Nov 27, 2024

2016-2017 SDSM&T Academic Catalog

2016-2017 SDSM&T Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Materials Engineering and Science, Ph.D.

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Contact Information

Dr. Jon J. Kellar
Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
Mineral Industries 112
(605) 394-2343
E-mail: Jon.Kellar@sdsmt.edu

Advisory Council

Advisory Council members are from the Departments of Metallurgical Engineering, Physics, and Chemistry.

Materials Engineering and Science

The doctor of philosophy program in materials engineering and science (MES) offers a student the opportunity to expand his/her knowledge and understanding of the science and technology of materials production, behavior, and applications. The student will undertake multidisciplinary approaches, combining the basic elements of both engineering and science, to the solution of materials-related problems. Because such problems are found in every science and engineering discipline, the degree applicant has considerable flexibility in the selection of the department in which to pursue dissertation research, within the confines of the applicant’s academic preparation and interests. Candidates will study either a science or engineering emphasis within the MES Ph.D. program. For example, research emphasis may be placed on improving processes for the production of metallic, polymeric, ceramic, or other structural or electronic materials. Alternatively, the degree candidate may investigate mechanisms for improving material properties, which in turn, could lead to new or better applications. Classroom and individualized instruction will provide the necessary theory to complement such creative activities.

Example areas of specialization include but are not limited to

Computational Modeling
Polymer Synthesis
Corrosion Inhibition
Development of Multiphase Materials
Fiber Reinforced Composites
Geotechnology
Magnetic Nanocomposites
Nanoscale Electronic Materials
Polymer Matrix Composites
Semiconductor Materials and Devices

Strengthening Mechanisms
Surface Chemistry of Flotation
Thermophysical Properties
Thin Films
Security Printing
Hydrometallurgical Extraction
Friction Stir Welding
Cold Spray Processing
Direct Write Technology

The program is administered directly by the Dean of Graduate Education and sponsored programs, with the head of the MES Ph.D. advisory council serving as program coordinator. The advisory council currently comprises faculty members from the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, and the Departments of Physics, and Chemistry.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), three letters of recommendation, and a GPA of 3.00 or better are required of all applicants for the MES Ph.D. program. The TOEFL exam is required for students whose native language is not English.

All candidates for the MES Ph.D. program are required to successfully complete the following minimum credits and earn a grade of “C” or better, except for a final grade of “S” in MES 898 :

Category	Credits
Analytical Mathematics	3
Numerical Mathematics	3
Program Major Emphasis (Engineering or Science)	44
Dissertation Research	22
Total beyond the B.S. degree	72

General Program Requirements

(Minimum program requirements: 72 credits)

Analytical Mathematics (3 credits)

ME 673 Applied Engineering Analysis I Credits: (3-0) 3
PHYS 481/581 Mathematical Physics Credits: 4

Numerical Mathematics (3 credits)

MATH 447/547 Design of Experiments Credits: (3-0) 3
ME 773 Applied Engineering Analysis II Credits: (3-0) 3
MET 614 Advanced Metallurgical Simulation Techniques Credits: (3-0) 3
MEM 433/433L/533/533L Computer Applications in Geoscience Modeling/Lab Credits: (3-1) 4

Program Emphasis (44 credits)

Two program emphasis areas are available: materials science and materials engineering. See the two sections below.

Research (22 credits) and Seminar (1 credit)

MES 898 Dissertation Credits: Credit to be arranged.
MES 790/890 Seminar Credits: (1-0) 1

Materials Science Emphasis Requirements

Fundamental Engineering Mechanics (6 credits)

Courses from the materials engineering emphasis section can also be used to fulfill this requirement.

ME 425 Probabilistic Mechanical Design Credits: (3-0) 3
MET 450/550 Forensic Engineering Credits: (3-0) 3
MET 440/540 Mechanical Metallurgy Credits: (3-0) 3
ME 443 Composite Materials Credits: (3-0) 3 OR
MET 443 Composite Materials Credits: (3-0) 3
MET 625 Strengthening Mechanisms in Metals Credits: (3-0) 3

Dissertation Related Topics (28 credits)

Materials Engineering Emphasis Requirements

Analytical Mechanics (3 credits)

ME 623 Advanced Mechanical Vibrations Credits: (3-0) 3
ME 613 Transport Phenomena: Heat Credits: (3-0) 3
MES 713 Advanced Solid Mechanics I Credits: (3-0) 3
MES 770 Continuum Mechanics Credits: (3-0) 3

Elasticity/Plasticity (3 credits)

CEE 743 Advanced Soil Mechanics Credits: (3-0) 3
MES 713 Advanced Solid Mechanics I Credits: (3-0) 3
MEM 450/550 Rock Slope Engineering Credits: (3-0) 3

Failure Analysis Fracture Mechanics (3 credits)

ME 715 Advanced Composite Materials Credits: (3-0) 3

Fundamental Materials Science (6 credits)

Courses from the materials science emphasis section can also be used to fulfill this requirement.

CHEM 420/520 Organic Chemistry III Credits: (3-0) 3
CHEM 452/552 Inorganic Chemistry Credits: (3-0) 3
CHEM 426/526 Polymer Chemistry Credits: (3-0) 3
MES 603 Condensed Matter Physics Credits: (4-0) 4
MES 601 Fundamentals of Materials Engineering Credits: (4-0) 4
MES 604 Chemistry of Materials Credits: (4-0) 4
CBE 474/574 Polymer Technology Credits: 2 to 3
PHYS 439/539 Solid State Physics Credits: 4
MET 445/545 Oxidation and Corrosion of Metals Credits: (3-0) 3

Dissertation Related Topics (29 credits)

Additional Information

An assessment of the student’s qualifications will be undertaken early in their program. The assessment is comprised of performance in pre-determined courses and a dissertation proposal. Further information is available in the School of Mines materials engineering and science Ph.D. Handbook.

Each student is also required to pass a comprehensive coursework examination and proposal defense. There is no language requirement for the MES doctoral program.

For program supervision purposes, the MES Ph.D. program coordinator is the graduate advisor until the major professor is appointed. The major professor is the person responsible for the student’s dissertation research. The graduate office representative on the student’s dissertation committee must be selected from outside of the department with which the major professor is affiliated. It is not necessary that the student be associated with the department of affiliation of his or her major professor. The detailed information on examination policy, admission to candidacy, and defense of dissertation are included in the School of Mines Materials Engineering and Science Ph.D. Handbook.