Learning outcomes:

Understanding of key crystal structures
Understanding of allotropic behaviour of iron
Role of carbon on microstructures formed
How equilibrium phase diagrams are used and their limitations
Equilibrium microstructures formed in steel
How time-temperature-transformation diagrams are constructed, how they indicate the non-equilibrium microstructures formed in steel
How cooling influences microstructures formed and the importance of the critical cooling rate
Factors that affect time-temperature-transformations, role of carbon, grain size and alloying elements
Definition of key mechanical properties, how mechanical properties are related to microstructure and chemistry
Definition of metal deformation and the role of dislocations
Introduction to the four main strengthening mechanisms in steel in which dislocation movement is impeded