The laboratory component of a materials course within an associate degree engineering technology program is being enhanced in two areas of study: effects of operating conditions on materials and the effect of tempering on the properties of steel. The enhancements are being provided by adding a new impact tester, and expanding the heat treating and sample preparation capabilities. In addition to the standard impact test (energy vs. temperature), students study the effect of tempering temperature on steel, and the effect of overaging on precipitation hardening aluminum alloys. This equipment also is being used to demonstrate the effects of thermal damage during grinding operations for the non-credit Grinding Technology program run by Waterbury State Technical College in conjunction with the Grinding Research Center of the University of Connecticut.
