it is one of the methods by which strengthening take place.

Tentative Course Plan

1. Structure-property relationship
    -Review on crystal structure [planes & directions],
    -Closed packed planes and directions [linear, planar, and volumetric density]
2. Crystalline Imperfections [detailed information], slip systems and relation to strength and ductility
3. Diffusion in solids and their practical applications (case hardening)
    -Strengthening mechanisms
    -Solid solution strengthening (Isomorphous alloy systems, single phase)
    -Binary alloy systems [lever arm rule, invariant reactions in detail, intermetallic compounds, stoichiometric, and
        nonstichiometric phases]
4. Metal working and annealing
5. Heat treatments of ferrous alloys (Iron-carbon Phase diagram)
6. Heat treatments of non-ferrous alloys (Al-Cu, and other phase diagrams)
7. Other strengthening mechanisms
    -Composites (MMC)
    -Structure, properties, and processing
8. Field trips

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