535.734.81 - Ultra-high Temperature Materials

Expanded Course Description

This course explores critical ultra-high temperature materials relevant to aerospace through lectures, reading, and projects. The focus will be on materials capable of performing in extreme environments exceeding 2000°F, including ceramic matrix composites (CMC), ablatives, electromagnetic transparent materials, and select high temperature metals. Students will learn to evaluate key material properties, identify and manufacture ceramic matrix composites, compare ablative versus shape stable materials, select materials for specific high-temperature applications, and formulate appropriate manufacturing methods. The course primarily focuses on material manufacturing, characterization, and testing, with additional emphasis on the mechanical analysis of these non-traditional material systems. This course will also cover essential topics such as aerospace applications, metals, monolithic ceramics, polymer and ceramic matrix composites, material characterization, testing, and coatings, with a focus on properties, manufacturing, mechanical analysis, and material selection for demanding thermal environments.

Course Structure

Each module consists of reading, lectures, online participation, and a quiz. The course is broken into material categories. At the end of each material category, there will be a short research project as well as an exam. Please follow Canvas for more specifics. 

Course Topics

Ultra-High Temperature Applications in Aerospace
Metallics for Ultra-High Temperature Applications
Monolithic Ceramics

• Applications
• Manufacturing
• Characterization

• Applications
• Manufacturing
• Characterization

• Applications
• Manufacturing
• Characterization

Course Goals

The purpose of this course is to provide individuals with a working knowledge of high-temperature materials that can be used in aerospace and hypersonic applications. The course focuses on all material types including metallics, monolithic ceramics, polymer matrix composites, and ceramic matrix composites. Highlighted within this course include manufacturing and characterization of all material systems, as well as an understanding of the use cases for each material category.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Evaluate critical material properties needed to characterize an ultra-high temperature material.
• Identify polymer matrix composites and ceramic matrix composite including full manufacturing methods.
• Compare and contrast benefits of using ablative versus shape stable materials for specific applications
• Determine what material to use for a given ultra-high temperature environment.
• Formulate a manufacturing method and characterization methods for high temperature applications.

Textbooks

All text is available via JHU online library. Purchase of textbooks is not required for this course.

Student Coursework Requirements

It is expected that each module will take approximately 7–10 hours per week to complete. Here is an approximate breakdown: reading the assigned sections of the texts (approximately 3–4 hours per week) as well as some outside reading, listening to the audio annotated slide presentations (approximately 2–3 hours per week), and writing assignments (approximately 2–3 hours per week).

This course will consist of the following basic student requirements:

Preparation and Participation (20% of Final Grade Calculation)

You are responsible for carefully reading all assigned material and being prepared for discussion. All of the reading is available online through the JHU library. Additional reading may be assigned to supplement text readings.

Post your initial response to the discussion questions by the evening of day 3 for that module week. Posting a response to the discussion question is part one of your grade for module discussions (i.e., Timeliness).

Part two of your grade for module discussion is your interaction (i.e., responding to classmate postings with thoughtful responses) with at least two classmates (i.e., Critical Thinking). Just posting your response to a discussion question is not sufficient; we want you to interact with your classmates. Be detailed in your postings and in your responses to your classmates' postings. Feel free to agree or disagree with your classmates. Please ensure that your postings are civil and constructive.

I will monitor module discussions and will respond to some of the discussions as discussions are posted. I will be referencing the questions and discussion points during the office hours.

Evaluation of preparation and participation is based on contribution to discussions and on time participation in office hours.

Preparation and participation is evaluated by the following grading elements:

Timeliness (40%)

Critical Thinking (40%)

Response to Each Other (20%)

Preparation and participation is graded as follows:

• 100–90 = A—Timeliness [regularly participates; all required postings; early in discussion; throughout the discussion]; Critical Thinking [rich in content; full of thoughts, insight, and analysis]; Office Hour Participation [Show up to Zoom on time]
• 89–80 = B—Timeliness [frequently participates; all required postings; some not in time for others to read and respond]; Critical Thinking [substantial information; thought, insight, and analysis has taken place]; Office Hour Participation [Show up to Zoom 3-10 minutes late]
• 79–70 = C—Timeliness [infrequently participates; all required postings; most at the last minute without allowing for response time]; Critical Thinking [generally competent; information is thin and commonplace]; Office Hour Participation [Show up to Zoom >10 minutes late]
• <70 = F—Timeliness [rarely participates; some, or all required postings missing]; Critical Thinking [rudimentary and superficial; no analysis or insight is displayed]. Office Hour Participation [Fails to show up]

Weekly Quizzes (30% of Final Grade Calculation)

Quizzes will include a mix of qualitative assignments (e.g. literature reviews, model summaries), quantitative problem sets, and short answers. Also include your name on each page of your submissions.

