Materials Science and Engineering

University Exemplary Department

D.E. Clark, Head

Willis Worcester Professor: R. O. Claus1

Professors: D. E. Clark; N. E. Dowling2; D. Farkas; W. T. Reynolds, Jr.

Associate Professors: L.J. Guido1; S. L. Kampe; B. J. Love, G. Q. Lu1; D. D. Viehland

Assistant Professors: S. G. Corcoran

Research Associate Professor: Jie-Fang Li; C. T. A. Suchicital

Instructors: E. C. Pappas2; J. Robinson2; K. Rohr

Professors Emeritus: J. J. Brown, Jr.; G. V. Gibbs; D. P. H. Hasselman; C. W. Spencer

Adjunct Professors: A. Amith; R. G. Kander; V. I. Levit; H. F. Wu

Adjunct Assistant Professor: M.M. Julian

Affiliated Faculty3: A.O. Aning; J. R. Heflin; R. W. Hendricks; R. H. Yoon

1 Joint appointment with Electrical and Computer Engineering

2 Joint appointment with Engineering Science and Mechanics

3 Faculty with regular appointments in other departments.

E-mail: msegrad@vt.edu

Web: http://www.mse.vt.edu

Materials engineers and scientists study the structure and composition of engineering materials on scales ranging from the atomic through the microscopic to the macroscopic. These materials include ceramics, metals, polymers, biomaterials, semiconductors, electronic and optical materials, and composites. Materials engineers develop new materials, improve traditional materials, and manufacture materials economically through synthesis, processing, and fabrication. They seek to understand physical and chemical phenomena in material structures and to measure and characterize materials properties of all kinds including mechanical, electrical, optical, magnetic, thermal and chemical. They predict and evaluate the performance of materials as structural or functional elements in engineering systems and structures. Engineers in this field are concerned with the protection of the environment in materials manufacturing and the responsible utilization of natural resources in the utilization of raw materials and recycling of manufactured materials. The performance of virtually all engineered products depends upon the properties of the various materials which make up the components of the system. Engineering and technological advances are commonly limited by the properties and cost of the manufactured materials which are currently available.

Significant opportunities exist for graduates in the aerospace, automobile, transportation, medical, microelectronics, telecommunications, chemical, petroleum, energy storage, power generation, and energy conservation industries, as well as the basic industries producing materialsfor example, the copper, aluminum, steel, ceramics, glass and polymer industries. Many of these industries have multibillion dollar businesses in the world economy. Opportunities exist both in industrial companies and government agencies and laboratories. Graduates work in entry level management, sales and marketing, manufacturing, materials selection and design, quality assurance and control, and research and development. Graduates have excellent backgrounds for future graduate or professional studies in science, engineering, medicine, law, and business. Opportunities also exist for students to participate in the Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP) in which qualified students may alternate semesters of study with semesters of professional employment.

The educational objectives of the B.S. degree program meet the requirements for materials programs which are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The MSE undergraduate program will graduate professional, competent materials scientists and engineers who can:

Engineering design is integrated throughout the curriculum beginning with instruction on materials applications in the introductory course and culminating in a year-long senior course on materials selection and design and a year-long capstone process and materials design course. Design-related problems are incorporated into the course materials throughout the curriculum in the sophomore, junior, and senior years. Engineering design in the materials curriculum includes open-ended problems with uncertain outcomes in materials and process design, interrelationships between the processing and the resulting microstructures and properties of materials, as well as materials selection, specification, and applications in engineering systems.

Four options of study are available in the EAC/ABET accredited B.S. program including ceramics, metals, polymers, and electronic and semiconducting materials. Students can also tailor a special program of elective study. The undergraduate curriculum contains an integrated program of instruction in engineering communication and computer skills including writing, public speaking, and graphical presentation.

The Commonwealth of Virginia participates in the Academic Common Market, a coalition of seven southern states. Students majoring in materials science and engineering who are residents of the state of West Virginia may be eligible for Virginia in-state tuition. Contact the Division of Enrollment Services for further information.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering offers scholarships to students with high academic achievements. A number of undergraduate scholarships are awarded each year.

