Materials and Research Methods

Module Summary

To discuss 'case histories' reflecting the importance of processes in selected applications
To introduce the concepts of phase equilibrium and structure in alloys through the phase diagram and thermodynamics
To develop an understanding of defects, diffusion in solids and the importance of microstructure
To teach essential skills for the research process in preparation for the project

Materials: Alloys: Metallic and semiconducting solutions and compounds; the phase diagram; the Phase Rule; soluble, partially soluble and insoluble systems; thermodynamics of equilibrium systems. Factors determining crystal structure of alloys. Ordering phenomena in substitutional alloys; super lattices, phase dependence; structure factor. Physical properties affected by ordering, with particular examples. Theories of order in alloys. Non-equilibrium systems
Ceramics: glasses; transition temperatures, atomic structures. Structure of ceramics, porosity, silicates, oxides, non-oxides. Mechanical properties, effects of porosity, Griffith cracks, strain energy release rate, stress intensity factor
Defects in solids: Point defects; vacancies; thermodynamic considerations of stability; effects on physical properties. Dislocations; Burgers vector; elastic properties; energy of a dislocation; force between dislocations and their movement. Strength of materials; work hardening; failure mechanisms; typical engineering applications
Diffusion in solids: Crystallographic features; diffusion in interstitial systems; vacancy diffusion; long-range diffusion and material transport; Fick's law; measurement of diffusion coefficients; role of other defects in diffusion; diffusion and implantation in semiconductors; annealing and irradiation effects
Research Methods: Training including literature searching and proposal writing

C Kittel, 'Introduction to Solid State Physics', 6th Ed., Wiley. ISBN 0471680575
Ashby & Jones, 'Engineering Materials 2', Pergamon. ISBN 0750663812
Booth, Colomb & Williams, 'The Craft of Research', University of Chicago Press. ISBN 0226065847
Madsen, 'Successful Dissertations and Theses', 2nd Ed., Wiley (1991). ISBN 1555423892