OVERVIEW

Non-ferrous metallurgy studies the mechanical, chemical and physical properties of alloys based on other elements than iron.

This course introduces the production, properties and optimization of the most diffused non-ferrous alloys. Such knowledges allow an in-depth understanding of metals properties providing key concepts for their design, choice and application.    

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to deepen the characteristics and applications of non-ferrous metals (Al, Mg, Ti, Cu, Au, etc ...) and their alloys of greatest interest for the industrial and application world. The knowledge acquired in the Metallurgy 1 course will be deepened, in particular as regards the aspects of physical metallurgy applied to the materials under examination. This knowledge, combined with the in-depth knowledge of machining, heat treatment and corrosion processes, will allow the critical choice of a wide range of metallic materials for different applications.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to extend the student’s knowledge on metallic materials by introducing the mechanical and physical properties of non-ferrous alloys. Together with the basic notions acquired in Metallurgy I, the study of non-ferrous materials will allow a wider understanding of metals properties during processing and operating conditions.

At the end of the course, the student will have acquired a detailed knowledge of the main non-ferrous materials about their production, mechanical processing, thermal and chemical treatments, corrosion behavior, and applications. Practicing with the designation systems introduced in this course will enable the recognition of specific alloys and their supply conditions.

PREREQUISITES

Each topic covered during the course will be widely introduced. However, to better address the contents, students must have acquired the basic notions covered in “Metallurgy I” course such as phase diagrams, heat treatments, metallography, crystallography and mechanical testing.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of 6 CFU divided in 5 CFU of traditional lectures (40 hours) and 1 CFU of laboratory activities (13 hours).

Lectures will cover the theory and application examples. The laboratory activities include the application of thermal and mechanical treatments on non-ferrous alloys. Samples will be prepared for microstructural observations in order to evaluate the effects of the applied treatments. Also, corrosion tests will be carried out on several alloys in order to study their properties in different operating conditions.

The 4 CFU version of this course consists in 32 hours of traditional lectures.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course will provide an introduction to the most diffused non-ferrous alloys. The first part of the program is focused on the physical metallurgy of non-ferrous alloys. This part will cover the strengthening mechanisms and microstructural aspects of thermal treatments, mechanical processing and welding. Notions on wet corrosion and high-temperature oxidation will be also provided. 

The second part of the program will cover specific non-ferrous alloys including those based on aluminum, magnesium, titanium, copper, nickel and gold. For each alloy will be introduced the production processes, classification, properties and applications.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All the slides used for the lectures and other material will be available on Aulaweb. In general, the lecture notes and the available material on Aulaweb are sufficient for the exam preparation. For further information, the following texts are suggested:

• M. Cabibbo, Leghe e Metalli Non Ferrosi, ed. Esculapio
• I. Polmear,‎ D. StJohn,‎ J.-F. Nie,‎ M. Qian, Light Alloys: Metallurgy of the Light Metals, Butterworth-Heinemann; 5th edition
• D. R. Askeland, W. J. Wright, Scienza e tecnologie dei metalli, ed. CittàStudi
• S. Barella, A. Gruttadauria, Metallurgia e Materiali non metallici, ed. Esculapio 2° edizione

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

According to the academic calendar: https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/11430/studenti-orario 

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is an oral examination for a duration of at least 30 minutes. It consists of three questions that contribute in equal parts to the evaluation (10/30 each).

The first question is focused on a physical or extractive metallurgy topic. In the second and third questions the student is asked to illustrate and discuss specific aspects of non-ferrous alloys introduced during the course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam aims to verify the acquisition of an adequate knowledge by the student on the teaching topics, in particular the principles of physical metallurgy and properties of the main non-ferrous alloys. The student should be able to exploit such concepts to deal with application aspects and use a correct terminology. 

In case the learning outcomes are not achieved, the student is invited to further study by using the provided teaching material or additional explanations before repeating the exam.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sergio Di Domizio (sergio.didomizio@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.