T2TOFM - Thermodynamics and Physical Metallurgy

Course Code:	T2TOFM
Confirmed:	Sep 01, 2025
Valid From:	Aug 31, 2026

Education Cycle:	Second-cycle level
Disciplinary domain:	Technology
Subject group:	Materials Technology
Specialised in:	A1N Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Main field of study:	Product Development

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

On completion of the course the student shall:

Knowledge and understanding

show a basic understanding of fundamental concepts of chemical and computational thermodynamics and their applications in industrial processes
identify conditions under which pollutants like CO2 are generated, as well as the chemical reactions and interfacial phenomena that can be utilized to develop environmentally friendly processes
demonstrate comprehension of the mechanisms of diffusion and the role of crystal interfaces in metallic materials processing, with a focus on casting processes
explain the principles of solid-state phase transformations, especially ones used in heat treatments and other post-processing methods

Skills and abilities

demonstrate skills of chemical thermodynamic calculation by commercially available software and evaluate the calculation results
demonstrate the ability to explain the interfacial phenomena in the materials processes, which involve liquid, solid, and gas phases, from thermodynamic viewpoints

Judgement and approach

demonstrate the ability to apply the thermodynamic approaches to materials processes
demonstrate the ability to explain the phenomena in manufacturing processes with the knowledge of chemical thermodynamics
assess the suitability of a processing method based on the phase transformations involved in the process

Content

The course comprises two main topics, chemical thermodynamics and physical metallurgy. In the first part, the course deals with basic theoretical understanding in chemical thermodynamics, application of chemical thermodynamics, and interfacial physical chemistry. In the second part, the course deals with the implementation of thermodynamics in the context of physical metallurgy, with a focus on diffusion and phase transformations.

Specifically, the course includes:

Fundamentals of chemical thermodynamics and thermodynamics of interface, and their application in industrial processes
Chemical thermodynamic calculations for phase equilibria, including evaluation of thermophysical properties.
Fundamentals of diffusion, crystal interfaces, and phase transformations in materials
Quantitative methods to predict diffusion phenomena.
Case study investigations on the application of the discussed topics to industrial problems

Type of instruction

Lectures, laboratory sessions, case study investigations, and exercises.

Language of instruction is English.

Entry requirements

The applicant must hold the minimum of a bachelor’s degree (i.e the equivalent of 180 ECTS credits at an accredited university) with at least 90 credits in Materials and Manufacturing, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Product Development or Engineering Physics or equivalent. The bachelor’s degree should comprise a minimum of 15 credits in Mathematics. Proof of English proficiency is required.

Course literature

Please note that changes may be made to the reading list up until eight weeks before the start of the course.

Name of the Test	Value	Grading
Assignment	2 credits	G/U
Laboratory	1.5 credits	G/U
Examination	4 credits	5/4/3/U

T. Matsushita and K. Mukai, Chemical Thermodynamics in Materials Science – From Basics to Practical Applications –, Springer, 2018.

Porter and Easterling, Phase transformations in metals and alloys, Fourth Edition, CRC Press, 2021

COURSE SYLLABUS