Characterization of Materials

Catalog description

Classical and new (microprobe, scanning microscope, magnetic resonance, and Mossbauer) techniques for the characterization of composition, structure, defects, and surfaces. MATSE 514 Characterization of Materials (3) This course is designed for graduate and selected undergraduate students. The broad spectrum of the various materials characterization techniques will be briefly surveyed. Students will not be taught how to run specific instruments or be expected to be an expert on the analytical techniques. However, students will be given assignments that require a search of the literature and having discussions with the relevant experts to develop a detailed understanding of specific characterization techniques. Students will also be required to apply statistical methods in their assigned projects.The objectives of the course include the presentation of a survey of material characterization techniques, lectures on experimental design and use of statistical techniques, as well as problem-solving techniques. The goal is to provide students with a foundation in the use of characterization techniques to solve and diagnose material problems that can be identified and potentially resolved with materials characterization.The first part of the lectures provides a survey on many of the material characterization techniques. The second part of the course covers statistical analysis of experimental data including small population statistics, error analysis, curve fitting routines, and a brief survey of statistical experimental design. The third part of the course covers problem-solving techniques using materials characterization. Several characterization problems are given to the class that require the formation of project teams composed of 4 to 5 class members to resolve. Each project team prepares oral and written reports for the problem selected.