MH2000 Experimental Methods 6.0 credits
This course is intended to give an overview of common experimental methods used in the laboratory in materials science.
Diverse areas are covered, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), measurement of thermophysical properties, and thermodynamic and kinetic measurement techniques. Emphasis will also be on analysing experimental data with respect to quantifying uncertainties in measurement.
This is a hands-on course with some time being spent in the lab to become familiar with the different methods.
Choose semester and course offering
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Application
For course offering
Spring 2025 Start 14 Jan 2025 programme students
Application code
60110
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
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Frontline techniques in analysis and characterisation of materials (transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, optical microscope)
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Experimental conditions (high temperature furnaces, temperature control, gas phase, holding and refractory materials, other conditions)
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Thermodynamic studies (calorimetry, thermal analysis, electromotive force, phase diagram studies, equilibrium and quenching, gas-condensed phase equilibria)
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Kinetic studies (gravimetric analysis, electromotive force)
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Physical properties (thermal and electrical conductivity, viscosity, surface and interfacial tension, density)
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Experimental uncertainty analysis (types of error, standard methods for expressing error, measurement of error, propagation of determinate errors)
Intended learning outcomes
After completing the course the student should be able to:
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Describe modern experimental methods in materials physics and chemistry.
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Judge the precision and accuracy of the measurements.
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Name the limitations of the respective techniques.
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Choose the right technique to address specific material physics and chemistry questions.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Basic knowledge of materials chemistry and physics, equivalent to the courses MH1027 Materials Thermodynamics and MH1026 Materials Physics, or equivalent.
Basic knowledge in thermodynamics and kinetics, equivalent to the courses MH2039 Process Engineering / MH2029 Process Metallurgy, or the equivalent.
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- LABA - Laboratory Work, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- LABB - Laboratory Work, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TENA - Written examination, 4.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.