Materials Characterization

Course guarantor:

Petr Haušild, Karel Tesař

Lecturer:

Petr Haušild, Karel Tesař

Tutor:

Petr Haušild, Karel Tesař

Supervisor:

Department of Materials

Synopsis:

Abstract:

The subject is composed of lectures, exercises and discussion regarding the basic methods of characterization. The aim of the subject is to introduce students to the most common methods of materials characterization, their outputs and the interpretation of the obtained data. An emphasis is placed on the individual work of the students with current scientific articles in the field of materials characterization. A part of the subject is an excursion to the laboratories of the department and its collaborating institutions. After passing this subject, the student should be able to choose the adequate characterization method for a particular material and evaluate the obtained results.

Requirements:

Attendance at lectures and practical classes (max. 2 weeks absent without a physicians or equivalent note).

Successful completion of the final test (50 points out of 100).

Successful presentation of a selected article to fellow students.

Up to 3 additional lecture absences may be compensated by submitting a written essay of at least 3,600 characters (excluding spaces) on a topic covered during the missed lecture. To be accepted as a replacement, the essay must be approved by the course supervisor as an original piece of work created without the use of AI, which will be verified through an oral discussion on the chosen topic.

Syllabus of lectures:

Outline:

1. Introduction and examples of irreplaceable employment of materials characterization in science and technology.

2. Microscopic methods (sample preparation, light microscopy, 3D microscopy, SEM, TEM, AFM).

3. Spectroscopic methods (GDOES, SIMS, EDS, XRF, IR, Raman, XPS).

4. Diffraction methods (X-ray, electron and neutron diffraction)

5. Characterization of mechanical properties.

6. Industrial utilization of materials characterization (quality control, optimization of production process)

7. Student presentations of characterization methods of their choosing.

Keywords: Materials characterization, Microscopy, Spectroscopy, Mechanical tests, Quality control

Syllabus of tutorials:

Study Objective:

Study materials:

Key references:

[1] W.D. Callister, D.G. Rethwisch: Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction, John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2020.

[2] ASM Handbook: Volume 10, Materials Characterization.

Recommended references:

[3] R. Cahn: Concise Encyclopedia of Materials Characterization 2nd Edition, Elsevier, 2004

Note:

If agreed upon by all students, the course is taught in English jointly for both the Czech and English study programs.

Time-table for winter semester 2025/2026:

Time-table is not available yet

Time-table for summer semester 2025/2026:

Time-table is not available yet

The course is a part of the following study plans:

• Fyzikální inženýrství - Fyzikální inženýrství materiálů (compulsory elective course)
• Physical Engineering - Physical Engineering od Materials (compulsory elective course)