Core content:
- Crystal structures and point defects in ceramic materials
- Heat conduction mechanisms and thermal expansion, creep thermal shock
- Electrical conduction, insulation and dielectric properties
- Dielectric and optical properties of ceramics
- Mechanical properties of ceramics: theoretical strength, Weibull theory, effect of flaw and porosity to strength, 3 and 4 points bending test, tensile strength, fracture toughness
- Machining, finishing, and joining of ceramics
- Design considerations and approaches, failure analysis
- Examples of the most common engineering ceramics (alumina, zirconia, silicon carbide, silicon nitride): their different types, properties, main applications, limitations, toughening mechanisms
- Ceramic composites and glasses
The first part of this course is concentrating to functional ceramics and the second part is concentrating to engineering ceramics.
The course gives the students an introduction to functional ceramic materials and relate physical and chemical properties to the structure and composition. The focus is on the thermal, electric, magnetic, and optical properties.
After the course, the student
- is able to identify such dependence and has basic knowledge to tailor these properties.
- has a general picture of their applications in machines, electronics (conductors, insulators, dielectrics, magnets), sensors, energy conversions.
- will be able to identify the most common engineering ceramics and define their main properties with a special emphasis in mechanical properties which are important in engineering applications.
- can name the different testing methods and interpret the results.
- will be able to summarize the main properties, major applications and the limitations of the most common engineering ceramics.
- can define the basic designing methods and apply those for different components.
- will be able to select materials for different applications, especially for applications facing corrosion and wear.
- can name some new trends in engineering ceramics e.g. ceramic composites.
