95245 - Characterization Techniques for Metallic Materials T

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student gains knowledge about the characterization techniques for metallic materials in order to assess if their characteristics (mechanical, chemical, physical and microstructural) match with the requirements reported in the design.

The skills acquired during the course will support the student to: (i) define proper technical specifications concerning the metallic materials used for the production of mechanical components; (ii) correlate material properties - processing and microstructure; (iii) to identify the reason for malfunctioning related to material features.

 

Course contents

Prerequisites

Basics of Science of Metals and Metallurgy skills

Microstructural Characterization

Optical (OM), Scanning Electron (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): basic operating principles.Sampling procedure and analysis. Quantitative metallography of metal alloys by means of image analyses software. Case studies and practical exercises.

Phase identification and chemical analyses

Chemical analyses (EDS, GD-OES), X-ray diffraction analyses (XRD) and thermal analyses (DSC/DTA/TGA): basic operating principles and data analysis. Case studies and practical exercises.

Non destructive testing

Elements of common non destructive testing used in industrial field for the detection of defects in metallic components (ultrasonic testing, penetrant liquids, industrial computed tomography). Case studies and practical exercises.

Fracture surface analysis and failure analysis

Fracture surface analysis by means of stereo, multifocus and scanning electron microscopes. Sampling procedure. Interpretation of fracture surface morphology. Case studies and practical exercises.

Standards, databases and online resource

Readings/Bibliography

To prepare for the exam, students are expected to have access to the lecture slides provided during the classroom sessions.

For further study and a deeper understanding of the course topics, the following references are recommended:

• ASM Handbook, Volume 10 – Materials Characterization (available through the University's online library databases)
• ASM Handbook, Volume 11 – Failure Analysis and Prevention (available through the University's online library databases)
• ASM Handbook, Volume 17 – Nondestructive Evaluation of Materials
• D. R. Askeland, P. Webster, The Science and Engineering of Materials, Chapman & Hall
• W. D. Callister, Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction (Italian edition published by Edises, 2007)
• W. F. Smith, J. Hashemi, Foundations of Materials Science and Engineering (Italian edition published by McGraw-Hill)

All of these references are available through the University's libraries or as e-books accessible via the University's online library services.

Teaching methods

Class or on-line lectures according to the timetable andclassroom exercises. These will be carried out using PCs, free programs, material provided by the teacher and available on the “Virtuale” platform. For this reason, students must come to the classroom with their own laptop or tablet

Assessment methods

The assessment is designed to evaluate the extent to which students have achieved the intended learning outcomes specified in the section "Knowledge and Skills to Be Acquired." In particular, it aims to assess students' ability to identify the most appropriate techniques for the characterization of metallic materials in order to verify that their mechanical, chemical, physical, and microstructural properties comply with the required specifications, or to determine the causes of failure or damage in metallic components.

The examination consists of an oral exam focused on the discussion of the topics covered during the course, with particular emphasis on the laboratory sessions and practical activities. Before taking the oral exam, students are required to submit the reports related to the laboratory exercises carried out during the course.

With regard to the assessment, limited, declared, and non-substantive use of artificial intelligence (AI) is permitted for support activities, such as summarization and text rephrasing. Substantive use of AI to complete any part of the assessment is not permitted.

During the oral examination, the use of textbooks, lecture notes, or lecture slides is not allowed.

Teaching tools

PC and projector, blackboard.

The teaching material will be available on the website Virtuale-UNIBO.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Morri