This course introduces students to experimental techniques widely used in both industry and academia to characterize the mechanical properties of engineering materials. Students will learn how to perform tensile testing and nanoindentation experiments and how they can be used to study the mechanical behavior of several materials including metals, ceramics, and polymers. Through our laboratory sessions, students will also explore concepts related to materials fabrication and design, data analysis, performance optimization, and experimental decision-making. Enrollment is limited to MATSCI 20. Prerequisites: MATSCI MATSCI 151 or consent of instructor. Undergraduates register for MATSCI 163 for 4 units, Graduates register for MATSCI 173 for 3 units. Corequisites: MATSCI131 (Contact the instructor if you would like to enroll without completion of the stated prerequisites. A permission code will be provided with instructor approval)
3-4 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
This course introduces students to experimental techniques widely used in both industry and academia to characterize the mechanical properties of engineering materials. Students will learn how to perform tensile testing and nanoindentation experiments and how they can be used to study the mechanical behavior of several materials including metals, ceramics, and polymers. Through our laboratory sessions, students will also explore concepts related to materials fabrication and design, data analysis, performance optimization, and experimental decision-making. Enrollment is limited to 20. Prerequisites: MATSCI 151 or consent of instructor. Undergraduates register for 163 for 4 units, Graduates register for 173 for 3 units. Corequisites: MATSCI131 (Contact the instructor if you would like to enroll without completion of the stated prerequisites. A permission code will be provided with instructor approval)
Offered in Winter 2026 at Stanford University.