Pickett Materials Engineering Laboratory (JD 1504)

The Richard M. Pickett Materials Engineering Laboratory is used for the instruction of undergraduate engineering students in the properties of engineering materials and the testing methods used in the evaluation of those properties. The facility, named for a former faculty who was instrumental in the development of the laboratory, is also used for undergraduate and graduate instruction and research in several topic areas.

The 3000 square foot laboratory is well-equipped to perform a wide range of mechanical testing, data acquisition, and investigation pertaining to the structures and properties of materials. Equipment located in the facility for use in the basic engineering materials course includes tensile test machines; hardness testers; instrumented impact testers; microscopes; cut-off, coarse grinding and polishing wheels; metallograph; bending and rotating beam fatigue testers; furnaces; cold roller; friction and wear tester; data acquisition PCs, loggers and plotters. More advanced state-of-the-art equipment is available for learning and performing advanced materials testing and characterization.

The basic engineering materials laboratory course is aimed at preparing the student to undertake future engineering projects. The laboratory experience is focused on improving the abilities of the students to:

• Apply theory to engineering problems
• Perform experiments and obtain reliable data
• Communicate the results of engineering activities
• Develop a better understanding of the selection and use of materials
• Develop and grow as a professional engineer

Experiments performed in the course include X-ray to identify an unknown material, impact test, tensile test of different materials, cold working and annealing of copper alloys, heat treatment and hardenability of steels, age hardening of aluminum alloys, and measurements of corrosion rates of different materials in different environments. Groups of students then design, execute and present their own engineering projects, providing them with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their creativity and their leadership, planning, and communication skills.

Health and Safety Information- follow safety procedures and dress appropriately for lab (long sleeves, long pants and covered shoes).

For additional MSDS: CLICK HERE