Aims

• The student can discuss how thermodynamic and kinetic models are formulated
• The student can discuss how thermodynamic and kinetic models are optimized based on experimental and theoretical information and which information is required.
• The student can discuss the structure and content of thermodynamic and kinetic databases.
• The student can discuss which quantities can be obtained from the different thermodynamic and kinetic models/techniques and how different techniques can be combined.
• The student is able to select the appropriate (combination of) model/simulation(s) technique for a certain material and application and explain this choice.
• The student can use thermodynamic and numerical software to calculate phase diagrams, thermodynamic properties and simulate phase transformations, diffusion controlled processes and microstructure evolution for technical materials, and can interpret the calculated results critically.

In order to reach these goals, lectures are organized where the docent will

•     Introduce  the basic concepts required to formulate thermodynamic and kinetic models
•     Work out a number of thermodynamic and kinetic models and discuss their applicability and limitations
•     Describe experimental methods used to optimize thermodynamic and kinetic models

The possibilities of  different thermodynamic softwares will be illustrated in exercise sessions

The students will be asked to

•     Analyse and relate different thermodynamic and kinetic models and databases and interpret critically their possibilities
•     Select and apply thermodynamic and kinetic models for given materials and conditions
•     Calculate phase diagrams and thermodynamic properties and perform solidification, microstructure evolution and diffusion simulations using thermodynamic software and numerical tools
•     Propose improved alloy compositions and production techniques for a given application using thermodynamic calculations and/or microstructure simulations

Previous knowledge

Required knowledge:

• Course 'H01J0A-- Thermodynamica en Kinetica in de Toegepaste Materiaalkunde' or 'B-KUL-H00B7B Thermodynamics and Kinetics in Materials Engineering' or any course of comparable size and content in the field of chemical thermodynamics and/or physical chemistry.
• Course '(B-KUL-H01I8A) -- Structuurgenese van materialen' or '(B-KUL-H08Z2A) -- Structures and Microstructures of Materials' or another course in the field of physical metallurgy with comparable content
• 'B-KUL-H02V5A Projectonderwijs materiaalkunde aansluitend bij de gemeenschappelijke opleidingsonderdelen' or 'B-KUL-H00B3B Project Work and Problem Solving linked to the Core Courses I', the modules on Ternary phase diagrams and Microstructure Characterization (or comparable skills)

Is included in these courses of study

• Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Engineering Science (Leuven)
• Master in de ingenieurswetenschappen: materiaalkunde (Leuven) 120 ects.
• Master of Materials Engineering (Leuven) 120 ects.