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Textbook:: Manual with Each Individual Experiment
References: (Numerous reference texts and Handbooks are on reserve in Grainger Engineering Library)
Catalog Description, Prerequisites and Schedule:
Laboratory course to be taken simultaneously with or following MatSE 301 and MatSE 305. Experiments using optical and scanning electron microscopy and various thermal and thermodynamic measuring techniques. Introduction to use of laboratory test instruments. Prerequisite: Completion of campus Composition I requirement; credit or concurrent registration in MATSE 301, and MATSE 305, and I E 230. 3 hours. 2lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours/week
Course Topics:
1. Introduction to Basic Laboratory Instruments
2. Metallography using Optical Microscopy
3. Scanning Calorimetry and Determination of the Pb-Sn
Phase Diagram using Cooling Curve Technique
4. Thermomechanical Analysis
5. Thermogravimetric Analysis
6. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
7. Scanning Electron Microscopy
8. Thin Film Deposition and Characterization
Course Objectives:
The overall objective of the course is to give the students
hands-on experience with (1) experimental techniques (2) data
analysis and (3) journal-quality report writing. Small groups
of about 5 to 6 students participate as teams in each laboratory
session with the reports prepared "independently The specific
objectives are given below with respect to each experiment.
1. Introduction to Basic Laboratory Instruments: Introduction
to the use of voltmeters, oscilloscopes, scales for mass, micrometers
for length. Challenge: Given an unknown metal wire identify
the material using volume/weight (density) measurements.
2. Metallography using Optical Microscopy: Learning the metallurgical
sample preparation techniques: cutting, mounting, grinding and
polishing. Characterization of microstructure using optical microscope.
3. Scanning Calorimetry and Determination of the Pb-Sn Phase Diagram
using Cooling Curve Technique: To obtain the melting point and
the heat of fusion for two metals elements. Using cooling curves
of both the calorimeter and another heating apparatus the students
obtain a eutectic phase diagram.
4. Thermomechanical Analysis: Measure the coefficient of thermal
expansion for two known elemental metals and several specialty
alloys. Determine the expansion behavior and softening point of
glass
5. Thermogravimetric Analysis: Determine the stoichiometric relationship
for the decomposition of hydrated calcium oxalate.
6. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): Introduction
to spectroscopy techniques using a variety of organic specimens
such as polystyrene.
7. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): Growth of Cu films using
electroplating techniques. Confirm Faraday's law relating the
material deposited and the product of current and time. Learning
the SEM sample preparation techniques, principles of SEM operation,
examination of various samples under different SEM conditions
and capture of good SEM micrographs.
8. Thin Film Deposition and Characterization: Students thermally
evaporate (100 to 500 angstrom) two different metals (Au and Al)
during two different deposition sessions using a state of the
art deposition system (base pressure of 1E-8 Torr). Students characterize
the samples using resistivity and optical reflectance/transmission
measurements using He-Ne laser. Adhesion of the thin films is
also tested.
Course Outcomes:
1. Ability to prepare quality (composition and technical) laboratory
reports describing the results of experiments
2. Ability to operate the equipment used for the experiments and
interpret the data obtained.
Assessment Tools:
1. Four full, journal type laboratory reports: 10 pages of formal
text exclusive of figures. The goal of these reports is to assess
the student's composition ability as well as technical understanding.
2. After the first lab report has been graded a one-on-one meeting
(1/2 hour) is held with each student to assess the students composition
skills
3. Three executive summary reports are prepared on the other laboratory
experiments. Each report is typically 5 pages including figures.
4. A final oral presentation, followed by a questioning period,
is given by each student about their last laboratory experiment.
Contribution of Course to Meeting the Professional Component:
100%
Prepared by:
Leslie Allen and Raju Perecherla, December, 2000