Graduate Course Catalog

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26.500	Advanced Project In Plastics I	Credits: 1
26.502	New Plastics Processing Techniques	Credits: 3
Critical examination of new plastics processing techniques appearing in the research literature and being commercialized in the plastics industry.
26.503	Mechanical Behavior of Polymers	Credits: 3
Topics covered in this course include linear viscoelasticity, creep, stress relaxation, dynamic behavior, hysteresis, stress-strain response phenomena, principles of time-temperature superposition, rubber elasticity, failure and fracture mechanisms for polymers, and the effect of additives on mechanical behavior. Real life design examples are used to demonstrate the topics and concepts as much as possible.
26.505	Polymer Structure II	Credits: 3
Continuation of 26.506
26.506	Polymer Structure Properties & Applications	Credits: 3
Relationships between polymer structure (chemical composition, molecular weight and flexibility, intermolecular order and bonding, supermolecular structure) and practical properties (processability, mechanical, acoustic, thermal, electrical, optical, and chemical) and applications.
26.507	Plastics Industry Organization	Credits: 3
Economics of producing plastic raw materials and converting them into end products, from research and development to plant construction, manufacturing and marketing. Market analysis of plastics production, processing, and consumer patterns; commercial development, sales, and technical service. Organization of the plastics industry for research and development, specialty and commodity production, profit, and growth.
26.508	Current Topics: Injection Molding	Credits: 1
Individual research and presentation in the field of injection molding. Primarily for students performing thesis research in injection molding.
26.509	Plastics Processing Theory I	Credits: 3
Principles of Rheology and continuum mechanics involved in the processing of plastics, and their applications in plastics process engineering including flows in standard geometries and extrusion applications.
26.510	Plastics Processing Theory II	Credits: 3
A continuation of Theory I using the transport phenomena approach to analyze and describe plastics conversion processes, including roll processing blown film extrusion, injection molding, and mixing.
26.511	Polymer Blends	Credits: 3
Physical, mechanical, and thermal properties, preparation, and testing of polymer blends, alloys, and multiphase systems. Thermodynamic theories and experimental determination of miscibility of polymer blends. Structure property relationships for multiphase systems and interpenetrating networks.
26.512	Porous Polymers	Credits: 3
Preparation, structure, and properties of porous polymers. Includes both practical systems in development and production and novel techniques of more fundamental interest and/or aimed at more specialized applications. Exising and potential applications for these materials will also be discussed, and related back to their structure and properties.
26.513	New Plastics Materials	Credits: 3
Critical examination of the new plastics appearing in the research literature and being field-tested for commercialization in the plastics industry.
26.514	Statistics for Six Sigma	Credits: 3
A review of statistical techniques for Six Sigma with Applications specifically designed for the plastics processing industry. Those completing the course should be at the Six Sigma green belt level or better.
26.515	Lean Plastics Manufacturing	Credits: 3
Methods of analysis and operation of plastics manufacturing facilities. Topics include: performance measurement, inventory control, forecasting, production planning, scheduling, resource management, supply chains, various technologies for improved productivity.
26.518	Plastics Product Design	Credits: 3
This course reviews the theoretical principles and the engineering practice associated with the development of new plastic products. The course focuses on design practices for products that will be produced by conventional and advanced injection molding processes. Topics include design methodology, plastic materials selection, design for manufacturing, computer aided engineering, mechanical behavior of plastics, structural design of plastic parts, prototyping techniques, experimental stress analysis, and assembly techniques for plastic parts.
26.520	Advanced Project in Plastics III	Credits: 3
26.521	Lean Plastics Manufacturing	Credits: 3
Methods of analysis andoperation of plastics manufacturing facilities. Topics include:performance measurement, inventory control, forecasting, production planning, scheduling, resource management, supply chains, various technologies for improved productivity.
26.523	Screw Design Principles	Credits: 3
Energy balances, energy efficiency for extrusion and injection molding, application of energy equation (conduction, convection, viscous dissipation), equations of state, melt conveying in simple and compound screws, screw scale up, plastication.
