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| Materials Science and Engineering
Chair David J. Duquette Progress in modern technology is often limited by the availability of suitable solid materials. The materials engineer must produce materials to meet the demands of the designers of jet engines and rocket boosters, microelectronic devices, optical components, medical prostheses, and many other products. The principles that govern the processing and structure of materials to produce optimum mechanical and physical properties and performance are embodied in the materials engineering curriculum. The program is designed to produce engineers and scientists whose degrees represent useful specialization coupled with a broad background in all classes of materials. Undergraduate students who wish to extend their education can undertake specialized study in a range of fields, including research in ceramics, polymers, composites, nanostructured materials, high-temperature alloys, solidification, corrosion, deformation processing, welding, high-strength high-modulus materials, biomaterials, electron optics, surface and molecular kinetics, glass science, and the origin of mechanical and physical properties in many different types of materials. Graduate students, in addition to classroom courses, conduct research in a variety of areas described below and write theses based on this research. Extensive laboratories containing modern and sophisticated equipment are available. For the student who likes to innovate and who wants to apply knowledge to the real problems of a modern technological society, materials science and engineering provides a broad range of exciting opportunities. Areas of Advanced Research and Study The major current research thrusts are in materials processing, materials for microelectronic systems, glasses and ceramics, nanostructured materials, and high-performance composite materials. These initiatives are supported by research in materials characterization and properties. In the materials processing area, major research programs include fundamental studies of solidification process and the effect of solidification under reduced gravity on the formation of dendritic structures, and practically oriented programs in the extrusion processing of aluminum alloys. In the latter program, studies of the complex interactions among stress, strain rate, and temperature during forming processes have made it possible to apply advanced software models to the control of metalworking operations. Studies of powder processing have made possible the extrusion processing of composite materials, while research on joining processes has led to synergistic coupling of adhesive bonding and spot welding technology in automotive sheet metal fabrication. New efforts on the synthesis, processing and properties of nanostructured materials are expanding the capabilities of materials engineering and nanotechnology into areas including ceramics, metals, polymers, composites, and biomaterials. Novel applications of carbon nanotubes for device and chemical applications are being investigated along with chemical, electrical, and mechanical isolation engineering using nanocomposites. Research in materials for microelectronic systems concentrates on the problems associated with the interconnections between integrated circuit elements. This includes the growth of thin films of metals and both polymer and ceramic dielectric materials, the patterning and etching processes necessary for the fabrication of multilayer devices, and the planarization processes necessary for successful device fabrication. Of special note is our program in microelectronics packaging, which addresses the mechanical, electronic, and thermal aspects of device design and fabrication. In the glass area, research efforts focus on the factors influencing the useful lifetime of glass components and the effect of environments, especially aqueous environments, on glass failure. In addition to the conventional applications such as windows and bottles, glasses are used as optical components such as optical communication fibers. Specifically, variation of the glass surface structure with time and its influence on glass properties are being investigated. Another emphasis is the development of non-oxide glasses, primarily those based on fluorides, as the transmitting medium in optical fibers for communications purposes. Composite materials are utilized in industrial and consumer products due to their exceptional stiffness and strength to weight ratios. Applications of composites in the construction industry, such as steel bridge repairs using graphite-epoxy composites, are growing rapidly, while next generation conceptual plans for hybrid electric vehicles call for the use of ceramic composite components for gas turbine engines and thermal recuperators. Composites research activities at Rensselaer include ceramic, metallic, and polymer matrix composites, micromechanics and modeling of both fabrication processes and materials properties, design with new materials, synthesis of new matrix materials, and all aspects of the fabrication and characterization of composites and composite structures. Of special note is the Sailplane Program, in which students have designed, fabricated, and tested an all-composite glider, which has now been flying for over seven years. A new project, the composite hybrid electric vehicle, was initiated two years ago and offers numerous opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate participation. Faculty Professors Duquette, D. J. Ph.D. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); environmental and surface effects on the mechanical behavior of metals; corrosion; stress corrosion fatigue; (Department Head). Associate Professors Ajayan, P.M. Ph.D. (Northwestern University); synthesis, structure, and properties of carbon-based nanostructures and nanocomposites; phase transitions in nanoscale materials; electron microscopy. Research Professors Doremus, R.H. Ph.D. (University of Cambridge), Ph.D. (University of Illinois); glass science; sintering of ceramics; bone implant materials; reactions in fused salts; crystallization; diffusion; optical properties of metals; (New York State Science and Technology Foundation Professor of Glass and Ceramics Science). Emeritus Faculty Chung, C.I. Ph.D. (Rutgers University); polymer processing; polymer melt rheology; relaxation behavior in polymer solids. Manager of Electron Microscopy Facilities Manager of Instructional Laboratories Manager of Metallographic Facilities Undergraduate Program Curriculum The four-year curriculum for all materials engineering students is as follows:
1. This course will be fulfilled from a published list at the start of each semester. The required courses listed above provide the student with a broad background in Materials Science and Engineering with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering.
Minimum Credit Hours This curriculum requires a minimum of 128 credit hours and completion of the course requirements listed above. Minor in Materials Science and Engineering Students not majoring in materials science and engineering may receive a minor in materials science and engineering by completing fifteen credit hours selected from the courses in the department, i.e. those with MTLE designation. Master of Science Twenty-four credits of course work are required, with at least 18 credits in materials courses. Three credits each are required in the areas of thermodynamics and kinetics, structure, and mechanical properties. Students who have not taken courses equivalent to undergraduate work at Rensselaer in X-ray diffraction, thermodynamics, mechanical properties, and their area of specialization must take graduate courses in these areas. Six credits of research work leading to an M.S. thesis are also required. Master of Engineering Thirty credits of course work beyond the bachelor’s degree are required, with at least 21 credits in materials courses. These must include one course each in the structure and defects, thermodynamics and kinetics, and mechanical properties areas. A capstone independent study project is also required. Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering A minimum of 45 credits in course work is required. In addition to the course requirements for the Master of Science degree, a minor of nine credits in a subject area outside the materials department is required. The student must pass an oral preliminary examination and an oral candidacy examination, as well as the final examination on the Ph.D. thesis. Area course requirements may be satisfied by taking one course from each of the following three groups:
Courses Courses in Materials Science and Engineering are listed in this catalog under the department letters MTLE. |
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