MS2084 Phase Transformations & Kinetics in Steels

The fundamental understanding of phase transformations in materials is the key for tuning their structure and properties. This course will provide the necessary basic knowledge to relate bonding, diffusion, and temperature (heat treatment) in solids, particularly steel, to their evolution of structure/phase and properties. That is, it presents the connections between thermodynamic concepts, phase transformations and materials properties. More specifically, the students will have the opportunity to experience the fundamental concepts lectured in class through experimental work and analyzing/reflecting on the obtained data, and ultimately connecting with the concepts.

The students after listening to the content will work in the lab in groups on different carbon steel samples. They are expected to polish, etch, and understand the grain and microstructure along with their impact and hardness properties before subjecting to different heat treatment conditions. The students will be austenizing the samples and cool them using different cooling rates to achieve desired effect on properties.