MATE-MATERIALS ENGINEERING -- 2001-03 Catalog
Materials Engineering Department

MATE 110 Introduction to Materials Engineering (1)

A lecture series involving materials engineers from industry as well as Cal Poly faculty. 1 lecture.

MATE 120 Introduction to Materials Engineering Practice (1)

Introduction to various topics in materials engineering with emphasis on industrial and laboratory practices. 1 activity.

MATE 200 Special Problems for Undergraduates (1-4)

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 8 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

MATE 210 Materials Engineering (3)

Structure of matter. Physical and mechanical properties of materials including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and electronic materials. Equilibrium diagrams. Heat treatments, materials selection and corrosion phenomena. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: CHEM 111, CHEM 124 or CHEM 127.

MATE 215 Materials Engineering Laboratory (1)

Laboratory experiments on the heat treatment and resulting properties of metals. Effects of cold deformation of metals. Brittle-ductile fracture behavior, equilibrium phase relationships, corrosion. Mechanical behavior of polymers. Properties of semiconductor devices. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite or concurrent: MATE 210.

MATE 220 Structure of Materials (3)

Foundations of material structure: crystalline structure and symmetry, major crystal structures, noncrystalline structure, crystal defects (vacancies, dislocations, grain boundaries).Processing – structure – properties relationships in materials. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210. Concurrent: MATE 225.

MATE 225 Structure of Materials Laboratory (1)

Relationship of atomic bonding to material properties. Building of crystals with physical models and by computer. Characterization of materials by x-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase identification, crystal structure determination and lattice constant measurements. Microstructural analysis by qualitative and quantitative metallography. Miscellaneous course fee required—see Class Schedule. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: MATE 210. Concurrent: MATE 220.

MATE 230 Physical Metallurgy (4)

Physical metallurgy of major ferrous and nonferrous alloy systems. Mineral resources and economics of metal production. Introduction to equilibrium diagrams, phase transformations and heat treatment. Casting, working and joining of metals. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210, MATE 220 and MATE 225. Concurrent: MATE 235.

MATE 235 Physical Metallurgy Laboratory (1)

Interpretation of microstructures in metals and alloys and laboratory methods for revealing and documenting such microstructures. Casting and heat treating of metals. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: MATE 225; MATE 230 should be taken concurrently.

MATE 240 Additional Materials Laboratory (1) (CR/NC)

Special assignments undertaken by students who need or wish to acquire abilities supplementary to their required course work. Assignments must be of a laboratory nature. Work is done by the student with a minimum of faculty supervision. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

MATE 310 Polymers (4)

Molecular structures of polymers and polymer systems. Synthesis, processing techniques, properties and fabrication methods of polymeric materials. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210.

MATE 320 Ceramics (4)

Development, utilization, and control of properties in ceramic materials (inorganic-nonmetallic solids). Structure of crystalline ceramics and of glasses. Mechanical, thermal, optical, magnetic, and electrical properties. Physical chemistry of ceramics. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210, CHEM 305.

MATE 330 Composites (4)

Fundamentals of polymer-matrix, ceramic-fiber composites from materials engineering and applied mechanics viewpoints. Materials (matrices, fibers) and manufacturing methods treated in detail. Beginning applied mechanics of continuous and discontinuous fiber-reinforced composites covered including properties of an orthotropic lamina; behavior of laminated plates. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210, MATE 350, CE 204 or consent of instructor.

MATE 340 Electronic Properties of Materials (3)

Basic concepts in electron theory of solids (quantum mechanics, energy band theory, Fermi energy, distribution and density of states), electrical properties and conduction in metals, semiconductors, polymers, ceramics, and superconductors, magnetic phenomena and optical properties in materials with applications in recording media. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210, PHYS 133.

MATE 345 Electronic Properties of Materials Laboratory (1)

Exploration of electrical, optical and magnetic properties of materials. Optical absorption, electrical conductivity, ferromagnetism, superconductivity. 1 laboratory. Concurrent or prerequisite: MATE 340.

MATE 350 Mechanical Behavior of Materials (3)

Fundamechanical behavior, emphasis on the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties. Continuum mechanics–stress, strain, elasticity, anelasticity, plasticity. Detailed treatment of the mechanical behavior of (1) crystalline materials (metals, ceramics)–dislocation dynamics, slip, strengthening mechanisms; (2) non-crystalline materials (polymers). 3 lectures. Prerequisites: MATE 210, CE 204; MATE 355 should be taken concurrently.

MATE 355 Mechanical Behavior of Materials Laboratory (2)

Additional meaning to major concepts in MATE 350. Mechanical properties of materials. Major concepts in stress, strain, elasticity, and plasticity in a range of engineering materials. Multiple session laboratories. Significant component of technical writing. Miscellaneous course fee required—see Class Schedule. Prerequisite: MATE 210, CE 204. Concurrent: MATE 350.

MATE 359 Living in a Material World (4) GE Area F
(Also listed as HIST 359)

Evolution of materials (ceramics, metals, polymers, composites, semiconductors) in the context of history. Traces the link between historical and technological developments enabled by materials from the Stone Age to the Electronic Age. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area B, and junior standing (Updated 6/25/02).

