2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

CAPE5705M Phase Transformations and Microstructural Control

15 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Professor AM Mullis
Email: a.m.mullis@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module will provide a fundamental understanding of the physical and chemical principles underlying phase transformations in materials together with an understanding of how phase transformations may be exploited to produce materials with specific microstructures to yield desired properties.

Objectives

The objectives of this module are to:

- understand the physical and chemical principles underlying phase transformations in materials;
- understand how phase transformations may be exploited to produce materials with specific microstructures to yield desired properties;
- understand how control over phase transformations may be exerted by an appropriate choice of processing route.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Understand the thermodynamic, kinetic and morphological principles underpinning phase transformations from the vapour, liquid and solid states.
2. Understand how phase transformations may be controlled to produce a specific microstructure in metals, ceramics, polymers and composites.
3. Be able to apply these principles in understanding the design and capabilities of materials processing techniques.
4. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering.
5. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
6. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
7. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems.
8. Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards.

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a. Technical skills
b. Problem solving
c. Computational and analytical skills
d. Design skills

Syllabus

- The importance phase transformations;
- Elements of a phase transformation;
- Thermodynamic order of a phase transformation;
- Diffusion;
- Thermodynamics: equilibrium; phase diagrams and driving forces; effect of surfaces and interfaces on equilibrium;
- Kinetics of first and second order phase transformations: diffusive and displacive transformations; nucleation; growth; transformation rate;
- Microstructural development during transformations from the vapour, liquid and solid states;
- Controlling microstructural development in materials processing through phase transformations.

Methods of Assessment

We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.

Assessment for this module will consist of;

Maximum 3 coursework

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
seminars	7	2.00	14.00
Practicals	2	2.00	4.00
Lecture	14	1.00	14.00
Independent online learning hours			28.00
Private study hours			90.00
Total Contact hours			32.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Performance in formative tutorial and practical classes and in formative quizzes integrated into online learning resources. Performance in assessments.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 01/05/2024

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