All assignments are due according to the dates in the Calendar.

Late submissions will be reduced by one letter grade for each week late (no exceptions without prior coordination with the instructors).

Each quiz is 10 questions long with each question being a single point (unless specified otherwise).

Quizzes are graded as follows:

• 100–80 = A – Up to one [1] question can be answered incorrectly.
• 79–70 = B – Up to two [2] questions can be answered incorrectly.
• 69–60= C – Up to three [3] questions can be answered incorrectly.
• <60=F – Greater than three [3] questions have been answered incorrectly.

Research Topics (25% of Final Grade Calculation)

Following each material section, a research topic will be assigned. A prompt shall be provided for each student to research and provide an initial posting. Following each prompt, students are required to complete a short literature review and post about what they have learned in reference to the prompt. It will be required to cite at least a single reference in the post. Multiple citations are suggested, but points will be taken off for inaccurate citations.

All assignments are due according to the dates in the Calendar.

Late submissions will be reduced by one letter grade for each week late (no exceptions without prior coordination with the instructors).

The course project is evaluated by the following grading elements:

1. Initial Posting (50%)
2. Response Posting (30%)
3. Timeliness (20%)

Course Project is graded as follows:

• 100–90 = A—Initial Posting [Thoroughly responds to all parts of the discussion prompt. Posting demonstrates exemplary critical thinking and reflection. Specific and relevant examples and evidence from scholarly sources are used to substantiate the argument or viewpoint]; Response Posting [rich in content; full of thought, insight, and analysis]; Timeliness [Meets requirements in Calendar]
• 89–80 = A—Initial Posting [Initial posting responds to all parts of the Discussion prompt. Posting demonstrates some level of critical thinking and reflection. Examples and evidence from scholarly sources are used to substantiate the argument or viewpoint]; Response Posting [substantial information; thought, insight, and analysis has taken place]; Timeliness [Within 24 hours of Calendar requirement]
• 79–70 = A—Initial Posting [Initial posting superficially responds to all parts of the Discussion prompt or responds to some parts. Posting occasionally demonstrates critical thinking and reflection. General examples and evidence from scholarly sources used poorly, though they may not clearly connect to the argument or viewpoint]; Response Posting [generally competent; information is thin and commonplace]; Timeliness [Within 48 hours of Calendar requirement]
• <70 = F—Initial Posting [Initial posting does not respond to the Discussion prompt. Posting lacks demonstration of critical thinking and reflection. Examples and evidence from the readings and/or other scholarly sources are not used]; Response Posting [rudimentary and superficial; no analysis or insight is displayed]; Timeliness [More than 48 hours late]

Exams (25% of Final Grade Calculation)

There is a total of four [4] exams in this course. All exams shall be completed as closed book and in the time period provided on Canvas. All exams have multiple choice, True/False, and short answer portions. Point values are provided on the exam.

All assignments are due according to the dates in the Calendar.

Late submissions will be reduced by one letter grade for each week late (no exceptions without prior coordination with the instructors).

Exams are graded as follows:

• 100–90 = A
• 89–80 = B
• 79–70 = C
• <70 = F

Grading Policy

100-98 = A+
97-94 = A
93-90 = A−
89-87 = B+
86-83 = B
82-80 = B−
79-77 = C+
76-73 = C
72-70 = C−
69-67 = D+
66-63 = D
<63 = F

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students. This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University is committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. If disability accommodations are needed for this course, students should request accommodations through Student Disability Services (SDS) as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.  For further information about this process, please refer to the SDS Website.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically.  For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity.    If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.