26.524	Process Analysis Instrument and Control	Credits: 3
Industrial instruments for measurement and control of plastics processes. Design of experiments. Analysis of plastics forming operations. Dynamic testing techniques. Automatic plastics process control. Data acquisition systems, SPC/SQC and Taguchi methods.
26.526	Nanoscale Plastics Processing	Credits: 3
26.528	Plastics Informaton Data Bases	Credits: 1
Review of procedures for literature searching, databases, etc.
26.530	Selected Topics	Credits: 3
Topics in various fields of Plastics Engineering. Content may vary from year to year so that students may, by repeated enrollment, acquire a broad knowledge of contemporary Plastics Engineering.
26.531	Design of Auto Assembly Systems	Credits: 3
Principles of feeding, sorting and orienting components. Hydraulic, pneumatic and electric actuators. Pick and place systems. Methods of assembly of components with emphasis on product design for automated assembly. Linear and rotary assembly systems. Multi-function process and timing diagrams. Principles of programmable controllers and process design logic.
26.532	Adhesives and Adhesion	Credits: 3
Adhesive joining of engineering materials. Surface chemistry, theories of adhesion and cohesion, joint design, surface preparation, commercial adhesives, Rheology, equipment, testing, service life, and reliability.
26.533	Coatings Science and Technology I	Credits: 3
This course reviews the basic principles of design and formulation of waterborne, high-solids, powder resins used for the development of solvent-less green coatings and the use of bio-derived resins, mostly based on soybean oil and other renewable raw materials. The mechanisms and methods of curing and of polymerization for polymers used as coatings will also be covered.
26.534	Coatings II	Credits: 3
Polymers, pigments, solvents, and additives used in coatings. Methods of polymerization, formulation, application, and testing. Substrates and applications.
26.535	Rubber Technology	Credits: 3
Polymerization and compounding of the commercial elastomers. Properties and test methods.Leading applications and methods of processing.
26.537	Business Law for Engineers	Credits: 3
Business legal issues engineers encounter in practice, including contractual, products liability, and intellectual property issues. Business torts relating to product design, manufacturing and inadequate warning defects. Unreasonably dangerous products and strict liability.
26.538	SelectedTopics: Plastics II	Credits: 3
Continuation of 26.530.
26.539	Research in Coatings	Credits: 3
Continuation of 26.530.
26.540	Commercial Development of Plastics	Credits: 3
The concepts of industrial marketing will be reviewed for research, pricing strategies, and product planning for market segmentation, place (distribution)-promotional activities. Topics will include creating a demand, selling, and servicing base resins and additives.
26.541	Computer Applications in Plastics	Credits: 3
Problem solving in plastics engineering has been dramatically influenced by the computer and innovative software packages. This graduate course will focus on the application and development of software packages for engineering analyses of plastics processes. Specially, the couse will cover the basic CAD programs, Pro/ENGINEER, SOLIDWORKS, followed by basic Pre-and-Post processor software, FEMAP, meshing program HYPERMESH, FEMLAB multiphysics, and MATHEMATICA.
26.542	Colloidal Nanoscience and Nanoscale Engineering	Credits: 3
This course will cover the fundamentals of nanoscale colloidal processes, intermolecular forces and electrostatic phenomena at interfaces, boundary tensions and films at interfaces, electrostatic and London forces in disperse systems, interactions and self-assembly of polymer colloids, nanoparticles, surfactants and biomolecules. Applications include microfluidics; lab-on-a-chip; nano-biocolloids, vesicles, colloidosomes, polymersomes and polymer hydrogel microcapsules for drug delivery and nanostructured materials and devices.
26.544	Advanced Plastics Materials	Credits: 3
This course reviews the historical developments of polymeric material systems, commodity, engineering, biodegradable, and high performance thermoplastics. Topics include their synthesis, structure, properties, and applications and there is also an overview of typical additives that are used to modify the properties of plastics. Knowledge of general and/or organic chemistry is recommended as a prerequisite for this course. .
