Department of Materials Science and Engineering
University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
ENMA 310 Experimental Methods in Materials Science (Materials Laboratory I)-Required
– 3 Credits
Class Schedule:
Lecture: 2145 CHE, Tues., 2- 3:15PM.
Laboratory: Undergrad Materials Laboratory, Kim Bldg, Room 1135, MW 9AM - 12 noon.
Instructor: Prof. Luz J. Martínez-Miranda
Textbook: Faculty notes and written instructions on how to do the experiments. Laboratory
instructions from last year are available at bb.eng.umd.edu (blackboard). Notes available in PPT
or PDF (please note that the instructor reserves the right to add any notes that she feels may
clarify some of the points given during class – these may or may not be added to the PPT or
PDF).
Catalog and Course Description: Introduction to experimental methods in materials
characterization; diffraction and scattering (X-ray, TEM, optical, DLS); scanning techniques
(SEM, AFM); optical microscopy; vibrational spectroscopy.
Pre-requisite: ENMA 300; Co-requisite: ENMA 460
Course Goals: At the end of this course, the student should be able to 1. Describe a variety of
experimental methods and tell in general what are they good for (see 3); 2. Identify what
materials' properties a particular method probes; 3. Identify the most appropriate method or
methods to probe specific materials characteristics. Be able to design experiments, based on this
knowledge. 4. Identify the limitations of a specific characterization method. 5. Understand how
different characterization methods complement each other. 6. Become familiar with modern
methods of materials characterization, similar to those encountered in industrial and government
laboratory and testing facilities. 7. Be able to communicate effectively their results and findings
through reports and orally. This course is a required junior level course in Materials Science and
Engineering. Its purpose is to allow the students to become familiar with characterization
methods and data analysis techniques, through a combination of hands-on experience,
measurement demonstration and data analysis
Student Outcomes covered by the course:
ABET A: Ability to apply mathematics, science and engineering principles;
ABET B: Ability to design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data.
ABET C: Ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs.
ABET D: Ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
ABET E: Ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems.
ABET G: Ability to communicate effectively;
ABET I: Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
ABET J: Knowledge of contemporary issues
ABET K: Ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for
engineering practice
Topics covered:
I. Introduction
II. Safety issues: radiation training - required –– required to complete the x-ray diffraction
Radiation Office.
III. Diffraction
1. Diffraction - General (Prof. Martínez-Miranda; Prof. Salamanca-Riba, Prof. Oded Rabin)
2. Light Scattering (Prof. Martínez-Miranda, Prof. Oded Rabin)
3. X- ray diffraction and Scattering (Prof. Martínez-Miranda)
4. TEM (Prof. Salamanca-Riba)
IV. Surface Probe Techniques
1. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) –(Prof. I. Lloyd)
2. Quantitative metallography – observation of grain size; comparison of grains between a
ceramic and a metal
3. Surface microscope probes: AFM (TBA) - (Prof. L. J. Martínez-Miranda) –
AFM/nanoindenter
V. Vibrational Spectroscopy – Demonstration experiment
1. Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) (Prof. M. Al-Sheikly)
VI. Optical Microscopy:
1. Optical microscopy observation: (Prof. Martínez-Miranda; Prof. R. Briber)
2. Ellipsometry (Prof. R. Briber, Prof. L. J. Martínez-Miranda)