Undergraduate Degrees

Ferrous Physical Metallurgy Concentration

The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science is offering a Ferrous Physical Metallurgy (FPM) concentration to students in the materials science & engineering, mechancial engineering and engineering physics programs. Twelve units are required to complete the concentration. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required for students to participate and students must obtain a GPA of at least 2.5 for the courses taken.

Background

The need for an area of concentration in ferrous physical metallurgy is a response to the changes incurred by the steel industry around the world. The most pressing future challenge to the steel industry is the impending absence of expertise in ferrous physical metallurgy. An estimated 1,000+ engineers with knowledge in steels will be needed in the North American Steel Industry over the upcoming years. This concentration represents a significant opportunity to educate and prepare future engineers.

To meet these and other future challenges, the industry needs to employ resources who possess an education, training and knowledge in physical metallurgy with special emphasis in ferrous physical metallurgy. The goal of this concentration is to provide a strong educational and training program focused on the use of physical metallurgy, advanced alloy design philosophies and modern thermomechanical processing strategies for the enhanced design and manufacture of high-performance steels.

Requirements

For a background in physical metallurgy, the following four courses are required for the FPM concentration:

• MEMS 1010: Experimental Methods in Materials Science and Engineering (3 units) Pre-req: ENGR 0022.
• MEMS 1101: Ferrous Physical Metallurgy (3 units)
      Pre-reqs: ENGR 0022, MEMS 0051, MEMS 1010.
• MEMS 1102: Principles and Applications of Steel Alloy Design (3 units) Pre-req: MEMS 1101.
• MEMS 1103: Principles and Applications of Steel Processing Design (3 units) Pre-req: 1102.

MEMS 1010 is a required course in the materials science curricula. In the mechanical engineering curricula, MEMS 1010 would statisfy the engineering elective. The remaining three courses would satifsfy technical elective requirements in both curriculums.

Course Descriptions

MEMS 1010: Experimental Methods in Materials Science and Engineering (3 units)
This laboratory will give the student practical experience of the experimental methods used in modern materials science and engineering.  The first set of experiments will introduce the common methods for analyzing material structure including: optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).  The second part of the course will concentrate on methods used to measure material properties such as the tensile test, hardness test, impact testing as well as electrical and magnetic property measurement methods. PRE-REQ: ENGR 0022.

MEMS 1101: Ferrous Physical Metallurgy (3 units)
This course will introduce the students to the thermomechanical processing of austenite in plain carbon, high strength low alloy steels, high formability sheet steels and high alloy and special steels. The course will also present the use of hot rolling as a thermomechanical treatment. The importance of thermomechanical treatment, microstructural control and mechanical properties will be presented. PRE-REQs: ENGR 0022, MEMS 0051 and MEMS 1010.

MEMS 1102: Principles and Applications of Steel Alloy Design (3 units)
This course will present the students with a discussion of the properties that are required of engineering alloys for a given commercial application. The alloy design, thermomechanical processing and required package of mechanical properties for plate, strip, bar, rod, wire and tubular products will be reviewed. These include: strenth, toughness, formability, weldability, fatigue resistance and corrosion/oxidation resistance. PRE-REQ: MEMS 1101.

MEMS 1103: Principles and Applications of Steel Processing Design (3 units)
This course will present case studies of actual components used in commercial applications in the automotive, construction, oil and gas and nuclear industries. This course will guide the student from the alloy selection, microstructural processing, mechancial properties to the final fabrication steps. PRE-REQ: MEMS 1102.

Timeline

First Year
Summer Term after Sophomore year	Fall Term (Fifth term)	Spring Term  (Sixth term)
Internship	MEMS 1010	MEMS 1101

Second Year
Summer Term after Junior year	Fall Term (Seventh term)	Spring Term (Eighth term)
Internship	MEMS 1102	MEMS 1103

benefits of enrollment

• Summer internships at sponsoring companies.
• Part-time, paid employment during the academic year (optional).
• Inside track for employment upon graduation.
• Lucrative fellowhips for those who qualify.

enrollment

Students considering enrolling in the ferrous physical metallurgy concentration are encouraged to declare during their sophomore year. Only six internships per summer will be available on a first come, first serve basis. To declare, please complete the FPM enrollment form (PDF) and submit to the undergraduate administrator in room 648 Benedum Hall.

Questions

Inquires regarding the concentration in ferrous phycical metallurgy can be directed to:

Dr. Anthony J. DeArdo
730 BENDM
(412) 624-9737

Dr. C. Issac Garcia
836 BENDM
(412) 624-9731

 

Special Academic Opportunities

Minor in Materials Science & Engineering

Minor in Mechanical Engineering

Undergraduate Certificate in Nuclear Engineering

Concentration in Ferrous Physical Metallurgy