This project develops the mechanical engineering and technology materials science and failure analysis laboratories. These laboratories are intended to improve the understanding of the fundamentals of materials science and to promote the applications of materials so as to minimize failure and maximize performance. Graduates of this program will meet industries' need for engineers who can design and produce high quality goods more efficiently. New courses are being developed and laboratories integrated into these as well as existing areas. The acquired equipment permits the inclusion of materials specifications, fatigue and fracture analysis. The addition of the Materials Testing System permits a major upgrade of the current curriculum. The acquisition of this state-of-the-art instrument allows students to become familiar with all essential tech- niques needed to design and analyze ways to prevent failures in machine parts. The award is being matched by an equal amount from the principal investigator's institution. //
