ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | JULY/AUGUST 2024 5 RESEARCH TRACKS NORTHWESTERN ANNOUNCES NEW MASTER’S PROGRAM Beginning this fall, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., will offer a joint Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering program—a unique degree opportunity featuring a curriculum that combines the strengths of both departments. Codirected by the McCormick School of Engineering’s Yip-Wah Chung, FASM, and Greg Wagner, this inter- disciplinary program enables students to develop broad expertise in both fields, enhancing career opportunities in industry and research. Chung emphasizes that the program fills a crucial need by equipping future engineers with the holistic skill set needed to drive transformative advancements in technology and industry across different disciplines. “The symbiotic relationship between these two departments underscores the critical need for a new generation of engineers equipped with the interdisciplinary expertise to navigate seamlessly between mechanical engineering and materials science and engineering,” says Chung, professor of materials science and engineering. “A joint master’s program in these fields not only meets this demand but also fosters a culture of innovation, where students learn to transcend conventional disciplinary boundaries. By nurturing this interdisciplinary mindset, graduates will be empowered to tackle complex challenges head-on, from sustainable infrastructure development to next-generation manufacturing processes.” The new degree track is a non- thesis master’s program, which students may pursue on a full-time or parttime basis. Full-time students typically complete their degree in three to four quarters of study. Coursework involves four mechanical engineering and four materials science classes, plus one or two units of independent study involving a research project, and two or three additional engineering courses, allowing students to specialize or minor in a related area. northwestern.edu. ALL-IN-ONE 3D PRINTER Using a single machine, researchers at the University of Missouri, Columbia, developed a way to create complex devices with multiple materials including plastics, metals, and semiconductors. The project involves a unique 3D printing and laser technique called the “free- form multi-material assembly process” that can manufacture multi-material, multi-layered sensors, circuit boards, and Researchers built a machine that combines elements of traditional 3D printing with laser technology to develop multi-material, multi-functional products. textiles with electronic components. By printing sensors embedded within a structure, the machine makes items that can sense environmental conditions such as temperature and pressure, enabling a wide range of applications. For ocean researchers, this could mean printing a natural- looking object such as a rock or seashell that could measure the movement of tides. Medical applications could include wearable devices that monitor blood pressure and other vital signs. The machine features three different nozzles. One adds an ink-like material, another uses a laser to carve shapes and materials, and the third adds functional materials to enhance capabilities. The machine starts by building a basic structure with a regular 3D printing filament such as polycarbonate. Next, it switches to a laser to convert some parts into a special material called laser-induced graphene, placing the material precisely where it is needed. As the final step, additional materials are deposited to enhance the functional abilities of the end product. The work is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Manufacturing program, with the NSF I-Corps program providing funds to explore commercialization. missouri.edu. Professor Yip-Wah Chung, FASM.
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