MATE 360 Thermodynamics of Materials (4)

Mass and energy balances, thermochemistry of reactions, design of materials processes including evaluation of energy needs and input/output stream compositions. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210, CHEM 305.

MATE 400 Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (1–4)

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 8 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

MATE 405 Kinetics of Materials (5)

Basis of kinetic theory, solid-state diffusion (steady-state and non-steady-state), nucleation and growth kinetics, solid state phase transformations. Laboratory emphasizes practical applications of kinetics: carburization, annealing cycle, sintering.. 4 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: MATE 360.

MATE 410 Materials Inspection (2)

Special physical and mechanical techniques for non-destructive and destructive examination of materials, to determine their fitness for service. Topics include: statistical methods and control charts, hardness testing, quantitative metallography, grain size measurement and analysis, ultrasonics, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, radiography, and eddy current. 2 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210; MATE 415 should be taken concurrently. Materials analysis and characterization course.

MATE 415 Materials Inspection Laboratory (2)

Special physical and mechanical techniques for non-destructive and destructive examination of materials, to determine their fitness for service. Laboratory topics include: hardness testing, quantitative metallography, grain size determination, and various NDT methods. Miscellaneous course fee required-see Class Schedule. 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: MATE 235, MATE 410 as corequisite. Materials analysis and characterization course.

MATE 425 Corrosion Engineering (4)

Forms of corrosion. Influences of environmental variables on corrosion. Methods of corrosion control. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: CHEM 125 or CHEM 128, MATE 210. Materials analysis and characterization course or Special topics course.

MATE 430 Microelectronic Materials Processing (3)

Integrated circuit fabrication, oxidation, diffusion, ion implantation, etching, chemical and physical vapor deposition, photolithography. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210. Prerequisite or concurrent: MATE 360 or permission of instructor. Materials processing course.

MATE 435 Microelectronics Processing Laboratory (2)

Basic processes involved in integrated circuits; cleanroom protocol, oxidation, diffusion, photolithographic and etching processes, sputtering and evaporation, device testing. Each student will be part of a 4-6 person team that will fabricate an integrated circuit. Miscellaneous course fee required-see Class Schedule. 2 laboratories. Prerequisite or concurrent: MATE 430. Materials processing course.

MATE 440 Welding Metallurgy and Joining of Advanced
Materials (3)

Principles, primary variables, and microstructural changes associated with the joining process. Physics of energy transfer. Heat and mass balances in joining, thermodynamic and kinetic justification of solidification and near interface microstructures. Heterogeneous interfaces, adhesion, wetting. Relation between process selection, interface design, microstructure, and properties, weldability. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210. Materials processing course.

MATE 445 Joining of Advanced Materials Laboratory (2)

Laboratory to accompany MATE 440. Illustration of principles, primary variables, and microstructural changes associated with the joining process. Physics of energy transfer. Heat and mass balances in joining, thermodynamic and kinetic justification of solidification and near interface microstructures. Heterogeneous interfaces, adhesion, wetting. Relation between process selection, interface design, microstructure, and properties, weldability. Miscellaneous course fee may be required-see Class Schedule. 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: MATE 210. Materials processing course.

MATE 446 Surface Chemistry of Materials (3)
(Also listed as CHEM 446)

Surface energy, capillarity, solid and liquid interface. Adsorption, surface areas of solids, contact angles and wetting. Friction, lubrication and adhesion. Relationship of surface to bulk properties of materials. Applications. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: CHEM 306 or consent of instructor. Special topics course.

MATE 450 Failure Analysis (3)

Procedures for analyzing failed materials. Actual failure analysis of a component by each student. Topics include fracture, fatigue, wear and overload failures, exposure to techniques of metallography, electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, chemical analysis and heat treatment. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 1 lecture, 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: MATE 220, MATE 230, MATE 350, MATE 410. Concurrent: MATE 415. Materials analysis and characterization course.

MATE 460 Materials Selection in Mechanical Design (4)

Materials-based approach to mechanical design. Using mechanical and physical properties of materials (performance indices) to select them for design needs (Materials Selection Charts). Detailed background of material properties – information from materials and mechanics. Numer-ous case studies highlight the concepts covered. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210, CE 204, or consent of instructor. Special topics course.

MATE 461, 462 Senior Project (1) (4)

Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Projects typical of problems which graduates must solve in their fields of employment. Project results are presented in a formal report. Minimum 150 hours total time.

MATE 463 Undergraduate Seminar (1)

Developments, policies, practices and procedures discussed through regular seminar. 1 seminar. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

MATE 485 Cooperative Education Experience (6) (CR/NC)

Part-time work experience in business, industry, government, and other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Total credit limited to 16 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and consent of instructor.

MATE 495 Cooperative Education Experience (12) (CR/NC)

Full-time work experience in business, industry, government, and other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Total credit limited to 16 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and consent of instructor.

MATE 500 Individual Study (1–4)

Advanced study planned and completed under the direction of a member of department faculty. Open only to graduate students who have demonstrated ability to do independent work. Enrollment by petition. Total credit limited to 12 units. Prerequisite: Consent of department head, graduate adviser, or supervising faculty member.

