Materials and Design

Catalog description

The Materials-and-Design course explores the relationships among (i) fundamental atomic, molecular, and crystalline (or non-crystalline) properties; (ii) the resulting microscopic structures; and (iii) macroscopic properties of materials used in engineering applications. This “ground-up” treatment develops essential concepts for proper materials selection and enhancement of engineering properties. Materials under study include the three classic categories of metals (ferrous and nonferrous), ceramics, and polymers; followed by composites, nano- sized/structured materials, biomaterials, smart materials, and semi- and super-conductors. Exercises are incorporated throughout the course to prove the student with practical experience in making decisions concerning material composition and processing, in order to optimize engineering properties. In this course, you will learn the general types of materials, as well as the effects of service environment on material behavior. The course teaches why materials have certain properties, from the atomic, microstructural, and macrostructural viewpoints. We will also address metallurgical approaches, advanced-materials technologies, and the use of a comprehensive major database (the Cambridge Engineering Selector software). The course concludes with a Materials Design Problem to allow you to apply the principles learned. Prerequisite: MENG 211. Offered spring term each year. Three semester hours.