26.545	Additives for Polymer Materials	Credits: 3
Additives incorporated into polymers to modify processing and end-use properties: reinforcements, plasticizers, stabilizers, flame retardants, colorants, biostats, blowing agents, anti-stats, impact modifiers, and processing aids.
26.548	Analytical and Numerical Methods in Plastics Processing	Credits: 3
This course covers the use of analytical and numerical methods related to engineering. Topics include ordinary differential equations, linear second order differential equations, matrices, vectors, linear systems of equations, partial differential equations. Use of numerical methods to differential equations, linear algebra, regression, interpolation, data analysis, and partial differential equations.
26.549	Product Design for Elastomers	Credits: 3
This course covers the basics of thermoset and thermoplastic elastomer product design. Topics include mechanical behavior, large deformation structural analysis, design for manufacturability, performance limitations, and end use applications for elastomers and assembly considerations.
26.550	Processing with Elastomers	Credits: 3
This course covers the basics of elastomer processing. Topics include mixing, Rheology, extrusion, injection molding, compressing molding, and curing as it applies to elastomers.
26.551	Extrusion Die Design	Credits: 3
This is a project-oriented course which utilizes current CAE programs to design extruder dies. This course will study the basic principles of extrusion die design and apply these principles in designing extrusion dies. A review of the extrusion process and the flow behavior of various polymers will be studied.
26.552	Machine Design	Credits: 3
Hydraulics, machine logic, drives, pumps, motors, heaters, barrel and screw combinations, mechanical design. Hydraulic and electrical control circuits development. A semester project is required.
26.553	Polymers in Medicine	Credits: 3
The concepts necessary to analyze the use of materials for implants and biomedical devices will be introduced. The role of surface and bulk material properties in the use of materials in soft tissue, blood and hard tissue will be examined.
26.554	Polymers in Medicine II: Medical Device Design	Credits: 3
Design and test methods for polymeric based medical devices will be examined for vascular grafts, artificial hearts, reconstructive surgery, orthopedic applications, controlled release devices and hybrid artificial organs.
26.563	Current Topics in Plastics Materials I	Credits: 1
Individual research and presentation in the field of plastics materials.
26.564	Current Topics in Plastics Materials II	Credits: 1
Individual research and presentation in the field of plastics materials.
26.565	Thermosets	Credits: 3
Provides an in-depth review of the major families of engineering thermosetting resins: phenolics, aminos, polyesters, epoxies, silicones, and various polyurethanes systems. Emphasis is on the basic chemistry, inherent physical properties and processability, and the effect of polymer modifiers (additives) on the functional properties of molding compounds. Typical market sectors served and related processing/fabrication technologies used in reinforced plastics/composites are reviewed.
26.566	Polymer Materials Systems Solution	Credits: 3
This course investigates the selection processes to be followed in screening material candidates, and specifying a material of record. Emphasis is placed on prioritizing performance requirements, contrasting potential candidates, reviewing processing demands, and post-fabrication schemes. The course will be based on actual case studies.
26.567	Dynamic Mechanical Properties I	Credits: 3
Practical review of theoretical concepts of rheological measurements with practical applications of experimental techniques. Emphasis will be on the viscoelastic properties of polymer solutions, melts, and solids with correlation with theoretical dynamic mechanical behavior.
26.568	Dynamic Mechanical Properties II	Credits: 3
Practical review of theoretical concepts of rheological measurements with practical applications of experimental techniques. Emphasis will be on the viscoelastic properties of polymer solutions, melts, and solids with correlation with theoretical dynamic mechanical behavior.
26.569	Current Topics in Plastics Design I	Credits: 1
Individual research and presentation in the field of plastics design.
26.570	Current Topics in Plastics Processing I	Credits: 1
Individual research and presentation in the field of plastics processing.
