2018S-MSE_1059 Phase Equilibria in Multi-Component Systems SCUPI, May 2, 2018

FINAL EXAMINATION

Exam Time: 120 min Instructor: Charles Hua

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Question 1 (20 points)

It is known that Cu and Ni form a simple isomorphous system. The melting temperature for Cu
and Ni is 1085 and 1453°C, respectively. You are to answer the following:

a) Draw schematically the Cu-Ni binary phase diagram at constant pressure 1 atmosphere.

b) How would you experimentally verify (or improve the accuracy of) your Cu-Ni phase
diagram?

c) Assuming equilibrium condition reached at room temperature,

i) draw schematically the mechanical strength of the material at room temperature,
as a function of composition, from XNi = 0 to XNi = 1 range;
ii) draw schematically the elongation of the material at room temperature, as a
function of composition, also from XNi = 0 to XNi = 1 range, and

d) Explain the slopes of curves in c): why or why not there is a peak or valley on the curve?
2018S-MSE_1059 Phase Equilibria in Multi-Component Systems SCUPI, May 2, 2018

Extra Space
2018S-MSE_1059 Phase Equilibria in Multi-Component Systems SCUPI, May 2, 2018

Question 2 (30 points)

You are given the following phase diagram sections for Al-Cu alloy.

a) Draw schematic curves of GM vs XCu at four temperatures:

i) T1 = 600;
ii) T2 = 548 (eutectic temperature);
iii) T3 = 400; and
iv) T4 = 100°C

b) From a solution-treated Al-4wt%Cu alloy, what will be the phase transformation or

precipitation sequences AND related hardness change, if the material is naturally aged
(for example, stored at room temperature) ? Explain in terms of interfacial energy, sizes
of the strengthening particles, and dislocation movement. Draw the related aging curve.

c) The following TEM micrograph (next page) is from another Al alloy after over-aging
treatment. You are to do the following:

i) Explain the formation of GBP (grain boundary precipitates); the formation of PFZ
(precipitation-free zone); and
ii) Explain possible electrochemical cells formed between GBP, PFZ, and the matrix
(inside the grain volume). Any concentration cells? Any Daniel cells?
2018S-MSE_1059 Phase Equilibria in Multi-Component Systems SCUPI, May 2, 2018
2018S-MSE_1059 Phase Equilibria in Multi-Component Systems SCUPI, May 2, 2018

Question 3 (30 points) The Fe-rich portion of the Fe-Fe3C(θ) phase diagram is shown below.
You are to answer the following questions.

a) Write down the eutectoid reaction. You need to specify the coexisting phases, the
composition of these phases, the temperature of the reaction, and indicate the direction of the
reaction which occurs on cooling.

b) Explain how pearlite structure would form and why it often shows lamellar (or layered)
structure.

c) Assuming reasonably slow cooling, from austenite region to room temperature, and given the
following micrographs (all from Fe-C material), you are to

i) Indicate (mark) the pearlite and ferrite regions (if any) in each micrograph;
ii) Estimate the C content of each material. Explain your reasoning;
2018S-MSE_1059 Phase Equilibria in Multi-Component Systems SCUPI, May 2, 2018

Extra Space
2018S-MSE_1059 Phase Equilibria in Multi-Component Systems SCUPI, May 2, 2018

Question 4 (20 points)

Regarding diffusion controlled phase transformations involving homogenous nucleation and
growth, draw schematic curves of
i) Nucleation rate as a function of temperature (Ń vs T);
ii) Growth rate as a function of temperature (Ġ vs T);
iii) Overall transformation rate as a function of temperature (Ń×Ġ vs T);
iv) Covert the curve in iii) to a TTT diagram (Time-Temperature-Transformation, or
isothermal transformation diagram);
v) Explain the curves in terms of free energy driving force, barrier and kinetics.