Electrical Properties of Materials

EEE 327: Electrical Properties of Materials

Credits: 3, Contact hours/week: 3

Course Overview:

EEE 327, Electrical Properties of Materials, is an advanced course designed to explore the fundamental electrical behaviors exhibited by various materials. The course delves into the interactions between electrons and the crystal structures of solids, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles governing electrical conduction, dielectric properties, magnetic behavior, and superconductivity. Through a combination of theoretical concepts and practical applications, students will gain the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to comprehend and manipulate the electrical properties of materials in engineering and scientific contexts.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will:

1. Comprehend Crystal Structures: Understand the different types of crystal structures, Bravais lattice, and Miller indices, enabling students to describe and analyze the arrangement of atoms/molecules in various materials.
2. Master Classical Theory of Electrical and Thermal Conduction: Gain insights into the mechanisms of electrical conduction in materials, including scattering, mobility, and resistivity. Understand the temperature dependence of metal resistivity and its implications. Explore the Hall Effect and the principles of thermal conductivity.
3. Introduce Quantum Mechanics in Materials Science: Grasp the wave nature of electrons, solve one-dimensional quantum problems, and learn about Schrodinger’s equation. Understand the significance of Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle and its application in quantum systems.
4. Understand Band Theory of Solids: Gain a deep understanding of energy band formation in solids, Bloch theorem, Kronig-Penny model, and the concept of effective mass. Explore the density-of-states to analyze electron distribution in materials.
5. Analyze Carrier Statistics: Study Maxwell-Boltzmann and Fermi-Dirac distributions to comprehend electron energy levels and Fermi energy. Apply statistical concepts to describe electron populations in different materials.
6. Explore Modern Theory of Metals: Learn methods to determine Fermi energy and average electron energy in metals. Analyze classical and quantum mechanical calculations of specific heat in materials.
7. Investigate Dielectric Properties of Materials: Understand the dielectric constant, polarization mechanisms (electronic, ionic, and orientational), and the Clausius-Mosotti equation. Analyze frequency-dependent behavior, dielectric loss, and piezoelectricity.
8. Examine Magnetic Properties of Materials: Investigate magnetic moment, magnetization, and relative permittivity in different magnetic materials. Understand the origin of ferromagnetism and the behavior of magnetic domains.
9. Introduce Superconductivity: Explore the phenomena of zero resistance and the Meissner effect in superconducting materials. Differentiate between Type I and Type II superconductors and analyze the critical current density.

Course Format: The course will be conducted through a combination of lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on laboratory experiments. Students will be encouraged to engage in theoretical problem-solving and critical analysis of real-world materials’ electrical properties. Practical demonstrations and simulations will supplement theoretical concepts, enabling students to visualize the behavior of electrons in different materials.

Assessment Methods: Student performance will be evaluated through a mix of quizzes, assignments, laboratory reports, and a comprehensive final examination. Additionally, class participation and active engagement in discussions will be considered during the evaluation process.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of foundational courses in electrical engineering, quantum mechanics, and materials science is essential to enroll in EEE 327. Prior knowledge of crystal structures and basic electrical properties of materials will be advantageous for students undertaking this course.

Join us on a fascinating journey into the world of electrical properties of materials, where you will uncover the underlying principles that govern electronic behavior and their applications in cutting-edge technologies and devices. Prepare to enhance your understanding of materials engineering and equip yourself with valuable skills that will propel your career in the field of electrical engineering and beyond.