26.572	Advanced Plastics Processing Engineering Laboratory	Credits: 1
26.574	Advance Physical Properties Lab	Credits: 1
Measurement of mechanical properties in tension, compression, shear, and flexure; dielectric constant and dissipation factor; thermal behavior under stress; melt rheology.
26.575	Biomaterials I	Credits: 3
A comprehensive study of the history, current and future rents within biomedical devices and their applications. Students will be introduced to research techniques used to analyze the different classes of biomaterials. An overview of typical host reactions such as inflammatory response and their evaluation will be touched upon.
26.576	Advanced Mold Design	Credits: 3
This course provides an integrated approach to mold engineering which includes the interrelationships of polymeric materials, engineering principles, processing, and plastics product design. Major topics include cost estimation, mold layout and feed system design, cooling systems, structural design considerations, and ejector system design. Analytical treatment of the subject matter is given based on the relevant rheology, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow and strength of materials.
26.577	Plastics Process Engineering I	Credits: 3
A study of the fundamental principles of polymer processing, i.e., the conversion of the polymeric materials into useful articles. Correlation between process variables, material characteristics and parts design are studied to determine the functional relationships between them. "
26.578	Advanced Plastics Processing	Credits: 3
This course reviews the common plastics manufacturing processes, including extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, and rotational molding. After the review, the course focus shifts to the impacts of screw design and processing parameters on the conveyance, melting, devolatilization, and mixing with single screws and compounding with twin screw extruders. This course also includes an overview of die designs, multi-shot and gas assist injection molding, film stretching and methods for heating and cooling in plastics processing.
26.579	Problems In Biomaterials/Directed Study	Credits: 3
Selection of a current biomaterial problem of interest by the individual student, examination of pertinent literature to determine present knowledge in the area, formulation of an approach to resolve or clarify the issues involved, and (time permitting) work towards the solution of the selected problem.
26.580	Polymer Science I	Credits: 3
An introductory course in polymer science and technology including basic classification and molecular structures, synthesis, solution properties and molecular weight distribution, solid-state properties including both the amorphous and crystalline states, degradation mechanisms, polymer reactions, network formation, copolymerization and blends/alloys. This class is only offered in the evenings and may be used as a substitute by Plastics Engineering majors for 97.503/504.
26.582	Current Topics in Plastics Design II	Credits: 1
Individual research and presentation in the field of plastics product or tooling design.
26.583	Advanced Research Methodology	Credits: 3
A systematic evaluation of the techniques used in efficient research and development. Experimental data are analyzed and plotted using a mathematical approach. Creative thinking, problem solving, and student presentation of data are stressed. Extensive reading of research papers, analysis of such, and defense of the analysis required.
26.585	Computer Aided Engineering I	Credits: 3
This course provides a fundamental approach to computer-aided engineering for plasticsprocessing. Emphasis is upon the theory and techniques of computer aided engineering asapplied to plastics processing problems, allowing students to understand the various assumptions and methods used to create the programs.
26.586	Computer Aided Engineering II	Credits: 3
Modeling and process simulation in plastics processing. Design of plastic components and molds. Use of finite element programs to perform flow, cooling, and stress analysis of injection molded parts.
26.588	Injection Molding	Credits: 3
Process thermodynamics, energy balances, power requirements. Heat transfer, cooling equations for amorphous and crystalline materials. Equations of state, pvT applications, shrinkage and ejection forces. Isothermal cavity filling, non-isothermal effects. Coupled runner/gate/cavity flow, flow balancing. Shear heating, frozen layer development. Residual stress. Injection/compression flow. Reciprocation effects in screw plastication. Review of specialized injection molding processes. An individual research project, term paper and presentation are required.
26.589	Polymer Nanocomposites	Credits: 3
This course deals with the preparation, characterization, behavior and properties of polymer nanocomposites, with an emphasis on the most commercially relevant systems to date, as well as new developments in the field. The major preparation routes to these materials are discussed, with an emphasis on the importance not only of dispersion but of true thermodynamic compatibility in these systems. From there, the focus shifts to describe the consequences of nanocomposite structure in terms of both molecular behavior and macroscopic properties, as informed by the most up-to-date research literature available. Case studies of specific systems will serve as opportunities to gain deeper understanding, and the safety issues surrounding nanoparticle handling will also be presented. Finally, current research by invited lecturers working in the field will be presented as time permits.
