MTE2102 Phase equilibria and phase transformations
Faculty of Engineering
MTE2102 Phase equilibria and phase transformations is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs ENG1005 and (ENG1014 or ENG1060) and unlocks 1 unit, leading on to 4 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 1
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 3 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
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Requisites
Before MTE2102
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
Corequisites
Pass these before, or take them in the same semester.
After MTE2102
1 unit list MTE2102 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - You are exempt from the corequisite rule if you are enrolled in this course.
Overview
This unit will focus on the microstructure of materials, considering how the stability of different phases of materials depends on basic thermodynamic functions. Phase diagrams and the key concepts of Gibbs energy and chemical potential are used to explain the equilibrium between phases and to predict the microstructures of materials. The mechanisms of new phase formation are discussed in terms of both the driving forces and kinetics of formation, including the role of atomic diffusion. What happens when the thermodynamically stable microstructural state cannot develop is discussed and metastable microstructures are considered in detail. Throughout the unit, technologically important materials systems are used to illustrate these concepts.
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- LaboratoriesDemonstrationThreshold hurdle10%
- AssignmentWrittenThreshold hurdle20%
- Performance mark in interactive sessionsQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle20%
- Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the derivation of phase diagrams from the laws of thermodynamics, based on the concepts of Gibbs energy and chemical potentials.
- 2
Quantitatively describe equilibrium states using phase diagrams.
- 3
Use Gibbs energy curves and chemical potentials to describe the driving forces for diffusion and phase transformations.
- 4
Describe the microstructures to be expected for various material systems exhibiting, in particular complete solid solubility, eutectic, eutectoid and peritectic reactions.
- 5
Describe how atomic diffusion occurs in liquid and solid phases and how this controls the nucleation, growth and coarsening of phases.
- 6
Discuss the concept and applications of phase metastability.
- 7
Use basic laboratory skills to study the microstructure of materials, be able to work effectively within a team in carrying out laboratory work, be able to keep appropriate laboratory records and develop skills to communicate the results and conclusions of practical work.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops24 hours
- Laboratories6 hours
- Practical activities24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachEnquiry-based learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
Weekly exercise problems, assignment questions and workshop discussion.
Learning resources
Required resources
You are required to bring your own internet-enabled device (phone, laptop or tablet) to the applied classes. All resources required for this unit will be provided in Moodle, including supplementary reading.
Where it fits
MTE2102 is part of 1 area of study in the 2027 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Christopher Hutchinson
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Christopher Hutchinson
- Dr Yeoh Chin Vern
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MTE2102?
You need ENG1005 and (ENG1014 or ENG1060) before you enrol; and MTE2101 or MTE2541 before or alongside it. Enrolment rules also apply.
What can I take after MTE2102?
MTE2102 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including MTE3102. Those lead on to 4 units in all.
When is MTE2102 offered?
In 2027, MTE2102 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia.
How much work is MTE2102?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does MTE2102 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include MTE2102?
MTE2102 is part of Materials engineering.