MATSE 402: Kinetic Processes in Materials

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Textbook: Phase Transformations in Metals and Alloys
D.A. Porter and K.E. Easterling, Chapman and Hall, 2nd edition, 1992.

References: Diffusion in Solids, P.G Shewmon, McGraw Hill, New York, 1963.

Catalog Description, Prerequisites and Schedule:

Studies kinetics of chemical reactions; rate equations, reaction mechanisms; transport processes; diffusion equations, atomic and molecular diffusion. Phase transformations; nucleation, crystallization, displacive, spinodal decomposition. Examines surface and interface phenomena; sintering, grain growth, recovery and recystallization. Prerequisites: MATSE 200 and MATSE 301 3 hours or 3/4 unit. 3 lecture-discussion hours/week.

Course Topics:

1. Diffusion: phenomenology: Fick's Laws, boundary value problems
2. Atomic theory of diffusion: random walks, gases, liquids, metals, grain boundaries, chemical interdiffusion, ionic cystals
3. Chemical rate theory: rate equations, defect annealing theory, vapor condensation
4. Surfaces and Interfaces: surface energies, grain boundaries, coherency, thin film growth, grain growth, sintering
5. Phase transformations: homo- and hetero-geneous nucleation, alloy solidification, diffusional transformations, martensitic transformations.

Course Objectives:

1. To provide a foundation for the principles of kinetic behavior
2. To provide a firm understanding of diffusion in various materials
3. To provide a working knowledge of chemical rate theory
4. To provide an introduction to thin film growth
5. To provide a firm understanding of phase transformations

Course Outcomes:

1. Determine characteristic times for various kinetic processes
2. Formulate and solve rate equations for various reactions
3. Understand and apply basics of alloy processing to fabricate alloys with particularly microstructures
4. Apply basic theory to growth of thin films

Assessment Tools:

1. Homework problems
2. Three hourly exams.
3. Independent laboratory project conducted by teams

Contribution of Course to Meeting the Professional Component:

100%

Prepared by:

Robert S. Averback, January, 2001