Programs are available for graduate work leading to the M.S., M.E., and Ph.D. in materials science and engineering. Please see the Graduate Catalog for more information on any of these advanced degree programs.

Further information about the department, its degree programs, students, and faculty may be found at http://www.mse.vt.edu.

Materials Science and Engineering Program

(This program applies to students graduating in 2004.)

Second Year
First Semester
MSE 2044: Elements of Materials Engr.23(3)
MSE 2884: MatE Prof. Dev. I1(1)
ESM 2104: Statics3(3)
PHYS 2306: Foundations of Physics I4(4)
MATH 2224: Multivariable. Calculus3(3)
Elective - (Area 2/3)3(3)
Total Credits(17)
Second Semester
MSE 2224: Semiconductor Lab1(1)
MSE 3304: Physical Metallurgy3(3)
MSE 3314: Physical Metallurgy Lab1(1)
EF 2324: Engr. Problems - Fortran31(1)
ESM 2204: Deformable Bodies3(3)
MATH 4544: Ord. & Par. Diff. Equations15(5)
Free Elective3(3)
Total Credits(17)
Third Year
First Semester
MSE 3034: Transport Processes2(2)
MSE 4034: Thermo of Materials3(3)
MSE 4414: Physical Ceramics3(3)
MSE 4424: Physical Ceramics Lab1(1)
Program Elective44(4)
Elective (Area 2/3)3(3)
Total Credits(16)
Second Semester
MSE 3024: Kinetic Processes2(2)
MSE 3134: X-Ray Diffraction4(4)
MSE 3884: MatE. Prof. Dev. II1(1)
MSE 4554: Polymer Engineering3(3)
MSE 4564: Polymer Engineering Lab1(1)
ECE 3054: Electrical Theory3(3)
Elective - (Area 2/3)3(3)
Total Credits(17)
Fourth Year
First Semester
MSE 4055: Mat Select. & Design I3(3)
MSE 4085: Senior Design Project I2(2)
ISE 2014: Engineering Economy2(2)
ISE 2204: Manufacturing Processes2(2)
ISE 2214: Manufacturing Proc. Lab1(1)
Technical Electives6(6)
Total Credits(16)
Second Semester
MSE 4056: Mat. Select. & Design II3(3)
MSE 4086: Senior Design Project II2(2)
MSE 4894: Writing in Materials Engr.50(0)
Technical Electives6(6)
Elective - (Area 7)3(3)
Free Elective4(4)
Total Credits(18)

A total of 133 credit hours are required for graduation.

There are no hidden prerequisites in this program of study.

Notes:

1 Students may substitute MATH 2214 (3 credits) and MATH 4564 (3 credits) for MATH 4544 (5 credits).

2 Transfer students from another department or university may substitute MSE 2034 for MSE 2044.

3 Students may substitute other available structured programming electives for EF 2324 with written departmental approval.

4 Students are required to take either (a) or (b) below. Choice (a) is for students with a general interest and for those wishing to emphasize ceramics, metals, or polymers. Choice (b) is for those wishing to emphasize electronic, magnetic, and photonic materials.

(a) MSE 3054 Mechanical Behavior (2 credits), and MSE 3064 Mechanical Behavior Lab (1 credit), and MSE 4354 Strength and Fracture (1 credit).

(b) MSE 3255 Quantum and Solid State Physics (4 credits).

5 MSE 4894 fully satisfies the Writing Intensive requirement as being equivalent to 6 credit hours of WI instruction.

Progress towards the Degree

In addition to University policy, a student must pass MSE 2044, 2884, 3304, and 3314 with a collective GPA of at least 2.0 in order to demonstrate satisfactory progress toward a degree. Students failing to meet this requirement must repeat a sufficient number of the courses with grades below C before they will be permitted to take any other courses in the major. For graduation, a student must maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 and a GPA of 2.0 in all MSE courses.

