Through the science and engineering of materials, humans have fashioned and refashioned the world, creating the life we have now. This course explores the making and science of materials, beginning with the basic nature of things from stone to steel, and then moving on to alloys, composites, ceramics, and plastics (benefits and problems). Blending history, science, engineering, and human ingenuity, this course reveals how materials have shaped civilization:  how the evolution of materials has been affected by geography and the rise and fall of empires, how the construction of the Samurai katana sword (15th century) was affected by the geology of Japan, and what made it such a formidable weapon. To understand how materials behave, we explore the nature of crystalline structure and the ways alloying can be used to control strength, hardness, flexibility, and durability. We examine how engineers understand material properties through their response to stress, and how early architects used limited materials available to construct monumental cathedrals. We also explore how materials fail, and how failure often drives technological progress. Why did the world’s first commercial jet airliner suffer catastrophic crashes? How did a simple glass of ice water help reveal the cause of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster? What material and engineering factors may have contributed to the sinking of the Titanic? Our instructor is a retired defense department research physicist and a university senior lecturer in physics and engineering who enjoys inquisitive students. Limit 24.

Thomas Lawrence
1:00—3:00 P.M. Thursday, Starts Sept. 17
Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, Upper Room
9508 Great Hills Trail (78759)