MSE 502 Defects in Solids

Sem. 1. Class 3, cr. 3. Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing

MSE 502 is an elective course.

Weekly Schedule:  Three 50-minute lectures.

Structures and interactions of point, line, and planar defects in solids, with emphasis on properties of defects. Generic basis of defect energies and interactions, with reference to specific materials and material classes as examples. Types of point defects found in crystals, their origins, interactions, and motion. Overview of dislocation theory and point-defect/dislocation interactions. Structural aspects of surfaces and interfaces, including point and line defect interactions.

Relation of Course to Program Outcomes
1. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to problems in materials engineering.
5. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems, particularly in the context of materials selection and design.
7. an ability to exhibit effective oral and written communication skills.

Goals
Students should exhibit awareness of basic point and line defects in crystals and their interactions, including the ability to do basic calculations of defect energetics and interaction forces.

Course Objectives
A successful student should be able to:
•  Describe at least one technique of atomistic modeling, including relative advantages and disadvantages
•  Calculate the expected concentrations of at least two coupled structural point defect types
•  Write out defect chemistry reactions for at least five distinctly different point defect (or point defect complex) formation reactions
•  Estimate the pressure dependence of vacancy concentration and dislocation climb force in simple metals
•  Calculate vacancy and interstitial concentrations in equilibrium with a prismatic dislocation loop in an isotropic material
•  Estimate point defect generation rates of mobile jogged dislocations
•  Calculate the vector forces at a point (climb and glide) between infinite straight dislocations of arbitrary orientation
•  Identify at least one description of the dislocation content of a tilt grain boundary
•  Calculate self diffusion using vacancy formation and migration independently

Reference
“Theory of Dislocations”, J. D. Hirth & J. Lothe, (Wiley & Sons, 1982).

Instructors
Eric Kvam

Contribution of course to meeting the professional component:MSE 502 is a materials-specific technical elective course.

Prepared by: Elliott Slamovich                                                            Date: February 25th, 2007