Reddit mentions of Phase Transformations in Metals and Alloys, Third Edition (Revised Reprint)

For the purpose of this explanation, let's use this phase diagram

http://www.nims.go.jp/cmsc/pst/database/al-elem/alli/alli_hal.jpg

I'll use this one because Al-Li systems have traditionally been used in airplanes. citation

anyway, the three steps to heat treating are as follows.

1. Solutionizing
   
   
2. Quenching
   
   
3. Aging
   
   In the phase diagram listed, traditionally no more than ~2% Li has been used (due to adverse effects)
   
   so lets go to where the x axis = 2% Li
   
   If you see, you'll see something called alpha and beta phases. The alpha phase is on the very left and the beta is somewhat centered. Between the alpha and beta is a mixed phase, where both alpha and beta exist.
   
   But let me explain the general steps:
   
   -----------------
   Solutionizing:
   
   This is when you expose the material to high temperatures such that the temperature is in a single phase region. In the case of our Al-Li alloy, will be around 600K (327°C) - 700K (427°C), which is relatively low simply because it's an aluminum system. When the material is exposed to this temperature, it goes through a phase transformation such that the entire piece of metal is of a single phase, in this case, alpha. It is known as a solid solution of Aluminum and Lithium. This is homogenous.
   
   Every material is different and requires different temperatures and times. For example, I solutionized a Ni-Ti sample of mine at 1000°C for an hour. It was a small ~1g sample.
   
   In some sense, you can think of solutionizing as "resetting" the material- getting a blank slate from which you can do many different things.
   
   --------------
   Quenching:
   
   By quenching the material, you don't allow any transformation to take place. Quenching "freezes" the microstructure in place and, in the case of our alloy, we will retain the alpha phase even though at 300K (on the phase diagram), we are in the alpha+beta regime.
   
   -------------
   Aging:
   
   Aging is raising the temperature into the regime that you wish to have. Aging is a pretty complex thing to explain simply, but the jist of it is that by raising the temperature, you increase the diffusion and kinetics of the atoms in the system and allow the phase transformation to occur. So in the case of our Al-Li system, if we raise the temperature to... say... to 400K, aging will occur and eventually we will get alpha+beta. But not only this, aluminum alloys are usually multicomponent, so at the same time, precipitates may grow during this aging process. Even if there is not a phase transformation, precipitates will grow at elevated temperatures. These precipitates, assuming they don't get too large, will harden the material.
   
   now, the amount of alpha+beta can be found by using something called a TTT curve:
   
   http://aluminium.matter.org.uk/content/html/eng/default.asp?catid=35&pageid=766883503
   
   TTT curves have time (x axis) and temperature (y axis) and they show how much of each phase you will have after certain times and temperatures. You have probably seen one in your work, since they are commonly used in industry.
   
   There are entire classes dedicated to this stuff. Mine was called "phase transformations"
   
   if you want to know more, I HIGHLY recommend a book called "Phase trasnformations in metals and alloys" which goes through the what, the how, and the why.
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Transformations-Metals-Edition-Revised-Reprint/dp/1420062107
   
   
   ---------
   
   I wrote a bit, mostly on phase transformations, but sort of ignored the precipitation part.
   
   
   Precipitation in aluminum alloys comes from some added metals (magnesium, Copper, etc) that you add into the alloy. When you heat the metal, these metals will combine to form hard precipitates that block dislocation motion, which is what strengthens the material.
   
   

It took me a few months to get the hang of what I look for. It's still hard for me to describe what I look for, but it's mostly small press (books they only printed a few of) and also very specific non-fiction books.

Like recently, I sold a cookbook for hyperactive children from 1979 for $35. If I look at textbooks, it's usually ones with very specific or rare subjects, like http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1420062107 which I sold recently as well.

I don't just look for hardcovers or books that are in good condition. For me, it's all about subject matter. Paperbacks do just as well, as long as it's got information someone wants to read about. I've sold many discolored and loosely bound paged books, and haven't gotten a complaint because I mention everything wrong in the description.

It's so random when the books sell. I've had books sitting since I started, or I can sell a book the day I got it. I always try to make sure it's the cheapest or second cheapest on Amazon so that it will sell quicker.

I've only been doing it a few months, and it took a lot of trial and error, but it's become a lot easier for me to spot a book that may be worth a little something. Having a smart phone and the Amazon app helps, too. If it doesn't have a UPC code, I'll type the title into the app just so I don't have to lug every book home. Also having a Goodwill Outlet that charges 25 cents by the pound for books helps as well.

I think you are after something along the lines of Porter, Easterling, and Sherif. This book bridges thermodynamics and "pure" solidification theory pretty well.

Phase Transformations in Metals and Alloys if you want to know the thermodynamic reasons why different alloys have different properties