66182 - Applied Metallurgy M

Academic Year 2021/2022

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student gains knowledge about: a) effect of chemical composition and microstructure on mechanical properties of light alloys; b) manufacturing processes and heat treatments for obtaining appropriate microstructures with high performances; c) physical, chemical and mechanical properties of light metals.

Moreover the student will be able to define the most appropriate alloys, manufacturing processes and heat treatments for the production of different industrial components.

Course contents

Prerequisites

Basic principles of metal science.

Introduction

Basics on metal alloys: phase diagrams, microstructure, solidification, plastic deformation, strengthening mechanisms.

Mechanical properties: hardness, tensile, fatigue, impact and creep tests.

 Aluminium alloys

Extraction processes, mechanical, physical, chemical properties, designation system.

Wrought and casting alloys: effect of alloying elements on microstructure, technological and mechanical properties of the alloys.

Casting, welding and plastic deformation processes.

Heat treatments: effects on microstructure and mechanical properties. Definition of optimal heat treatment parameters.

Aluminium alloys applications

 Titanium alloys

Extraction processes, mechanical, physical, chemical properties, designation system.

alfa, alfa+beta and beta titanium alloys: effects of alloying elements, thermomechanical processing and heat treatments (Mill annealing, Recrystallization annealing, β annealing and Duplex annealing) on microstructure and mechanical properties.

Titanium alloys applications.

Laboratory

Methods for chemical, fractographic and microstructural characterization of light alloys.

Readings/Bibliography

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 2 - Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials

Teaching methods

Class or on-line lectures according to the timetable and laboratory

Assessment methods

The final examination consists of a written test (45 minutes) on the EOL web site and an oral examination aiming at assessing if the student learned how (i) to select light alloys and treatments for producing mechanical components that work in a given service condition and how (ii) to identify the reasons for malfunctioning related to material features.

The final examination could be modified in an on-line examination if the COVID-19 pandemic made it necessary.

Teaching tools

PC and projector, blackboard. Teaching lab (equipment for metallographic preparation; optical and stereo microscopy with image analyser; hardness testers; tensile tester).

Teaching material will be available on-line ion the website VIRTUALE 

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Morri