MSE 510 Solid State Phase Transformations

Winter, 2007

Last Update: September 2006

Objectives

  • To understand the thermodynamics, kinetics, mechanisms, and microstructure of solid state phase transformations in metals and alloys

Decription

    This course begins with the introduction of thermodynamics, kinetics, diffusion, structure and properties of interfaces as the foundation to study phase transformations. Solidification is presented to introduce the basic concept of nucleation and growth among other things. Diffusional transformations include precipitation reactions in alloys, ferrite, pearlite and bainite reactions in steels. Martensitic transformations in steel is taught along with the concept of steel hardenability.

Instructor

Textbook

  • D. A. Porter and K. E. Easterling, Phase Transformations in Metals and Alloys, 2nd Edition, Nelson Thornes, 2001.

Logistics

  • Lecture Time: Moday and Wednesday 4:00-5:50 PM.
  • Classroom: EB 315.

Grading

  • Attendance and Effort (10)
  • Homework (20)
  • Midterm Exam(30)
  • Final Exam(40)
 

Course Syllabus

Week 1: Nucleation of New Phases

  • Homogenous Nucleation
  • Heterogeneous Nucleation

Week 2: Growth of New Phases

  • Structure and free energy of interfaces
  • Growth kinetics and morphologies

Week 3: Spindonal Decomposition

  • Spinodal Decompostion

Week 4: Precipitation Transformations

  • Precipitation reactions in Al-Cu Alloys
  • Sensitization of Austenitic Steels

Week 5: Ordering and Massive Transformations

  • Ordering Transformations
  • Massive Transformations

Week 6: Midterm and Ferrite Transformation in Steel

  • Midterm Exam
  • Ferrite Transformation in Steel

Week 7: Pearlite Transformation in Steel

  • Pearlite Transformation in Steel

Week 8: Bainite Transformation in Steel

  • Bainite Transformation in Steel
  • Acicular Ferrite Transformation in Steel Weld Metal

Week 9: Diffusionless Transformations

  • Martensite Transformation in Steel
    • Characteristics
    • Crystallography
    • Nucleation and Growth
  • The 'Shape-Memory' Metal: Nitinol

Week 10: Hardenability and Tempering of Steels

  • Hardenability of Steels
  • Tempering of Ferrous Martensites

Week 11: Final Exam

  • Final Exam