Undergraduate Courses (MSE)

1004: MATERIALS IN TODAY'S WORLD

An introductory course designed for the student with a basic high school science background who wishes to understand and learn about the exciting materials developments which are affecting us all in today's world. The course will introduce the structures and properties of metals, ceramics, polymers (plastics), composites, and materials for electronic and optical applications. Students will also gain an appreciation for the processing and design limitations of materials used in everyday applications. (1H,1C).

2034: ELEMENTS OF MATERIALS ENGINEERING

This course is designed to introduce the non-MSE student to the structures and properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the processing and design limitations of these materials, as well as being introduced to new classes of materials being developed to meet the ever expanding range of material requirements. Non-MSE majors only. Pre: CHEM 1036. Co: ESM 2004, PHYS 2175. (3H,3C).

2044: FUNDAMENTALS OF MATERIALS ENGINEERING

This course is designed to introduce the MSE major to the structures and properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and electronic materials. Students will also gain an understanding of the processing and design limitations of materials. Topics fundamental to the further study of materials, such as crystal structures, phase diagrams, and materials design and processing will be emphasized as foundations for future MSE courses. Pre: CHEM 1074. Co: PHYS 2305. (3H,3C).

2224 (ECE 2224): INTRODUCTION TO SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING LABORATORY

Course covers the processing of silicon wafers using oxidation, dopant diffusion, photolithography, chemical etching, and physical vapor deposition to create simple capacitors, PN junction diodes, and transistors. Devices are characterized for electrical performance. Introduction to process yield and reliability. Pre: CHEM 1074, PHYS 2306. (3L,1C).

2884: MATERIALS ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT I

Library engineering research skills, technical computer graphics, basic engineering workplace communication skills, basic engineering teamwork skills, introduction to engineering ethics, resumes and letters of introduction, gender issues in the workplace, professional poster presentations, and engineering public speaking. Pre: MSE major, sophomore status. (3L,1C).

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY

Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY

Variable credit course.

2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Variable credit course.

3024: KINETIC PROCESSES

Introduces thermally activated processes. A foundation in kinetic processes for further study in materials related classes. Topics include continuum and atomistic diffusion, crystal growth, solidification, nucleation, growth, and overall transformation kinetics. (2H,2C) I.

3034: TRANSPORT PROCESSES

This course is designed to introduce engineering undergraduates to both analytical and computer-based methods to analyze problems associated with fluid flow (momentum transport) and heat transfer (energy transport) applied with respect to materials conveyance. Pre: (2034 or 2044), (MATH 4544 or MATH 2214), MATH 4564. (2H,2C).

3054 (ESM 3054): MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS

Mechanical properties and behavior of engineering materials subjected to static, dynamic, creep, and fatigue loads under environments and stress states typical of service conditions; biaxial theories of failure; behavior of cracked bodies; microstructure-property relationships and design methodologies for homogeneous and composite materials. Pre: ESM 2204. (2H,2C).

3064 (ESM 3064): MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS LABORATORY

Laboratory experiments on mechanical properties and behavior of homogenous and composite engineering materials subjected to static, dynamic, creep, and fatigue loads; behavior of cracked bodies; microstructure-property relationships and design methodologies. Co: 3054. (3L,1C).

3094: MATERIALS & MANUFACTURING FOR AERO & OCEAN ENGINEERS

This course introduces the student of aerospace and/or ocean engineering to the fundamental properties of materials typically required for structural design. The performance characteristics of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites are presented and contrasted. Foundation principles underlying materials manufacturing are also presented with the goal of providing an understanding of how processing affects material properties and performance. Pre: CHEM 1074. Co: ESM 2204, PHYS 2305. (3H,3C).

3104 (GEOL 3504): MINERALOGY

Principles of modern mineralogy, crystal chemistry, and crystallography, with emphasis on mineral atomic structure and physical property relationships, mineralogy in the context of geology, geochemistry, environmental science and geophysics, phase equilibria, mineral associations, and mineral identification, and industrial applications of minerals. There are three required field trips during the semester. Pre: CHEM 1036, MATH 1016. (2H,3L,3C).

