Physics of materials

Duration

26h Th, 26h Pr, 1d FW

Number of credits

Lecturer

Luc Courard, Anne Mertens

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course is divided in two parts: one is dedicated to metallic materials and the other one describes the polymeric materials.
The part of the course dedicated to metallic materials adresses the following topics: Pure metals and perfect metallic crystals; Properties of perfect metallic crystals; Imperfections in crystallographic lattices; Alloys including notions of microstructures, solid solutions, intermetallic compounds, phase diagrams...; Mechanical properties of metals and metallic alloys; Thermal treatments including their effects on microstructures and mechanical properties of metallic alloys.
The part of the course dedicated to polymers contains the following chapters : Introduction to polymers; Types of polymers; Structural State; Glass transition temperature; Synthesis; Rheology (incl. the elasticity of rubbers); Mechanical properties. The specificity of the course is to explain the macroscopic behaviour of studied materials (mechanical properties, rheology, effect of temperature, transparency...) thanks to a focus on the microscopic state that is linked to thermodynamics (bonding energy, entropy, crystallinity, free Gibbs energy; structural state...) and other specific considerations (isomerism, geometry, chain length...).

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

For the part dedicated to metalic materials, the student should understand the peculiarities of the metallic materials, their origin and consequences. This includes:

• An in-depth understanding of binding mechanisms, the thermodynamics (phase diagrams...), the constitution of the metallic crystalline lattice and their implications on deformation mechanisms in metals.
• A in-depth knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the influence of alloying elements (notions of solid solutions, intermetallic compounds...) on properties of metallic alloys, and of the ways in which thermal treatments may modify these influences.
• An understanding of the principles controlling the macroscopic properties of metallic materials (based on their physical and thermodynamics causes).

• The in-depth understanding of binding phenomena, thermodynamics, visco-elasticity, effect of temperature and general properties related to polymers.
• The knowledge of different methods for the synthesis of polymers and for evaluating and controling their properties.
• The understanding of methods for controlling the macroscopic properties of polymers (with their origin in terms of physics, chemistry, statistics, thermodynamics...)

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Basic physics course. Basic knowledge of thermodynamics.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

For the part dedicated to metallic materials, PW consist in 4-5 workshops (measurement of Young modulus, equilibrium diagram and thermodynamic calculation, Fe-C diagram, quenching) that are scheduled for half a day. Groups of 3-4 students are formed. A report has to be prepared after the PW.
For the polymeric materials, PW consist in 6-7 workshops (Impact Test, Behaviour to fire, Tensile Test, Wettability, Rheology, Statistics) that are scheduled for half a day. Groups of 3 students are formed. A noted report has to be prepared (after PW).
Due to the sanitary crisis, PW for the year 2020-2021 are replaced by individual homeworks. These homeworks are not mandatory, but they allow students to earn a "bonus"point, valid on the final marks for the course.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face
Theoretical lectures and PW during the 2nd semester.
Practical informations will be made available on eCampus.

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Due to the covid-19 pandemic and to ensure the respect of safe distances, students may be splitted in two groups, one group will attend the lecture face-to-face, while a podcast will be made available for the other group. Groups will alternate every other week.
If the sanitary condition requires further adjustments, activities normally organised face-to-face may be replaced by other activities in remote mode.
Exam will be written (with open questions) either in class if the health context allows it or, if not, in remote mode

Recommended or required readings

Lecture notes will be made available on eCampus.

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Any session :

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )

- Remote

written exam ( open-ended questions )

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred in-person


Additional information:

The assessment will be based on a written examination.
Students can earn extra "bonus" points (up to 2 points), valid for the final marks of the course
* by sending at least 3 correct homeworks prior to the deadline (out of 5 proposed homeworks)
* by contributing to the Q/R sessions and/or to the forums (at least 5 contributions during the semester)

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

Prof. Anne Mertens
email: anne.mertens@uliege.be,
Office: Building B52, room +2/411

Assistant : Jocelyn Delahaye
email: jocelyn.delahaye@uliege.be
Office: Building B52, room: +2/414