Topics include absolute reaction rate theory, thermodynamics of irreversible processes, thermodynamics of surfaces and interfaces, nucleation and growth, spinodal decomposition, order-disorder transformations, diffusional transformations, martensitic transformations. This course consists of a study of various physical phenomena observed in solids and the variation of these phenomena with material anisotropy. Emphasis is placed on the materials role in governing the associated properties. This course covers the fundamentals of nucleation and growth as they pertain to solidification and examines a number of solidification processes such as welding, rapid solidification, and conventional casting. This course covers the fundamental aspects of both continuous and discontinuously fiber-reinforced composite materials.
Emphasis is placed on continuous fiber organic matrix composites.
Material characteristics, fabrication aspects, and micromechanical and macromechanical material characteristics are discussed. Topics include the development and utilization of laminated plate theory for determination of material properties and strengths of composite laminates, flat plate design considerations, and fabrication methods and applications. This course is an individually tailored, supervised project that offers research experience through work on a special problem related to each student s field of interest. On completion of this course, a written essay must be submitted. Final approval of the essay will be given by the faculty adviser.