Ceramics as a class of materials composed of inorganic, nonmetallic components. Development, utilization, and control of properties of ceramic materials.

Properties of metals and alloys. Transformations and their consequences in practical systems.

Deformation and fracture of metals, ceramics, and polymers. Materials for applications at high temperatures, corrosive environments, high strengths, and light weights. Prepares students to select materials for certain engineering functions.

Exploration of a problem, or problems, in depth. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor(s) and the department.

Theoretical concepts that describe the electronic structure of crystals. Models of electron and ion interactions to correlate electronic, magnetic, and thermal properties of metals, alloys, and compounds.

Diffusion mechanisms, diffusion equations and their methods of solution.

Determination of defects in structural materials. Nondestructive inspection methods include noise emission techniques, X-ray radiography, leak detectors, ultrasonics, magnetic and electrical methods.

Kinematic theory of X-ray diffraction and its applications in materials science. Experimental methods. Integrated intensity, line broadening, and peak shift analyses. Crystal structure. X-ray effects of imperfections in crystals.