Frequently Asked Questions
- What do MPCF students typically do?
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- Work on problems related to durability of materials, including fatigue, fracture, and various other degradation mechanisms
- Often engage in both experimental and simulation/modeling aspects
- Make connections between process/structure/properties of engineering materials in various applications
- Take graduate coursework in fundamentals of solid mechanics, fracture, fatigue, micromechanics, and materials science
- Is the MPCF experience just for graduate students?
- No, there are opportunities for undergraduate students to get experience in MPCF experimental programs as part of ongoing research.
- Are there formal academic programs associated with the MPCF?
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- Students pursue graduate level thesis work on significant funded projects.
- A Multidisciplinary Certificate in Mechanical Properties of Materials is available for students as proof of academic preparation in areas related to mechanical properties—students must take four courses from a core and optional areas (see right column) to be eligible for the Certification. Application must be made to the MPCF Director well in advance of graduation.
- What do we produce?
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- Critical experimental data to test models and understand new materials and service environments for existing materials
- New/improved models and algorithms for degradation of material performance
- Material dependent case studies and recommendations
- Graduates for the marketplace with broad perspective on durability and mechanical property issues
- Where do our graduates go?
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- Industrial research and development positions
- Industrial design and applications divisions (e.g. life or failure analysis)
- Government research labs
- Academic faculty positions (available to PhDs)