3124 (GEOL 3524): OPTICAL MINERALOGY

Principles of color and the behavior of light in crystalline materials; use of the petrographic microscope in the identification of minerals using optical techniques. Pre: GEOL 1004. (3L,1C).

3134: INTRODUCTION TO SYMMETRY & X-RAY POWDER DIFFRACTION

Introduction to point group and space group symmetry; analysis of X-ray spectra and powder diffraction patterns of materials; intensive application of computer software for generating diffraction patterns; laboratory experiments on collection and analysis of powder diffraction data. Partially duplicates 4134. Not available to students who have credit for 4134. Pre: (2034 or 2044). Co: MATH 4544. (3H,3L,4C).

3255-3256 (PHYS 3455-3456): FOUNDATIONS OF QUANTUM & SOLID STATE PHYSICS

Topics in quantum and solid state physics with applications to engineering materials and devices. 3455: wave-particle duality; Schrodinger wave equation; atoms and molecules; crystal structures; x-ray and neutron diffraction; energy band theory, electrical and thermal transport properties of metals, insulators, and semiconductors. 3456: electrical properties of semiconductors and nanostructured materials; semiconductor-metal junctions; optical properties of semiconductors and semiconductor heterojunctions; semiconductor LEDs and LASERs; properties and applications of magnetic materials. Pre: CHEM 1035, PHYS 2306. Co: MATH 2214. (3H,3L,4C).

3304: PHYSICAL METALLURGY

Deformation of crystalline solids and its relationship to crystal structure and crystal defects: crystal structures of metals, dislocations and plastic deformation, vacancies, recovery, recrystallization, grain growth, deformation twinning and martensite. Pre: MSE 2034 or MSE 2044. (3H3C).

3314: PHYSICAL METALLURGY LABORATORY

Experiments in optical metallography, mechanical testing, solidification, and fracture of metals. Investigations of cold working and annealing processes. Co: 3304 (3L,1C).

3424: CRYSTAL CHEMISTRY & PHASE EQUILIBRIA

Basic crystal chemical principles in multicomponent inorganic materials. Interpretation of one, two, and three component phase diagrams. Interrelationships between crystal chemistry, phase equilibria, microstructure, and properties of materials. Pre: 2034 or 2044. (3H,3C).

3884: MATERIALS ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT II

Public speaking and workplace communications for materials engineers, business writing for the engineering workplace, teamwork skills, engineering ethics, collaborative writing, engineering management skills, and gender issues in the workplace. Extends the basic treatment of these topics given in MSE 2884. Pre: MSE major, junior status, MSE 2884. (3L,1C).

4034: THERMODYNAMICS OF MATERIALS SYSTEMS

Topics in thermodynamics on the solution of materials selection and design related problems such as materials stability at high temperatures and in corrosive chemical environments. Thermodynamic principles important in controlling equilibrium in single component systems and multicomponent solid solutions and in establishing the thermodynamic driving force in kinetic processes which are important in materials processing unit operations. Estimation of thermodynamic properties and equilibrium calculations in multicomponent and multiphase systems. Pre: CHEM 3615. (3H,3C).

4055-4056: MATERIALS SELECTION & DESIGN I, II

4055: Selection of materials for engineering systems, based on constitutive analyses of functional requirements and material properties. 4056: The role and implications of processing on material selection. Pre:for 4055:2034 or 2044 or 3094, ESM 2204; for 4056: 3034, ISE 2204, ISE 2214. (3H,3C).

4064 (ME 4704): TRIBOLOGY

Basic principles of tribologythe study of friction, wear, and lubricationincluding the importance of materials, surfaces, design, operating conditions, environment, and lubrication on friction, wear, and surface damage in any system. Application of tribological theories, concepts, techniques, and approaches to design, research, development, evaluation, and problem-solving. Pre: 2034, ME 3404. (3H,3C) I.

