New Educational Tools in Materials Science

技术：这项教育开发工作是基于开发一系列的实验室和模型实验，这些实验与伦斯勒理工学院工程学院已经为这些高度量化的课程建立的文本平行和扩展。要进行的研究和建模实验将说明在学习和应用材料科学的现代元素时，使用实际操作、基于计算机的计算和可视化的效用和重要性。该计划包括三个阶段：阶段A（一年）。根据PI以前的经验，将创建以下内容：MatLab_代码和原始实验，这些代码和原始实验反映了PI对实验多组分或二元扩散实验的方法，提取扩散系数，并处理不同尺度下金属和硅酸盐体系的扩散系数数据。B阶段，（一年）PI将使用xenoview -一个由co-PI创建的带有图形用户界面的分子动力学（MD）程序。学生将学习创建初始结构，最小化能量和平衡结构，然后在各种集成中进行MD模拟，以提取对现实世界应用重要的属性。热膨胀系数、杨氏模量和泊松比的计算是一些简单的例子。虽然发表了许多关于冻结过程的研究，但融化本身在理论上和实验上仍然相对未被探索。三维分子动力学模拟，可视化金属的融化和冻结过程将产生。熔化/冻结现象对包括铸造、焊接和焊接、晶体生长、星云和行星过程以及有关聚合物的相关问题在内的各种过程都具有重要意义。在C阶段，估计需要三年的时间，与儿童科学技术博物馆（伦斯勒科技园的一部分）的紧密合作将导致：a)题为“材料世界与自然”的互动材料展览；b)每两周一次的研讨会/讲座。每个主要材料类别都将有一个展示：金属、陶瓷、聚合物、电子材料、玻璃、复合材料和生物材料。每个展示都将结合动手活动展示材料，并将参观者带到不同长度尺度的相关微观结构。此外，所呈现的微观结构与类似的自然模式之间的联系将被显示。每两周为家长和孩子举办工作坊或讲座。非技术：pi计划通过让感兴趣的本科生接触研究和建模来增加材料科学与工程系的本科生人数。该项目的总体影响是针对吸引学生和发展硕士课程的部门。这项工作将1)降低与新教学交付方法相关的教学变革的障碍；2)接触研究，使初高中和本科学生的材料学习过渡顺利；3)完善材料科学与工程专业的课程设置，使其现代化，以吸引和留住高素质的学生；4)扩大代表性不足群体的参与。

TECHNICAL: This educational development work is based on developing a series of laboratory and modeling experiments for general use that parallel and amplify texts already established for these highly quantitative courses within the School of Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The research and modeling experiments to be developed would illustrate the utility and importance of using hands-on, computer-based calculations, and visualization in learning and applying modern elements of materials science. The program consist of three phases: Phase A, (one year). Based on PI's previous experience, the following would be created: MatLab_ codes and original experiments that reflect PI's approach to experimental multicomponent or binary diffusion experiments, extracting diffusivities, and dealing with diffusivity data obtained for metallic and silicate systems at different scales. Phase B, (one year) PI's will use XenoView-a Molecular Dynamics (MD) program with a graphical user interface created by co-PI. The students will learn to create initial structures, minimize energy and equilibrate structures, and then perform MD simulations at various ensembles with the goal of extracting properties that are important for real world applications. The calculation of thermal coefficient of expansion, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio are some simple examples. Although many studies of freezing processes are published, melting, per se, remains relatively unexplored both theoretically and experimentally. 3D molecular dynamics simulations that visualize the melting and freezing processes in metals will be generated. Melting/freezing phenomena have importance for a variety of processes including casting, welding and soldering, crystal growth, nebular and planetary processes, and related problems concerning polymers. Under Phase C, estimated to take a third year, a tight collaboration with The Children's Museum of Science and Technology (part of Rensselaer Technology Park) will result in: a) an interactive materials exhibit entitled "Materials World and Nature" b) bi-weekly workshops/lectures. There will be a display for each major material class: metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic materials, glasses, composites, and biomaterials. Each display will show materials combined with a hands-on activity, and it will walk the visitor to the related microstructure at different length scales. Moreover, connection between the presented microstructure and similar natural patterns will be shown. Bi-weekly workshops or lectures will be organized for parents and children. NON-TECHNICAL: The PIs plan to increase the number of the undergraduate students in Materials Science and Engineering Department by exposing the interested undergraduate students to both research and modeling. The overall impact of the project is directed at sectors of attracting students and developing the curricula within MS&E. This work would 1) Lower the barrier for pedagogical changes associated with new teaching delivery methods; 2) Expose to research and smooth the materials learning transition for middle school, high school, and undergraduate students; 3) Improve and modernize the curricula in Materials Science and Engineering to attract and retain high quality students; 4) Broadens the participation of underrepresented groups.