ME/MF F213

Materials Science and

Engineering
Murali Palla
Murali.Palla@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in

About Me
2000-2002: M.Tech, Indian Institute of Technology, 2002.
2002-2007: PhD, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
2007.
2007-2013: Scientist, Institute of High Performance
Computing Singapore.
2013-Present :
Assistant Professor, BITS Pilani.
Research: Mechanical Behaviour of Materials,
Modelling and Simulation, Metallic Glasses and
Biocomposites

Historical Context
2000 AD

Silicon Age

Theoretical,
Predictable,

Emprical

Coal vs Diamond

Sand vs. Silicon Chip

Chalk vs. Bone

Hierarchical Structure of Bone

Normal Cell vs. Cancer Cell

Eric Drexler: Engines of Creation,

1986

Materials Science Paradigm

Materials
Tetrahedron

Engineering Materials

Classification

Some Interesting Information

Nanotechnology

ME/MF F213: Course Contents

1. Crystal Structure and Crystal Defects:
Concept of Lattice, Basis, XRD, Vacancies and
Interstitials, Dislocations
2. Microstructure, Phase Diagrams and Phase
Transformations
Gibbs Phase Rule, Iron-Carbon Diagram, TTT graphs, Non
ferrous alloys
3. Mechanical Behaviour of Materials
Strength, Toughness, Ductility, Fatigue, Creep
4. Discussion on Specific Materials
Metals and Alloys, Polymers, Ceramics, Composites

Course Information
Communication Channel: Nalanda + E-mail
Quizzes/Tutorials: TBA
Reference Text Books:
1. Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering,
William D. Callister
2. Materials Science and Engineering,
V. Raghavan
3. Classroom Notes/Slides
4. Internet

Materials and Energy

1. Assuming Al has an average heat capacity of 25 J/molK, latent heat of fusion of 10.8 kJ/mol, and melting point
of 660C, what is the minimum energy required to melt 1
ton of recycled aluminium from beverage cans?
What is the minimum energy required to reduce Al2O3 to
Al?

 The energy required to produce a complete solar cell

module is estimated to 2170 kWh per square meter.
How long will it take to recover this energy if an average
1 kW of solar power falls on each square meter of
earth? Assume that the solar panel operates only 5 hrs
a day, 12% efficient, and has an area of 1 m2.