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Structural Materials

The research and educational activities within the Structural Materials emphasis reflect the challenges posed by new technologies and the increasing interplay with other science and engineering disciplines. These activities begin at the system level and incorporate iterative linkages between the system, the components and the basic materials science. The program capitalizes on growing industrial demand for University programs to broaden into technology areas and to identify protocols for their effective transition. It also encompasses emerging interdisciplinary activities in biological systems.

The emphasis draws from the research and educational strengths of about ten faculty within the Department. To ensure multi-disciplinarity, a team environment allows students to work with multiple faculty members as well as with colleagues from Industry and from other Universities.

Systems being pursued are within the context of Energy, Aerospace, Threat Protection and Biomechanics. Specific areas include materials for power generation and propulsion, shape-morphing systems, advanced cooling concepts, blast and ballistic resistant structures, and multilayer protection concepts. The constituents encompass metals, ceramics, polymers and their composites, along with biological materials.

On the academic front, the program offers courses in the fundamentals with the flexibility to satisfy individual needs and interests. In addition to core courses covering the conceptual foundations, students select from sequenced courses in thermo-structural performance, solid mechanics, fabrication and processing, measurements and characterization, and computational methods. Complementary research and educational opportunities arise from participation in frequent seminar series as well as several international workshops held annually at UCSB. Students also have opportunities for internships in industry and with a number of international collaborators.