96189 - Metallurgy M

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student gains knowledge about: a) the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of the alloys mainly used in the industrial manufacturing; b) the criteria for the choice of the most appropriate alloys for the production of components, also taking into account the manufacturing processes, the heat treatments, the costs and the entire value chain.

Course contents

Introduction
Basics on metal alloys: phase diagrams, microstructure, solidification, plastic deformation, strengthening mechanisms.
Ferrous Alloys
Extraction processes and recycling. Fe-C phase diagram.
Designation, microstructure, heat treatments surface modification treatments, mechanical, chemical, physical properties and applications of: steels, cast irons and stainless steels.
Non Ferrous Alloys
Alluminum, Magnesium, Titanium and Copper alloys: extraction processes and recycling. Designation, microstructure, heat treatment and surface modification, mechanical, physical, chemical properties and application.
Criteria for the selection of metal alloys.
The most important database with the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the alloys available on the market and of the possible suppliers will be illustrated. The criteria to define the most appropriate alloys, heat treatment or surface treatment will be discussed considering both technical and the economic aspects.

Readings/Bibliography

To prepare for the examination, 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 textbooks are recommended:

• Struttura e proprietà dei materiali metallici. A. Cigada, T. Pastore. McGraw-Hill.
• Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction. William D. Callister, Jr, David G. Rethwisch. 2010 John Wiley & Sons
• Light Alloys 4th Edition. I. Polmear. Butterworth-Heinemann - 2005.
• Titanium. G. Luetjering, J.C. Williams. Springer - 2003.
• ASM Handbook, Volume 1 - Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High Performance alloys
• ASM Handbook, Volume 2 - Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials

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 lectures according to the timetable and workshops with experts from industrial sector. 

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, for a given engineering application and taking cost considerations into account, the most suitable alloy and/or the most appropriate heat treatment for the manufacture of a mechanical component.

The examination consists of two parts. The first is a structured 45-minute multiple-choice test administered through the University's EOL online platform. The second is an unstructured oral examination.

Both parts are graded on a 30-point scale and contribute to the determination of the final grade.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI), textbooks, lecture notes, lecture slides, or any other course materials is not permitted during the examination.

Teaching tools

PC and projector, blackboard.
The teaching material will be available on the website VIRTUALE.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Morri