The objective of the course is to provide students with fundamental knowledge of engineering materials by connecting chemical composition, crystal structure, and processing history to microstructural evolution and mechanical properties. Furthermore, it aims to develop practical knowledge in mechanical testing and metallographic analysis technologies.

Lectures

Introduction to materials science: classification of engineering materials and fundamental relationships between structure, processing history, and material properties. Mechanical testing of engineering materials: standardized procedures for tensile, hardness (Brinell, Vickers, Rockwell), Charpy impact, and fatigue testing. Crystal structures and lattice imperfections: metallic unit cells (BCC, FCC) and the influence of crystal defects on material behavior. The iron–carbon alloy system: equilibrium phase diagrams, non-equilibrium transformations, and microstructural determination. Structural steels, tool steels, and cast irons: classification, properties, and industrial applications. Non-ferrous metals and cold forming: light and heavy metals, plastic deformation mechanisms, and work hardening. Heat treatment technologies basics: conventional processes, surface hardening techniques, and their effects on microstructure and steel properties. Microscopy and metallographic analysis: specimen preparation techniques, optical microscopy principles, and evaluation of microstructures. Materials selection basics and case studies: engineering methodologies for material selection based on mechanical, thermal, and economic requirements. Steelmaking and metallurgy basics: primary and secondary processes, including converter and electric arc furnace steelmaking, ladle refining, and continuous casting. Plastic forming processes basics: primary bulk metal forming operations, including rolling and forging. Casting technologies basics: overview of major foundry processes, solidification phenomena.

Labs

Crystallographic calculations, including the determination of Miller indices, planar density, atomic packing factor, and lattice interstitial void sizes. Interpretation of binary equilibrium phase diagrams, covering phase identification and application of the lever rule. The iron–carbon phase diagram: phase determination, microstructural constituent analysis, and quantitative phase fraction calculations. Microstructural observation of metallic specimens using optical microscopy. Tensile testing of metallic materials, including experimental measurement, stress-strain analysis, and technical report writing. Hardness testing practice: experimental execution of Brinell and Vickers measurement methods. Rockwell hardness testing and comprehensive report preparation covering Brinell, Vickers, and Rockwell testing methods. Charpy impact testing. Construction of binary phase diagrams from cooling curves and practical exercises on phase diagram calculations. Handling the iron–carbon phase diagram and thermal analysis of steels and cast irons. Non-equilibrium cooling conditions, theoretical TTT/CCT curves, and characterization of bainite and martensite. Practical application and interpretation of industrial TTT and CCT transformation diagrams.

Laboratory equipment. Material database.