332: Mechanical Behavior of Solids
Plastic deformation and fracture of metals, ceramics, and polymeric materials; structure/property relations. Role of imperfections, state of stress, temperatures, strain rate. Lectures, laboratory. Prerequisites: 316 1; 316 2 (may be taken concurrently).
At the conclusion of the course students will be able to:
- Apply basic concepts of linear elasticity, including multiaxial stress-strain relationships through elastic constants for single and polycrystals.
- Quantify the different strengthening mechanisms in crystalline materials, based on interactions between dislocations and obstacles, such as: point defect (solid solution strengthening), dislocations (work hardening), grain boundaries (boundary strengthening) and particles (precipitation and dispersion strengthening).
- Apply fracture mechanics concepts to determine quantitatively when existing cracks in a material will grow.
- Describe how composite toughening mechanisms operate in ceramic matrix and polymer matrix composties.
- Derive simple relationships for the composite stiffness and strength based on those of the constituent phases.
- Exhibit a quantitative understanding of high temperature deformation in metals and ceramics, based on various creep mechanisms relate to diffusional and dislocation flow (Coble, Nabarro-Herring and Dislocation creep/climb mechanisms).
- Exhibit a basic understanding of factors affecting fatigue in engineering materials, as related to crack nucleation and propagation, as well as their connection to macroscopic fatigue phenomena.
- Describe the interplay between surface phenomena (environmental attack) and stresses leading to material embrittlement.
- Use the finite element method to calculate the stress and strain states for simple test cases, including a cantilever beam and a material with a circulat hole that is placed in tension.
- Use complex moduli to solve mechanics problems involving an oscillatory stress.
- Prepare and characterize specimens for measurement of mechanical properties.
- Write results from a laboratory project in the form of a journal article, and present their work orally as would be required in a technical forum.
- Select materials based on design requirements.