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Materials Engineering Department

The Materials Engineering Department applies advanced materials and analysis technologies to solve problems for clients, and develops new and better materials to enhance the performance of client products. The Department is composed of approximately 75 people, including about 45 scientists and engineers.

  • The Mechanical and Materials Section develops and applies experimental and computational (deterministic and probabilistic) techniques to evaluate and predict the life, performance, and risk of failure of structures, mechanical components, and engineered systems. Key strengths include materials integrity and mechanical characterization, probabilistic mechanics and uncertainty modeling, and biomechanics.

     
  • The Surface Engineering and Materials Chemistry Section focuses on solving client materials problems through bulk and surface modification, process enhancement, and new material development, coupled with specialized testing, characterization, and design of materials.

     
  • The Materials Performance and Characterization Section performs corrosion research and development with strengths in corrosion assessment, corrosion monitoring and sensing, and life prediction modeling. The Section also performs advanced materials characterization and failure analysis for compressor and engine components, aircraft structures, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, piping, and medical devices.

Short Courses

Ben H. Thacker, Ph.D., Director

Division Publications

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Division
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August 15, 2008