Metallurgy

As a major domain within materials engineering, metallurgy is the science and technology focused on metallic materials, from their extraction from ores to their processing into finished components. It involves studying the physical and chemical behavior of metals and their mixtures, known as alloys, and manipulating their internal microstructure through processes like heat treatment, casting, and forging. The primary goal of metallurgy is to control the properties of metals—such as strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance—to engineer reliable and high-performing materials for a vast range of structural and functional applications.

1. Introduction to Metallurgy
   1. Definition and Scope of Metallurgy
      1. Definition of Metallurgy
      2. Scope and Interdisciplinary Nature
      3. Relationship to Materials Science
      4. Relationship to Engineering
   2. Historical Development of Metallurgy
      1. Metallurgy in Prehistoric Times
         1. The Stone Age and Early Use of Metals
         2. The Bronze Age
            1. Discovery of Copper-Tin Alloys
            2. Bronze Working Techniques
         3. The Iron Age
            1. Development of Smelting
            2. Wrought Iron Production
      2. Ancient Metallurgical Practices
         1. Metallurgy in Ancient Egypt
         2. Metallurgy in Mesopotamia
         3. Metallurgy in Ancient China
         4. Metallurgy in Greece and Rome
         5. Metallurgy in Ancient India
      3. Medieval and Renaissance Developments
         1. Water-Powered Machinery
         2. Improved Furnace Design
         3. Guild Systems and Knowledge Transfer
      4. Industrial Revolution Advancements
         1. Development of Blast Furnaces
         2. Introduction of Coke in Ironmaking
         3. Bessemer Process
         4. Mass Steel Production
      5. Modern Metallurgical Science
         1. Emergence of Physical Metallurgy
         2. Emergence of Chemical Metallurgy
         3. Integration of Thermodynamics
         4. Integration of Kinetics
         5. Advances in Analytical Techniques
   3. Branches of Metallurgy
      1. Extractive Metallurgy
         1. Principles and Processes
         2. Role in Metal Production
      2. Physical Metallurgy
         1. Study of Structure-Property Relationships
         2. Microstructure Control
      3. Mechanical Metallurgy
         1. Mechanical Behavior of Metals
         2. Deformation Analysis
         3. Failure Analysis
      4. Process Metallurgy
         1. Industrial Processing Techniques
         2. Integration with Manufacturing
      5. Chemical Metallurgy
         1. Chemical Reactions in Metal Processing
         2. Thermodynamic Principles
   4. Importance of Metals in Society
      1. Role in Infrastructure
      2. Role in Construction
      3. Applications in Transportation
      4. Applications in Aerospace
      5. Use in Electronics
      6. Use in Energy Systems
      7. Economic Importance
      8. Strategic Importance