81829 - Introduction to Physics of Condensed Phase

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will acquire some basic concepts of condensed matter physics: Simmetry and order/disorder effects in atoms aggregates; mechanical properties of solids; the concept of lenght scale and its influence on the properties of condensed matter. How a solid nucleates and grows. Phase diagrams.

Course contents

Requirements/Prior knowledge

Classical mechanics and thermodinamics. Calculus. Elements of quantum mechanics.

The course is focused on experiments and effects. Scientific videos are presented, together with useful images. Technological applications of the presented phenomena are considered.

Contents

Aggregates of atoms and molecules.

Phase transitions with examples such as paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transformation; order-disorder transformation; austenite-martensite transformation.

Second order phase transformations.

Mechanical properties of solids and anelasticity

Nucleation theory. Homogeneus and heterogeneus nucleation

Binary phase diagrams. The cases of steel and salt water.

Surface energy/ surface tension

Readings/Bibliography

For each part of the program, some articles and review will be given to the students.

Teaching methods

Lessons and demonstrations. Assignment for reading and discussion of articles.

Assessment methods

Oral examination

Teaching tools

Scientific video will be used as a support of the concepts explained at lesson.

Office hours

See the website of Enrico Gianfranco Campari

See the website of Samuele Sanna