T2SOSQ - Liquid Metal Processing

Course Code:	T2SOSQ
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

display knowledge of the common impurities and tramp elements in aluminium melt and their removal for a sustainable circular material recycling
demonstrate comprehension of the industrial treatments and quality assessment of aluminium alloy melts
display a fundamental understanding of microstructure development during solidification
demonstrate comprehension of microstructural control and management through composition, cooling rate and treatment

Skills and abilities

demonstrate the ability to select a suitable treatment and casting process for a specific aluminium alloy using thermodynamics and kinetics for the intended reactions and process steps
demonstrate the ability to calculate and discuss in detail the formation of various solidification microstructures in relation to the phase diagram

Judgement and approach

demonstrate the ability to assess the liquid and solidification treatment according to the required outcome
demonstrate the ability to suggest methods to improve the microstructure and performance of cast metals

Content

The critical content is related to preparing aluminium alloys, including light metal scrap recycling technologies, melt refining, and impurity control to enable the sustainable management of circular materials. The fundamental mechanisms of solidification and different conditions for the formation of microstructure during solidification and casting defects will be taught. Finally, microstructural engineering, such as grain refinement and microstructural modification for desired properties, will be discussed.

The course includes the following elements:

The effect of dissolved impurities and inclusions on the mechanical properties of metal products
Thermodynamics and transport properties relevant for the removal of dissolved elements and inclusions from molten metals and the addition of alloying elements
Industrial melt management practice for aluminium alloys and sustainable circular materials management
Solidification and microstructural control formation through homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation for grain refinement
Primary phase growth and morphological control with Interface stability and constitutional undercooling and modification
Multiphase reactions such as eutectics and peritectic
Mushy zone characteristics and their importance for casting defect formation
Practical melting, melt treatment and casting laboration
Industrial case studies as a group assignment

Type of instruction

Lectures, assignments (individual and in group) and laboration.

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.

Name of the Test	Value	Grading
Assignment	3.5 credits	G/U
Laboratory	1 credit	G/U
Examination	3 credits	5/4/3/U

COURSE SYLLABUS