MTE3511

Mechanical behaviour of metals and alloys

4 points · 2 lectures per week plus tutorials · First semester · Clayton · Prerequisites: MTE2511, MTE2512

Objectives The course will develop an understanding of the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties in engineering alloys through an examination of the properties of dislocations, the mechanisms of plastic deformation and the development of texture in crystalline materials and of strengthening mechanisms in metals and alloys and their quantitative contribution to mechanical properties. It will also provide a knowledge of and familiarity with common mechanical testing techniques and their application to the measurement of properties.

Synopsis Deformation of single crystals: geometry of slip. Deformation of polycrystals: deformation geometry, deformation textures, determination of preferred orientation, effects of crystal structure. Dislocation dynamics: interactions of dislocations, yield point phenomena, effects of temperature and strain rate, theories of work hardening. Strengthening mechanisms: theories of obstacle hardening. Inhomogeneity of plastic deformation and its consequences. The tensile test: standards for testing, necking and plastic instability, constitutive laws for plastic deformation.

Assessment Examinations: 60% · Assignments: 20% · Laboratory work: 20%

Recommended texts

Cahn R W and others (eds) Materials science and technology vol. 6 Plastic deformation and fracture in materials VCH Publications, 1994
Dieter G Mechanical metallurgy 3rd edn, McGraw-Hill, 1986
Hertzberg R W Deformation and fracture mechanics of engineering materials Wiley, 1976
Honeycombe R W K Plastic deformation of metals 2nd edn, Edward Arnold, 1984
Hull D and Bacon D G Introduction to dislocations 3rd edn, Pergamon, 1984

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