4085-4086: SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT

A two-semester sequence where the student selects and completes a project involving the design of a process, material, or technique for solving the significant materials problem. Each project is completed individually under the direct supervision of a faculty member. This is the capstone course leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering. Students may begin project in spring of junior year with permission of instructor. Oral and written reports are required each semester. Pre: (2094, 3024, 3034, 3305, 3306, 3424, 4034, 4215) or (4554, 4564). (6L,2C).

4095,4096: HONORS SENIOR PROJECT

A two-semester sequence where the student selects and completes a project involving the design of a process, material, or technique for solving a significant materials problem. Work content and level is consistent with that expected of honors students. This is the capstone course leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering. Students may begin project in spring of junior year with permission of instructor. Restricted to Honors students. Pre: (2094, 3024, 3034, 3305, 3306, 3424, 4034, 4215) or (4554, 4564). (9L,3C).

4124: EXTRACTIVE PROCESSES

Principles of various industrial processes of upgrading minerals from ores, extracting metals from ores and mineral concentrates by pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and electrochemical methods; and refining metals and producing alloys by various methods. Pre: 4034 or CHEM 3615. (3H,3C).

4154 (ESM 4154): NONDESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION OF MATERIALS

Concepts and methods of nondestructive evaluation of materials. Discussion of techniques and mathematical bases for methods involving mechanical, optical, thermal, and electromagnetic phenomena; design for inspectability; technique selection criteria; information processing and handling; materials response; laboratory. Pre: (3354 or ESM 3054), (MSE 3364 or ESM 3064), (PHYS 2305. PHYS 2306). (2H,3L,3C) II.

4164 (MINE 4164): PRINCIPLES OF MATERIALS CORROSION

Introduction to the scientific principles of materials corrosion and corrosion protection. Topics include: thermodynamics of materials corrosion, including potential- PH (Pourbaix) diagrams, kinetics of corrosion reactions and mixed potential theory, types of corrosion (uniform, galvanic, crevice, pitting, fatigue, stress corrosion cracking, intergranular, and hydrogen embrittlement), material/environmental factors that promote or prevent the various types of corrosion, and methods and techniques of corrosion testing. Co: 4034 or ME 3105 or ME 3114. Pre: CHEM 1036. (3H,3C) I.

4234 (ECE 4234): SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING

Manufacturing practices used in silicon integrated circuit fabrication and the underlying scientific basis for these process technologies. Physical models are developed to explain basic fabrication steps, such as substrate growth, thermal oxidation, dopant diffusion, ion implantation, thin film deposition, etching, and lithography. The overall CMOS integrated circuit process flow is described within the context of these physical models. Pre: 2224, (ECE 2204 or ECE 3054). (3H,3C) I.

4235-4236 (ECE 4235-4236): PRINCIPLES OF ELECTRONIC PACKAGING

This two-course sequence covers principles and analyses for design and manufacture of electronic packages. 4235: design issues such as electrical, electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical, and thermomechanical, are covered at the lower levels of packaging hierarchy. Materials and process selection guidelines are discussed for the manufacturing and reliability of chip carriers, multichip and hybrid modules. 4236: system-level package design issues for meeting application requirements and modeling tools for analyzing electronic packages are introduced. Materials and process selection guidelines are discussed for the manufacturing and reliability of packaged electronic products. Pre: ECE 2204 or ECE 3254. (3H,3C).

4254: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY OF THIN FILMS

Study of the fundamental properties and microstructure of materials in thin film (thin coating) form, their interaction with the substrate, and their processing techniques. Areas of application to exemplify the interdisciplinary nature of the field, including the electornics, biomedical, military, aerospace, and construction industries. Co: 3255. (3H,3C) 4274 (ECE 4274): ELECTRONIC PACKAGING LABORATORY

A laboratory course on electronic package design, fabrication and processing, and testing. Technologies addressed in the course are thick-film hybrid, thin-film processing, surface mount, wire bonding, and multichip module technologies. Pre: 4235 or ECE 4235. (3L, 1C). II

4304: METALS & ALLOYS

This course covers the production, properties and uses of commercially important metals and alloys. The influence of structure, chemistry, and processing upon the properties of metals is emphasized. Alloy selection is discussed. Mechanical, electrical, thermal and chemical characteristics of ferrous and nonferrous alloys are studied. Pre: (2034 or 2044), (3306), (ESM 3054). (3H,3C).

