Principles of Engineering Materials

In this course you will develop an overall understanding of the microscopic state of matter and the way it determines the macroscopic properties of materials. The first part of the course will introduce you to the atomic structure and the nature of different interatomic bonds. More specifically, you will learn about ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds as well as their effects on physicochemical properties.

Further, you will study the crystal structure and the spatial organization of atoms on a lattice in the light of their relevance on the macroscopic properties of materials. You will examine both the main properties of metallic, ionic and ceramic materials, and the fundamental diffraction techniques that facilitate the identification and definition of such structures. Additionally, you will observe the effects of impurities and defects in crystalline materials and the properties of non-crystalline materials - and to this end - will be presented with different microscopic analytical techniques.

Classes will mainly focus on metal and ceramic materials and carbon allotropes while also covering the general concepts, definitions, and properties of polymeric materials and hydrocarbons. You will study the electric properties of these materials as well as their electronic and ionic conduction. Additionally, you will analyze the relevance of the bonding nature and the resulting band structure on the electronic properties of metallic, semiconducting, and insulating materials. Furthermore, you will learn about the close connection between thermal and electronic properties, and in particular, between their respective transport properties. Finally, you will also gain an overview of phase diagrams and phase transitions.

At the end of the course you will have acquired a broad understanding of all the materials typically used for engineering applications.