9624698 Zavaliangos The objective of this CAREER development award are to study the mechanics of densification and the development of residual stresses in heterogeneous powder mixtures. Emphasis will be placed on the design and manufacture of functionally gradient materials which constitute a new class of composites that allow spatial optimization of properties because they are characterized by a significant variation in composition across a composite. Beyond instructional activities of course and laboratory development and outreach activities, the educational plan involves the development of interactive, media rich computer- aided instruction modules for materials engineering courses. In addition, it is also intended to establish prototype paradigms of experimental facilities that can be remotely controlled over a computer network. ***
