The structure of solids can be studied using X-ray, neutron, and electron diffraction techniques. Topics covered are coherent and incoherent scattering of radiation, structure of crystalline and amorphous solids, stereo-graphic projection and crystal orientation determination, the concept of reciprocal vector space. Laboratory work in X-ray diffraction is also included. A unified approach for all solid materials will be used with regard to the correlation between microstructure and their macroscopic mechanical properties. The course deals with various testing techniques for delineating mechanical properties of materials, considering elasticity, anelasticity, plasticity, dislocation theory, cohesive strength, fracture, and surface wear.
Attention is given to strengthening mechanisms for solids, metals, ceramics, and polymers.
I Atomistic rate processes in solids with emphasis on diffusion in crystals. Topics include annealing of deformed materials, kinetics of defect interactions, thermally controlled deformation, kinetics of nucleation and growth, solidification, and precipitation. The characteristics of point defects in metals, semiconductors, and ionic solids are described, and the thermodynamics of point defects is developed. Dislocation theory is introduced and the structures of internal boundaries are described. Finally, interactions between lattice imperfections are discussed, with emphasis on plasticity and fracture.