Structure of Materials

Programme in Structure of Materials at the Indian Institute of Technology offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles governing the behavior and properties of various materials. This interdisciplinary programme combines concepts from physics, chemistry, and engineering to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the structure-property relationships in materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Through a carefully curated curriculum, students gain expertise in the characterization, analysis, and processing of materials, preparing them for careers in research, development, and industry.

The programme emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address contemporary challenges in materials science and engineering. Students engage with advanced topics including crystallography, quantum mechanics, surface science, and nanoscale phenomena. They also develop proficiency in various scientific techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and diffraction methods used to analyze material structures at atomic and molecular scales.

A distinctive feature of the programme is its focus on innovation and sustainability, encouraging students to contribute to the development of new materials for energy, biomedical devices, electronics, and sustainable infrastructure. The coursework is complemented by laboratory work, projects, and seminars led by experts from academia and industry, fostering an environment of collaborative learning and research.

Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, enabling hands-on experience in material synthesis, testing, and analysis. The programme also promotes interdisciplinary projects, encouraging students to collaborate across different fields and explore emerging areas such as nanotechnology, biomaterials, and smart materials. Graduates of the programme are prepared for doctoral research or to assume technical roles in manufacturing, quality control, testing laboratories, and material design industries.

Overall, the Structure of Materials programme at the Indian Institute of Technology offers a rigorous, research-oriented education that combines theoretical insights with practical skills, aligning with the latest developments in materials science and engineering. It aims to produce competent professionals who can contribute effectively to technological advancement and sustainable development in various sectors globally.

Contents:

1. Nature of Geometry of Crystals: Atomic arrangements in solids, space lattices, coordination number and effective number of atoms for common crystalline structures: FCC, BCC and HCP, indexing of crystallographic planes and directions.

2. Structure of Ceramics and Polymers: Atomic arrangements in ceramics and polymers, their influence on mechanical properties.

 3. Principles of Alloy Formation: Primary and intermediate phases their formation, solid solutions, Hume Rothery rules, electron compounds, normal valency compounds and interstitial compounds.

4. Solidification: Solidification of metals and alloys- equiaxed, dendritic and columnar grains; Coring.

5. Phase Diagrams: Binary equilibrium diagrams involving isomorphous, eutectic, peritectic and monotectic systems, phase rule, lever rule effect of non-equilibrium cooling on structure and distribution of phases.

6. Solid State Transformations: Phase equilibria involving eutectoid and peritectoid transformations, TTT and CCT diagrams, harenability,Heat Treatment of Ferrous and Non Ferrous Alloys viz., annealing, normalizing, quenching, tempering and precipitation hardening.

7. Diffusion in Solids: Fick’s laws of diffusion, Darken’s equation, Kirkendall effect and mechanism of diffusion.

8. Important Binary Systems: Cu-Ni, Al-Si, Al-Cu, Pb-Sn, Cu-Zn, CuSn and Fe-C systems, effect of non equilibrium cooling and important alloys belonging to these systems.

Students admitted to the graduate programs of study at IIT Roorkee go through a process of selection prior to their admissions. The process of selection is administered at the national (All India) level or at the Institute depending on the program of study. For detailed information of the Institute and different programs, download the information brochure given below.

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering), The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is an All - India Examination conducted by the seven IITs and IISc Bangalore, on behalf of the National Coordinating Board - GATE, Department of Education, Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD), Government of India. 

JAM (Joint Admission Test to M.Sc) for admission to M.Sc programmes at the IITs. From year 2005 admissions to MCA programme at IIT Roorkee are also made through JAM which were previously through AIMCET. 

This Institute offer courses leading to two-year Master of Science degrees in a number of disciplines. In addition, post-graduate programmes leading to M.Tech., M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees are also offered.

The Institute offers merit-cum-means scholarship to 25% of undergraduate students. Several other scholarships are announced from time to time. Bank loans are also easily available whenever required. Financial help is provided as Institute free studentship and scholarships to undergraduate students belonging to the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.

Students admitted to the 2-year M.Sc. degree in sciences are also awarded merit-cum-means scholarships. A number of scholarships, teaching / research assistantship schemes provide financial support to students of M.Tech. and Ph.D. programmes. Sponsored (full-time as well as part-time), self-financing foreign students and M.B.A. students are , however, not eligible for benefits of this scheme. Students are encouraged to earn while they learn.

Prizes and certificates are given to students on the basis of their performance in curricular, co-curricular and extra curricular activities.

The Bachelor of Science program in Structure of Materials at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles governing the behavior, properties, and applications of various materials. The curriculum emphasizes the scientific and engineering principles underlying materials science, including crystallography, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and kinetics. Students explore the structure-property relationships of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composite materials, gaining insights into how microscopic structures influence macroscopic properties. The program aims to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through laboratory work, projects, and industry internships, preparing them for careers in research, development, and industry sectors such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and sustainable materials. Emphasis is placed on contemporary topics like nanomaterials, biomaterials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and smart materials, reflecting the evolving landscape of materials engineering. The coursework includes core courses in materials characterization, thermomechanics, materials processing, and failure analysis, complemented by electives allowing specialization in areas like nanotechnology, biomaterials, or corrosion engineering. To foster innovation and research skills, students participate in hands-on projects and collaborations with industry partners. The program also focuses on the importance of sustainability, environment-friendly materials, and the ethics of engineering practice. Graduates of the program are expected to be capable of conducting scientific research, solving complex materials-related problems, and contributing to technological advancements that address societal needs. The degree typically spans four years, culminating in a final project or thesis that demonstrates students’ mastery of the subject matter. Overall, the program in Structure of Materials at IIT prepares students to be proficient in both fundamental science and practical applications, enabling them to take leadership roles in academia, industry, or entrepreneurial ventures centered around materials innovation and technology.

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