Concepts in Materials Science
Instructor: Esen Ercan Alp
Winter 2009
Materials science, a branch of science dealing with structure, synthesis and utilization of
materials is a hybrid science, representing and re-formulating knowledge gained by more
traditional branches like chemistry, physics, biology, metallurgy, and engineering.
However, as humankind’s abilities to comprehend, command and modify the properties
of materials improved over the centuries, a distinct branch of science emerged around
1950’s and gained acceptance and recognition in universities and industrial research
laboratories as a separate discipline. As the development of silicon based technologies
and their impact on our present society is a well understood and much appreciated
example, there are also numerous other cases where materials development is the critical
component in various aspects of human life like health, economics, security, and leisure.
In this class, Dr. Alp will reflect on his thirty years of experiences in dealing with
materials issues.
Grading is based on a term-project, one mid-term and a final exam (30 % each). 10 %
will be given based on class interactions to encourage students to participate as full
partners in the learning process.
The books for reference are listed below, a more complete bibliography will presented at
the beginning of the class:
1. Foundations of Materials Science and Engineering, 4th edition (2006) Willliam F.
Smith and Javad Hashemi, McGraw Hill,
2. Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction, William D., Jr. Callister,
John Wiley & Sons,
3. Introduction to Solid State Physics, C. Kittel, 8th edition (2005), John Wiley and
Sons, ISBN-0-471-4526-X
Course Contents
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Introduction
Material classification : Is it still valid ?
traditional classification of metals, ceramics and polymers
transformation from one class to another
nano-materials: Are they new ?
Structure of atoms and the Periodic Table as a Tool
atomic size
electron count
electron binding energies
characteristic x-rays and fluorescence lines
beyond the periodic table: elements at extreme conditions
isotopes & their use in science, health and industry
unstable elements: Is it worth synthesizing them ?
Structure of materials
crystals: polycrystals, single crystals, quasicrystals,nanocrystals
amorphous materials and glasses
nano-materials and thin films
liquids
methods of structure determination: microscopy, diffraction, x-ray and
neutron scattering and spectroscopy, thermal and electrical properties
Solidification and Defects
Diffusion and thermally activated processes
Mechanical properties and their modification
elasticity and plasticity
elastic constants tensor and speed of sound
Mechanical properties of metals
ductility, toughness, hardness, malleability, fatigue, creep, and fracture
Phase diagrams
New engineering materials: Polymers, Ceramics and Composites
materials for Energy: Solar, hydrogen storage, tribology,
Electrical, magnetic and optical properties of materials
superconductors, thermoelectrics, magnetoresistance, multi-ferroics,
carbon nano-tubes, meta-materials.