MATE 202

Intro to Materials Engineering

Corequisite: CHEM 122

Application of the student's background in physical sciences, mathematics, and computer science to the solution of elementary problems in the materials sciences. Introduction to metallurgical techniques and the science of materials.

MATE 350

Materials Thermodynamics

Prerequisites: MATH 231, CHEM 121, PHYS 121; ES 347 is recommended

The mathematical structure of thermodynamics is developed and elucidated from a transport-process-based perspective. Basic quantities such as heat and temperature are carefully defined. The conserved nature of the First-Law and the non-conserved nature of the Second Law are emphasized. The consequences of the ensuing stability-conditions are explored in the area of phase equilibrium in multicomponent mixtures.

MATE 351

Intro to Polymeric Materials

Prerequisites: MATE 202 or MATE 235, MATH 231 or MATH 335

Basic concepts of polymer science; polymerization reactions and mechanisms, as well as kinetics involved; polymer solutions, molecular-weight determinations, analysis and testing of polymers; structural properties of polymers; properties of commercial polymers; processing of polymers.

MATE 446

Computer Simulation in Materials Science

Syllabus (With Links)

Prerequisite: MATH 231

Computer simulation techniques are introduced and applied to systems of interest to Materials Science. Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics methods are used to explore properties at the atomic level.

MATE 509

Statistical Mechanics of Ideal Gases and Other Simple Materials

Prerequisite: Graduate Standing or consent of instructor

Materials that can be fooled into looking like ideal gases are used to introduce the concepts and methods of statistical mechanics. Topics covered include: gas adsorption, blackbody radiation, superfluidity and superconductivity, blackhole formation, electrical conductivity, the Curie temperature, and the calculation of pi.

MATE 514

Liquid State Theory

Prerequisite: MATE 509, Graduate Standing or consent of instructor

An introduction to the study of many-particle systems and to the techniques of computer simulation. The statistical mechanics of simple liquids and their mixtures, with particular emphasis on the atomic origin of the structure factor and the relationships between atomic-level structure and macroscopic, thermodynamic properties.

MATE 599

Complex Fluids

Prerequisite: Graduate standing or MATE 351 or consent of instructor
Complex fluids are substances that are neither really liquid nor really solid in the classical sense. They include polymers, colloids, emulsions, forms, gels, liquid crystals, surfacants, and other materials that form flowable microstructures. These substances are important in industries producing polymers, such as plastic packaging, colloids, such as paint, foods, such as ketchup, and consumer products, such as toothpaste or shampoo, as well as countless other products in the petroleum, microelectronics, pharmaceutical, and other industries. The microstructure and rheology of these fluids are emphasized.