26.590	Survey of Intellectual Property	Credits: 3
A review of patents, trademarks, copyrights and their application for protection of technology in the plastics industry. Other topics to be considered will be employee rights/non-competition agreements, foreign protection, and technology licensing. (in the Plastics Industry)
26.591	Industrial Thesis Development I	Credits: 0
Enables graduate students to work part-time to compliment academic studies with practical industrial experience and acquire/enhance expertise in their research as well as thesis investigation.
26.593	Cooperative Education	Credits: 1
Enables graduate students to work full time to gain practical industrial experience for one semester while on reduced course load.
26.595	Thermoplastic Elastomers	Credits: 3
A comprehensive review of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) technology. Physical and chemical nature of the various classes of TPE's will be considered with emphasis on mechanical and rheological properties relevant to engineering applications.
26.596	Plastics, Elastomers and Additives from Renewable Resources	Credits: 3
This course will provide and introduction to plastics, elastomers and additives obtained from renewable resources. Processes that involve conversion (chemically/enzmatically) of naturally occurring precursors (monomers) obtained from renewable resources to plastics and elastomers will be reviewed. Brief discussion of processing, degradation and recycling of these materials will also be included.
26.601	Graduate Industrial Coop Education I	Credits: 1-3
Graduate students interested in developing a practical industrial experience component to complement their academic training may register for this course with advisor's approval. This credit is not applicable to the mandated degree credit hours.
26.605	Plastic Seminar Research	Credits: 1
26.606	Plastics Manufacturing Systems Engineering	Credits: 3
The course provides guidance about plastics manufacturing as an integrated system with broadly applicable analysis in three areas: 1) machinery, 2) controls, and 3) operations. The machinery topics include heating/cooling, hydraulics/pneumatics, electric drives, and sensors. The controls topics include signal conditioning, data acquisition, machine controllers, and related control laws. The operations topics include process characterization, process optimization, quality control, and automation. The course is developed to support plastics processing engineers and others involved with plastics manufacturing who are performing process development, research, and machine design.
26.610	Plastics Industry Development	Credits: 3
The goals of this course are numerous. In the large sense, the primary focus of this course will be to review many of the major technological developments and discoveries that have helped make the plastics industry what it is today. Having a thorough understanding of how these developments were implemented commercially can help us implement modern day technologies in a more efficient and productive manner.
26.675	Biomaterials II	Credits: 3
The degradation of biomaterials in the biological environment for applications such as sutures, orthopedic implants, dental implants, etc. will be reviewed. Students will analyze issues unique to the field of implants, devices and biomaterials. While reviewing new products and standards, the prospective and possibilities of biomaterials will be studied.
26.741	Master's Thesis - Plastics Engineering	Credits: 1
26.743	Masters Thesis Plastics Engineering	Credits: 3
Individual research projects in plastics.
26.745	Thesis Review	Credits: 0
26.746	Master's Thesis - Plastics Engineering	Credits: 6
Individual research projects in plastics.
26.749	M S Grad Res Plastics	Credits: 9
Individual research projects in plastics.
26.752	Doctoral Thesis Research	Credits: 2
26.753	Doctoral Dissertation/Plastics Engineering	Credits: 3
Individual research projects in plastics.
26.756	Doctoral Dissertation/Plastics Engineering	Credits: 6
Individual research projects in plastics.
26.759	Doctoral Dissertation/Plastics Engineering	Credits: 9
Individual research projects in plastics.
26.763	Continued Graduate Research	Credits: 3
Individual research projects in plastics.
26.766	Continued Graduate Research	Credits: 6
Individual research projects in plastics.
26.769	Continued Graduate Research	Credits: 9
Individual research projects in plastics.