Content

The course introduces a computational view of microstructure formation and control with a design and application mindset. Starting from computational thermodynamics (CALPHAD-compatible free-energy thinking), students learn how the aspects of chemical potentials, driving forces and concept of phase diagrams apply to the elements (defects) of materials microstructure and their transformation pathways. Microstructure defects e.g., grain boundaries, will be discussed as thermodynamic objects in relation to their complex chemo-mechano-structural aspects. Established mesoscale modelling and simulation methods as well as a lightweight data-driven approaches are then introduced. The course is designed to drive an interdisciplinary learning medium that engages materials physics, thermodynamics and algorithmic thinking towards applied materials physics.

Learning outcomes

Students will learn to: (i) set up and interpret physical problems in terms of free energies, thermodynamic systems, (ii) relate and distinguish thermodynamic and kinetic pathways in microstructure evolution, (iii) describe defects as a key design component in materials, (iv) use CALPHAD-integrated mesoscale methods to reason about defect states, and (v) apply simple tools to materials modelling.

Format and assessment

Interactive block format combining online and in-person lectures with guided notebook-based exercises (bring-your-laptop). Key literature will be provided in advance. Assessment: mini-project (individual or team) with brief individual report (pass/fail).

The start date will be exclusively online on October 9, 2026. The remaining in-person dates will be arranged on that first session.

Keywords

Computational thermodynamics, chemical potentials, diffusion/kinetics, phase transformations, microstructure evolution, defects, grain boundaries, segregation, density-based modelling, data-driven maps.

Kurs im HIS-LSF