Class 1 & 2: Overview of Biomaterials, Crystal Structure

1. Define lattice, unit cell, and basis.

2. Draw the lattices for BCC and FCC.

3. Determine the closest packed directions and planes for BCC and FCC.

4. Calculate the ratio of lattice parameter to atomic radius in FCC, BCC, and simple cubic structures.

5. Calculate atomic packing fraction of varying crystal structures.

6. Define alloy and intermetallic compound.

7. Draw the crystal structure for different phases of Ni-Ti alloys.

8. Describe the phase change that takes place in memory metals.

Class 3: Defects

1. List examples of point, line, and interfacial defects.

2. Calculate the concentration of vacancies as a function of temperature in a solid.

3. Identify edge dislocations and describe their motion.

4. Identify some of the specific properties of materials that are controlled by the presence and quantity of defects.

Class 4: Mechanical Properties

1. Calculate stress, strain, and/or modulus from applied force.

2. Describe the difference between elastic and plastic deformation.

3. Use a stress/strain diagram to determine yield point, ultimate tensile strength, Young’s modulus, ductility, and toughness.

4. Calculate strain in the y direction using Poisson's ratio.

5. Differentiate between engineering stress and true stress.

6. Define super-elasticity and identify it on stress strain plots for memory metals.

Class 5: Strengthening Mechanisms

1. Explain the process of slip.

2. Determine the slip systems in FCC and BCC crystals.

3. Describe strain hardening.

4. Explain the influence of cold working on a metal’s mechanical properties.

5. Describe solid solution hardening.

6. Describe strengthening by grain size reduction.

7. Discuss processing methods used to strengthen biomedical stents.

Class 6 & 7: Phase Diagrams

1. Determine the equilibrium phases, microstructure, and composition of the phases as a function of temperature and overall composition from a phase diagram.

2. Recognize and describe isomorphous and eutectic phase diagrams.

3. Identify the invariant points and congruent transformations in a phase diagram.

4. Calculate mole fraction and weight fraction of a phase using the lever rule.
5. Utilize memory metal phase diagram to determine the operating temperature of a device.

This is a multi-university effort with contributions from:

Chemical and Materials Engineering Prof. Stacy Gleixner Prof. Hilary Lackritz	Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Prof. Olivia Graeve	Materials Science and Engineering Prof. Elliot Douglas
Engineering Prof. Laura Demsetz		Materials Science and Engineering Prof. Amy Moll

The curriculum development is a three year long project sponsored by the National Science Foundation (DUE #0341633).  The development work began in June 2004.  Stay tuned to this site for updates on our progress.

This page is maintained by Prof. Stacy Gleixner.  
San Jose State University
Questions or problems please send email to gleixner@email.sjsu.edu or call (408)924-4051.
The page was last updated 03/02/06 .