Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will understand the bases for the mechanical properties of materials and their measurement; the factors affecting the development of phase transformations and the electron and lattice theories which govern the electrical and thermal behaviour of materials; how to solve a variety of problems in each of these areas, and have developed laboratory and report-writing skills.
Synopsis This subject consists of three equal-weight units: mechanical properties of materials - elastic constants and their measurement, the structure of dislocations, plastic deformation and the strengthening of crystals; introduction to phase transformations - diffusion in solid materials, nucleation and solidification in metals and alloys; and electrical and thermal properties - an introduction to these properties in metals, alloys and semiconductors based on a study of electron energy bands in solid, crystalline materials, superconductivity, thermo-electricity and some semiconducting devices.
Assessment Examinations (4.5 hours): 70% + Laboratory work: 30%