Defects in Solids

Catalog description

Defects in solids control many properties of interest to the materials scientist or engineer. This course focuses on point, line, and interfacial defects in crystals and their interactions, including calculations of defect energies and interaction forces. Crystallographic defects presented include point defects (e.g., vacancies, interstitials, substitutional and interstitial impurities), line defects (e.g., dislocations), and planar defects (e.g., grain boundaries). The consequence of point defects on diffusion as well as on optical and electronic properties is discussed. Dislocation motion and dislocation dissociation are treated, and the influence of dislocation dynamics on yield phenomena, work hardening, and other mechanical properties are discussed. The role of grain boundaries and inter-phase boundaries in determining the physical properties of the material are presented. Experimental techniques for characterizing defects are integrated throughout the course. Recommended preparation: MATH 223 (or equivalent) and EMSE 276 (or equivalent).