4354: STRENGTH & FRACTURE

Microstructural origins of strengthening, deformation, and fracture in engineering materials. Pre: 3304. Co: 3054, 3064. (1H,1C).

4414: PHYSICAL CERAMICS

Study of the relationships between the thermo-mechanical properties (strength, toughness, thermal shock, thermal expansion, and thermal conductivity) and structure of ceramics, glasses, and glass-ceramics at the atomic and microscopic level as affected by processing and service environment. Emphasis will be placed on application/design using structural ceramics. Pre: 3024, 3064, 3305, 3306. (3H,3C).

4424: PHYSICAL CERAMICS LAB

Laboratory course on the processing and characterization of the physical properties of ceramic materials. Particular emphasis made on synthesis, densification, thermal analysis, strenght, and microstructure, via the manufacture of a high-tension electrical insulator device. (3L,1C) I.

4434: GLASS & REFRACTORIES

Glass and refractory manufacturing processes, applications and economics. Evaluation of the current theories of the structure of glass, refractories, and high temperature materials. Relation between structure and properties. Glass formers, intermediates, and modifiers. Covers oxide, chalcogenide, polymer, metallic and semi-conductor materials. Pre: 3024, 3424. (3H,3C).

4534 (CHEM 4634): POLYMER & SURFACE CHEMISTRY

Physical chemical fundamentals of polymers and surfaces including adhesives and sealants. Pre: CHEM 3615 or CHEM 4615. (3H,3C) II.

4544 (CHEM 4074): LABORATORY IN POLYMER SCIENCE

Experimental techniques used in the synthesis of various linear polymers, copolymers, and crosslinked networks. Determination of polymer molecular weights and molecular weight distribution. Methods used in the thermal, mechanical, and morphological characterization of polymeric systems. Pre: CHEM 3616, CHEM 4534. (1H,3L,2C) I.

4554: POLYMER ENGINEERING

This course is designed to introduce the student to polymers from the MSE perspective. The basics of polymer synthesis and polymerization will be outlined. The relationship between processing, structure, and properties will be presented with respect to the performance and design requirements of typical polymer applications. Pre: (CHEM 1036), (PHYS 2176 or PHYS 2306). Co: 4034. (3H,3C) II.

4564: POLYMER ENGINEERING LABORATORY

Laboratory experiments exploring the processing-structure-property relationships in polymers and polymer based composites will be performed. Experiments will be conducted in synthesis, melt rheology, crystal structure and mechanical properties of polymers. Effects of reinforcement on the properties of engineering polymers will also be investigated. Co: 4554. (3L,1C).

4574 (ESM 4574): BIOMATERIALS

Lectures and problems dealing with materials used to mimic/ replace body functions. Topics include basic material types and possible functions, tissue response mechanisms, and considerations for long term usage. Integrated design issues of multicomponent materials design in prosthetic devices for hard and soft tissues are discussed. Pre: 3354, (ESM 3054). (3H,3C).

4604: COMPOSITE MATERIALS

The application of the fundamental concepts of mechanics, elasticity, and plasticity to multiphase and composite materials. Constitutive equations for the mechanical and physical properties of metal, ceramic, and polymeric matrix composites. The role of processing and microstructure on properties. Pre: 2034 or 2044 or 3094 and ESM 2204. (3H,3C).

4894: WRITING IN MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

Each student develops a portfolio of writing in various styles from work performed in eight required courses. The completed portfolio meets the writing-intensive requirements of the University Core. Students register for this course in the semester during which their portfolio will be completed. Pre: 2044, 2094, 3044, 3314. Co: 4026, 4215, 4564. (0C).

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY

Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY

Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Variable credit course.

Please see the Graduate Catalog for graduate course listings.


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Virginia Tech -- Undergraduate Catalog, 2002-2004
Last update: August 2002

URL: http://www.vt.edu/academics/ugcat/ucdMSE.html