Module overview
This module on microstructural analysis and surface characterisation of materials and components considers Surface Profilometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, diffraction techniques, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), and a range of other techniques. For each technique, the aspects covered include: relevant theoretical background, sample preparation, equipment capabilities and limitation of the techniques.
Examples of usage are drawn mainly from materials used in aerospace, automotive and marine industries. As part of the module either a laboratory involving hands on use of the SEM and/or TEM can be taken or, alternatively, a coursework on the interpretation of microstructural analysis and surface characterisation from literature can be elected.
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: FEEG2005
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Analyse (parts of) technical reports and scientific papers that relate to microstructure and surface analysis.
- Make an assessment as to whether available data constitutes a definite identification of a phase / structure
- Appreciate the capabilities of different analysis techniques for characterising the microstructure and surface of materials and components.
- Depending on the selection of final assignment either to be able to operate an electron microscope or to analyse academic and technical literature containing electron microscopy and crystallography data.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Crystallography of crystalline materials
- The application of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX) and surface profilometry techniques to engineering materials.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Recognize and assess the relevance of some of the common microstructural features in structural materials observed by optical microscopy, SEM, TEM, Surface Profilometry.
- Start hands-on training on use of microstructure analysis equipment that has been discussed in the lectures, including TEM, SEM, optical microscopy, EBSD, EDX, Surface Profilometry and use what is learned in the module to understand the principle of the working of the equipment.
- Select appropriate sample preparation techniques for optical microscopy, SEM, TEM, Surface Profilometry.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Have an improved capability to learn following web-based, self-paced means.
- Contribute materials microstructure and surface characterisation knowledge as part of teams in most engineering industries.
Syllabus
The module consists of 10 sections. Sections 1 to 10 are taken by all students. To complete the module students select either section 11 or section 12.
Section 1 Overview.
Section 2 Optical Microscopy.
Section 3 Surface Optical Profilometry, AFM and Surface Chemical Analysis.
Section 4 Nano indentation.
Section 5 Scanning Electron Microscopy.
Section 6 Transmission Electron Microscopy.
Section 7 Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy.
Section 8 Crystallography and Electron diffraction.
Section 9 Electron Backscatter Diffraction.
Section 10 3D techniques: 3DAP, tomography.
Section 11 Electron microscopy laboratory.
Section 12 XPS, XRD, FIB and scientific report analysis.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- The module is predominantly self-paced. The module starts with a group meeting to introduce the module followed by 3 progress meetings.
- The main component of the teaching is web-based, through the 'Blackboard' package (http://blackboard.soton.ac.uk/). This provides the main text of the course, with additional teaching material in the form of links to relevant websites, and (links to) relevant research papers.
- For Section 11, students will do a supervised laboratory with access to electron microscopes.
- 2 revision lectures in the weeks prior to the exam to revise and review the material in the course.
Learning activities include
- Access to exam question bank.
- Revision questions set by lecturers which are intended for (small group) self-study.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Practical classes and workshops | 8 |
Revision | 20 |
Wider reading or practice | 10 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 8 |
Follow-up work | 16 |
Lecture | 8 |
Completion of assessment task | 80 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Notes: External repeat students will take section 12 - XPS, XRD, FIB and scientific report analysis.
Feedback includes:
- Quizzes on Blackboard which provide instant feedback.
- Return of marked coursework with written feedback on each coursework within 15 working days of hand in.
- General discussion on each e-mailed questions during the timetabled sessions.
- Revision sessions in which past exam questions are discussed based on e-mailed requests from students.
- E-mailed responses or additional tutorials by lecturer to e-mailed individual questions
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Final Assessment | 40% |
Continuous Assessment | 60% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External