MATE-MATERIALS ENGINEERING -- 1999-2000 Catalog
Materials Engineering Department

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

Introduction to materials engineering laboratory practices through demonstrations of laboratory equipment for evaluation of material properties. 1 activity.

Designed for students of all disciplines to learn the science behind technology. Learn how and why basic technology functions. Examples include: silicon's chemical structure used to make computers; the theory behind radio; thermodynamics and the four-stroke engine; how electricity is generated and delivered. 4 lectures.

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.

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.

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.

Foundations of material structure: solid state bonding, major crystals structures, important crystal defects (vacancies, dislocations, grain boundaries). Application of structure to control material properties. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210. Concurrent: MATE 225.

Relationship of atomic bonding to material properties. Building physical models of crystal structures; crystallographic calculations. Basic techniques of structure analysis: x-ray diffraction, qualitative and quantitative metallography. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: MATE 210. Concurrent: MATE 220.

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. Concurrent: MATE 235.

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

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. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. Prerequisite: MATE 210, CE 204. Concurrent: MATE 350.

Material and energy balances, phase equilibria of condensed systems, statistical thermodynamics, transport phenomena (mass and heat transfer), defects in solids, reaction kinetics, phase transformations. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210, CHEM 305.

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.

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.

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.

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 may be required- see Class Schedule. 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: MATE 235, MATE 410 as corequisite. Materials analysis and characterization course.

Galvanic corrosion, thermodynamics of corrosion, polarization curves, corrosion testing, corrosion control, cathodic protection systems. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: CHEM 125 or CHEM 128, MATE 210. Materials analysis and characterization course or Special topics course.

Introductory microelectronics materials processing, including integrated circuit fabrication, assembly and packaging. Crystal growth, epitaxial layer growth, diffusion, ion implantation, oxidation, chemical and plasma assisted etching, photolithography. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210. Prerequisite or concurrent: MATE 360 or permission of instructor. Materials processing course.

Basic processes involved in making I.C.'s; material preparation and handling, oxidation, diffraction and photolithographic and chemical etching processes, sputtering and thin film evaporation, device testing and evaluation. Cleanroom protocol including safety procedures. Each student will be part of a 4-6 person interdisciplinary team that will make and test transistors and simple integrated circuits. Miscellaneous course fee may be required- see Class Schedule. 2 laboratories. Prerequisite or concurrent: MATE 430. Materials processing course.

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.

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.

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.

Procedures for analyzing failed materials. Actual failure analysis of a failed component by each student. Involves fracture, fatigue, corrosion, overload, using metallography, electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, chemical analysis and heat treatments. Miscellaneous course fee required-see Class Schedule. 1 lecture, 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: MATE 220, MATE 230, MATE 350, MATE 410, MATE 450 and MATE 455 should be taken concurrently. Materials analysis and characterization course.

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. Numerous case studies highlight the concepts covered. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 210, CE 204, or consent of instructor. Special topics course.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Theory and application of scanning force microscopy, including scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, lateral force microscopy. Interpretation of scanning force images. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MATE 340 or PHYS 412 or consent of instructor. Materials analysis and characterization or Special topics course.

Application of scanning force microscopy, including scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, lateral force microscopy. Interpretation of scanning force images. Considerations in sample preparation, artifacts in scanning force images. 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: MATE 510 or consent of instructor. Materials analysis and characterization or Special topics course.

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.

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. 2 lectures. Prerequisite: Graduate status or instructor's permission. Materials analysis and characterization or Special topics course.

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.

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.

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: BIO 220, MATE 210 and graduate standing or permission of instructor. Special topics course.

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.

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.

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. Prerequisite: MATE 560. Concurrent: MATE 520 or consent of instructor. Materials processing course.

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.

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.

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.

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.