MSE 2803: Historical Development of Engineering Materials
Summer 2016
Georgia Tech Lorraine
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Tom Sanders
tom.sanders@mse.gatech.edu
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS CLASS?
This course is designed as an engineering elective for those students who are
interested in the historical development of materials and the role they played in
society. The primary focus will be on metals, ceramics and oxide glasses.
LECTURES:
The lectures follow the material presented in the text and on the power point slides
on T-Square.
CLASS ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is necessary to successfully complete this class with a good grade. The
material comes fast and we will cover many different concepts in each chapter.
You are required to attend class and attendance will be taken; you can miss a total
of three classes. For each unexcused absence over three classes I will dock you 5
points on your final grade. Before planning your travels please make certain you
check your academic schedules. Missing a train is not considered an excused
absence nor is missing a class to catch a train.
PROJECT:
There will be one group project that will be presented prior to dead week. The
assignment of the topics and the groups will be made at the start of the semester.
EXAMINATIONS:
There will be three in-class, closed book examinations during the semester, and a
comprehensive final exam given during final week. If there is a legitimate excuse
for missing an examination it must be communicated first to Professor Voss and if
he approves he will inform me. The final exam will be given during the scheduled
exam period.
GRADE:
Your final grade will be computed based upon your performance on the in-class
exams and daily quizzes scaled according to the following proportions:
Examination 1 20%
Examination 2 20%
Examination 320%
Group Project
20%
Final20%
CATALOG DATA for MSE 2803:
Credits 3 (3-0-3).
Prerequisites: None
Description: A historical development of materials will be presented that focuses
on the development and uses of metals and alloys in engineering materials. The
area between Metz and Nancy, France had the raw materials necessary to produce
wrought iron. The material mined and processed in this part of France was used in
the construction of the Eiffel Tower. Because of the revolutionary design ot this
structure it will be a center point for this class. The development and
implementation of ceramic materials will also be covered from an historical
perspective. Furthermore, because of the importance of Italy and France in the
development of oxide glasses and their use in cathedrals throughout Europe the
optical properties of glass will ne emphasized.
Textbook: To be determined.
GOALS:
Because of the location of GTL and the development of many different materials
and structure design this course should augment your travels in Europe.
CORE TOPICS:
1. Time line for the development and utilization of metals and alloys
beginning in 9000BC and going through the 20th century.
2. Discussion of the techniques of metal extraction from the ores and how the
stability of the ore can be related to when the metal was first synthesized.
3. Development of ceramic materials and processes to refine the materials.
4. The development of glass and the optical properties of glass.
5. The integration of design and materials to constructing modern engineering
materials.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
I expect all students in this class to respect the Georgia Tech honor code and
behave in a professional manner. Engineers have a responsibility to the public who
ultimately will use the products of their intellectual creations. Any students
violating the honor code will be turned over to the office of Academic
Integrity, Dean of Students to investigate the incident(s).