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Dr K M Knowles

This course is in two distinct parts. In the first part of this course, attention will be focused on the fundamental science relevant to surfaces. Topics addressed will include bonding at the atomic scale, contact between surfaces at different measurement scales, an analysis and appreciation of friction between surfaces, the lubrication of surfaces in practical engineering situations and mechanisms of wear as a consequence of surface contact. The second part of the course will focus on ways in which surfaces can be modified or coated to achieve a combination of properties in both the surface and the underlying bulk that would not otherwise be achieved. The course concludes with a number of practical case studies of surface engineering.

On completion of this course, students should have an appreciation of the diverse ways in which the modification or the coating of surfaces can be used to increase wear resistance, to improve corrosion resistance, to improve fatigue resistance of bulk materials or to reduce friction of underlying bulk materials.

This lecture course will cover:

  • An analysis of interactions between solid surfaces at the molecular and atomic level
  • Contact between macroscopic surfaces
  • Friction and lubrication
  • Sliding wear, abrasive wear and erosive wear.
  • Hardness testing
  • Surface engineering processing techniques: chemical modification of surfaces, mechanical modification of surfaces, deposition processes for coatings
  • Case studies of surface engineering