This project expands this institution's already existing materials program to include state-or-the-art nondestructive evaluation of materials and manufactured components. The equipment incorporated into the lab includes: a scanning laser acoustic microscope, acoustic emission analysis system, image analysis system and eddy current test device. These computer interfaced devices are used to evaluate both metallic and non-metallic materials. Students using the enhanced materials lab are able to experiment with: material identification, flaw detection, flaw size determination, semiconductor continuity, sintering efficiency, debonding of composites, fatigue crack propagation, martensitic transformations, weld flaw detection and characterization of hydrogen damage. This award is being matched by an equal sum from the grantee.