MATE 518 Special Topics in Superconductivity (2)

Basic concepts in the theory of superconductivity and current and potential applications of high-temperature superconducting materials. 2 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 340 or PHYS 412, graduate standing in engineering or science or instructor’s permission. Special topics course.

MATE 520 X-Ray Diffraction (3)

Theory and application of x-ray diffraction as applied to advanced materials problems such as crystal quality and identification, thin film applications and structural transformations at high and low temperatures. Course will cover techniques in sample preparation, operation of equipment and interpretation of diffraction data. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: Graduate status or instructor’s permission. Materials analysis and characterization or Special topics course.

MATE 522 Advanced Ceramics (5)

Development, utilization, and control of properties in ceramic materials (inorganic-nonmetallic solids). Emphasis on application on processing to achieve structure and properties. Structure of crystalline ceramics and of glasses. Mechanical, thermal, optical, magnetic, and electrical properties. Application of ceramics in technology. Physical chemistry of ceramics. 4 lectures, 1 seminar. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.

MATE 525 X-Ray Diffraction Laboratory (2)

X-ray diffraction laboratory experiments of advanced materials problems such as crystal quality and identification, thin film applications and structural transformations at high and low temperatures. Radiation safety training, techniques in sample preparation, operation of equipment and interpretation of diffraction data. 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in engineering or science or instructor’s permission. Concurrent: MATE 520. Materials analysis and characterization or Special topics course.

MATE 530 Biomaterials (4)

Structures of biological materials - plant/animal. Biomemetics. Structure-function relationships for materials in contact with biological systems. Interactions of materials implanted in the body. Histological and hematological considerations including foreign body responses, inflammation, carcinogenicity, thrombosis, hemolysis, immunogenic and toxic properties. Microbial interaction with material surfaces, degradation. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: ENGR 213, MATE 210 and graduate standing or permission of instructor. Special topics course.

MATE 540 Tribology (4)

Wear and degradation of engineering systems. Dry and lubricated wear modes, identification, and prevention. Materials selection. Friction, contact mechanics, and lubrication theory. Case studies of mechanical systems and failure analysis. Wear Modeling and testing. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210, MATE 215.

MATE 550 Numerical Methods for Materials Engineers (4)

Numerical analysis techniques relevant to materials engineers. Topics include computer programming, data analysis and reduction methods, linear and non-linear regression; materials modeling methods such as finite differences; and finite elements. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: CSC 231/234, MATH 242, MATE 350, MATE 360 or consent of instructor. Materials analysis and characterization or Special topics course.

MATE 560 Thin-Film Processing (3)

Thin film science and technology: deposition techniques, surface crystal notation, energy and kinetic processes, epitaxy. Schottky barriers and surface states, stress analysis, characterization techniques, electronics devices incorporating thin films. Class Schedule will list topics for selection. Total credit limited to 6 units. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Materials processing course.

MATE 562 Mechanical Behavior of Materials (4)

Complex stress analysis, dislocation theory, fracture mechanisms, introductory fracture mechanics. Fatigue, creep, brittle-ductile transition, environmental embrittlement. Special project assignment. 4 seminars. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Special topics course.

MATE 565 Thin-Film Processing Laboratory (2)

Thin film processing and analytical techniques: direct current and radio frequency magnetron sputtering, reactive sputtering, co-evaporation, epitaxy, grazing incidence x-ray diffraction, magnetic force imaging. Class Schedule will list topics for selection. Total credit limited to 6 units. 2 laboratories. Concurrent: MATE 560 or consent of instructor. Materials processing course.

MATE 570 Advanced Engineering Materials (4)

An advanced treatment of the structure of matter. Physical and mechanical properties of materials including metals, alloys, ceramics, insulating materials, semiconductors, super semiconductors, polymers and composites based on detailed theoretical understanding of material microstructures. Discussions of Equilibrium diagrams, processing approaches, material selection based on thermodynamic and kinetic arguments. Degradation and failure, fitness for purpose. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Special topics course.

MATE 580 Fracture and Fracture Mechanics of Materials (4)

Fracture modes and mechanisms in engineering materials, fracture mechanics fundamentals (stress analysis of cracks, energy analysis of fracture process). Use of fracture mechanics in design. Laboratory gives concentrated exposure to fracture development in materials, fracture surface evaluation, fracture toughness testing. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: MATE 350, MATE 355, or graduate standing. Special topics course.

MATE 590 Solidification and Densification (4)

Thermodynamics, kinetics and morphologies of solid-liquid interfaces. Heat flow in castings, crystal growth. Solidification mechanics, solute redistribution. Production, characterization and testing of metal powders. Compacting of powder. Sintering with/without liquid phase. Hot pressing, properties of sinterings as a function of processing conditions. Application of theory to the production of useful materials. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Materials processing or Special topics course.

MATE 599 Design Project (Thesis) (2) (2) (5)

Each individual or group will be assigned a project for solution under faculty supervision as a requirement for the master’s degree, culminating in a written report/thesis. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.