Module manager: Dr RF Cochrane
Email: r.f.cochrane@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module will provide a fundamental understanding of the relationship between materials properties and their microstructure. It will give the necessary background to understand the design of suitable microstructures to give desired properties across the full range of materials classes.
The objectives of this module are to:
- apply a quantitative treatment to the properties of materials, and their origin;
- provide the scientific basis for the relationship between materials properties and their microstructure;
- give students the necessary background to understand the design of suitable microstructures to give desired properties across the full range of materials classes.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Be able to apply a continuum approach to the elastic and plastic deformation of materials.
2. Understand the origins of elastic behaviour of solids and its relationship to structure.
3. Understand the principles of non-linear elasticity.
4. Understand the origin and application of linear elastic fracture mechanics to brittle fracture and fatigue crack growth.
5. Understand the macroscopic aspects of the deformation and failure of materials by fatigue and creep and perform simple calculations to predict the lifetime of a component subjected to fatigue or creep using data obtained from standard tests.
6. Understand the micromechanics of deformation and fracture in materials, their relationship to structure, and the principles of microstructural engineering to control mechanical behaviour.
7. Understand the influence of composition and structure on the physical and thermal behaviour of materials by applying classical and quantum mechanical approaches.
8. Understand the mechanisms of interaction of materials with their environment: oxidation, corrosion, and degradation.
9. Be able to apply thermodynamic and kinetic principles to the analysis and prediction of rates of corrosion, oxidation and degradation.
10. Understand the influence of composition and structure on the chemical interaction of materials with their environment.
11. Be able to discuss the selection, performance and protection of materials in aggressive environments.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a. Technical skills
b. Information skills
c. Design skills
Mechanical Behaviour:
Stress-strain relationships in linear elastic and non-linear elastic solids; plastic deformation of metals; strengthening mechanisms; plastic deformation of polymers; fracture: fracture of brittle materials; brittle-ductile transition; fracture of semi-brittle materials-crack-tip plasticity; micromechanisms of plastic deformation and fracture; fatigue: characteristics of fatigue crack nucleation and growth; the Paris Law and lifetime predictions; creep: characteristics of the creep curve, creep mechanisms; rupture life predictions.
Physical Properties:
Waves and vibrations in solids; thermal conductivity; electrons in solids: classical theory - Drude-Lorentz model; electrical resistivity of metals; ionic conductivity; semiconductors; p-n junctions; magnetism and magnetic materials.
Chemical Behaviour:
High temperature oxidation of metals and degradation of non-oxide ceramics; corrosion of metals: types; thermodynamics and kinetics; protection methods; degradation of polymers.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminars | 15 | 1.5 | 22.5 |
| Practicals | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Lecture | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Independent online learning hours | 22 | ||
| Private study hours | 89.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 38.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Performance in formative tutorial and practical classes and in formative quizzes integrated into online learning resources. Performance in summative tests and feedback on the laboratory book assessment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | Class Test - Chemical & Physical Properties | 25 |
| In-course Assessment | Class Test - Mechanical Properties | 25 |
| Report | Laboratory Book | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The Laboratory Book resit will employ digital experiments and a dataset rather than requiring the candidate to carry out experimental work.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team