2002/03
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Module Code: MATS310
Faculty of Engineering, University of Liverpool
Department of Engineering: Materials Science and Engineering
Module title:
Ceramics
CATS level:
3
CATS value:
7.5
Semester:
Staff (with email addresses)
Co-ordinator:
Prof RC Pond (pond@…)
Moderator:
Lecturer(s):
Prof RC Pond (pond@…)
Lectures:
20
Seminars/tutorials:
0
Labs:
0
Study hours
Other:
Private study:
34
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
None
None
Availability to (student groups/years):
Compulsory/core:
Optional:
F200, J200, J500, BF92, HJ35, F2N1, F2T2,
Mech Eng (Yr 3), Integ (Yr 3), Aerospace (Yr 3)
FF12
Module Description
Lecture/
Content
Lab no.
1
2-5
Introduction: Definitions, general physical properties, applications.
Structure of Ceramics: Paulings rules for ceramic structures. Simple crystal
structures; oxides, halides, carbides, nitrides. Case study; polymorphism and
transformation toughening in ZrO2. Structure of SiO2 and crystalline silicates.
The glassy state; Zachariesen's Rules.
6-7
Thermal Properties of Ceramics: Point defects in ceramics. Phonon propagation
in ceramics. Refractories. Controlling thermal expansion and thermal shock
resistance.
8-12
Ceramic Processing: Gas-phase methods of thin film production. Powder
processing: extraction, powder preparation, forming, sintering and final
machining.
13-16
Mechanical Properties of Ceramics: Brittle fracture; Griffith criterion, critical
stress intensity factor. Probabilistic design; the Weibull modulus. Plastic
deformation; limits on dislocation motion, creep. Methods of toughening
ceramics.
17-20
Electrical Properties of Ceramics: Intrinsic and extrinsic ionic conduction;
battery materials and oxygen sensors. Conduction by electron hopping;
thermistors. Polarisation mechanisms and ferroelecticity; BaTiO3 as a capacitor
dielectric. Piezoelectricity and pyroelectricity.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
To acquire the ability to understand the physical properties of ceramics in terms of their
bonding, crystal structure and defect structures. In addition, an overview will be given of
common fabrication procedures and advanced applications of ceramic materials.
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2002/03
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Module Code: MATS310
Skills and Abilities:
 To recognise the way in which ceramic crystal structures are built up in terms of Pauling's
Rules.
 To appreciate how the crystal structure and defect content govern the mechanical, thermal
and electrical properties of ceramic materials.
 To understand the basic principles of ceramic processing methods.
Assessment
Formal exam:
Class test(s):
Laboratory(s):
Continuous
assessment(s):
Other:
Weighting %
90
10
Timing
Duration/other
Sem 2
Wk 5 and
Wk 8
2 hour
2 CA’s
September Resit opportunity:
No
Recommended reading:
Essential text(s):
“Physical Ceramics: Principles of ceramic science and engineering”, Chiang, Birnie III and Kingery
(Wiley, NY).
Recommended text(s):
“Introduction to Ceramics”, Kingery, Bowen and Uhlmann (Wiley, NY)
“Modern Ceramic Engineering: properties, processing and use in design”, Richerson (Marcel Dekker,
NY)
Other notes:
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