Microstructural Evolution in Materials: Phase Transformations (edX)

This series introduces various kinetic phenomena in various classes of materials. The course explains how materials develop different microstructure based on different processing techniques, and it relates these microstructures to the properties of the material.

Microstructural Evolution of Materials is intended for engineering and science students and professionals with an interest in materials statistics, kinetics, and microstructural transformations.

Part 1 of the course will introduce important concepts in statistical mechanics that are especially relevant to materials scientists. Topics include solid solutions, the canonical ensemble and heat capacity.

Part 2 of the course focuses on point defect evolution, including diffusion, substitutional diffusion, ionic defects, and ionic conductivity.

Part 3 of the course discusses surfaces and surface-driven reactions. Topics include surface energy, faceted and non-faceted growth, and growth and ripening.

Part 4 of the course focuses on phase transformations, including nucleation and growth, precipitate growth, interface stability, and glass transition.
Prerequisites:

- Parts 1-3 of Microstructural Evolution of Materials (Microstructural Evolution of Materials Part 1: Statistical Mechanics; Microstructural Evolution of Materials Part 2: Defects and Diffusion and Microstructural Evolution of Materials Part 3: Surfaces & Surface-Driven Reactions )

- University-level Calculus

- Structure of Materials (Ideally, 3.012Sx: Structure of Materials)

- Thermodynamics (ideally, 3.012Tx: Thermodynamics of Materials)

What you'll learn

- Learn why crystal nuclei form

- Discover how nanowires are formed using vapor-liquid-solid growth

- Understand the kinetics of precipitate growth from a binary solution

- Learn the conditions that trigger dendritic growth from a melt

Syllabus

Homogeneous Nucleation:

The Thermodynamics of Phase Transformation

An Introduction to Homogeneous Nucleation

Vapor-Liquid Nucleation of Water

Homogeneous Nucleation Rate

Experimental Measurements of Nucleation Rate
Heterogeneous Nucleation:

An Introduction to Heterogeneous Nucleation

The Phase Transformation of Water

Real-World Nucleation Examples
Precipitate Growth:

An Introduction to Precipitate Growth

Continuous Growth

Growth Rate Dependence on Supercooling

Impact of Supercooling on Nucleation and Growth

2D Nucleation on Faceted Surfaces

Screw Dislocation Assisted Growth on Facets

Precipitate Growth from a Binary System
Interfaces:

Interface Stability Criterion

Bridgeman-Stockbarger Crystal Growth

Constitutional Supercooling