IAP Independent Activities Period
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IAP 2007 Subjects

Civil and Environmental Engineering

1.978
Special Graduate Studies in Civil and Environmental Engineering
From Nano to Macro: Introduction to Atomistic Modeling Techniques
Dr. Markus J. Buehler
Pre-register on WebSIS and attend first class.
Listeners welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: —
Level: G 6 units Graded P/D/F Can be repeated for credit   

We introduce atomistic modeling techniques and its importance for solving problems in modern engineering sciences, with an emphasis on mechanical properties. We demonstrate how atomistic modeling can be used to model materials failure (e.g. unfolding of proteins, cracking). Students will learn the basics of atomistic modeling, including choosing interatomic potentials, visualization and data analysis. We cover concepts of mechanics at small scales and relate it to common engineering concepts (e.g. beam theory). Students will work on a hands-on simulation project.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/mbuehler/www/Teaching/IAP2007/intro.htm
Contact: Dr. Markus J. Buehler, 1-272, 452-2750, mbuehler@mit.edu

Introduction to Mechanics of Materials
Dr. Markus J. Buehler
Basic concepts of mechanics, stress and strain, deformation, strength and fracture.
Mon Jan 8, 09-10:30am, 5-217

Introduction to Classical Molecular Dynamics
Dr. Markus J. Buehler
Introduction into the molecular dynamics simulation; numerical techniques.
Tue Jan 9, 09-10:30am, 5-217

Mechanics of Ductile Materials
Dr. Markus J. Buehler
Dislocations; crystal structures; deformation of metals
Tue Jan 16, 09-10:30am, TBA, 5-217

Dynamic Fracture of Brittle Materials
Dr. Markus J. Buehler
Nonlinear elasticity in dynamic fracture, geometric confinement, interfaces.
Wed Jan 17, 09-10:30am, 5-217

The Cauchy-Born Rule
Dr. Markus J. Buehler
Calculation of elastic properties of atomic lattices.
Fri Jan 19, 09-10:30am, 5-217

Introduction to the Problem Set
Professor Markus J. Buehler
Atomistic modeling of fracture of a nanocrystal of copper. All simulation codes and numerical tools will be explained in detail. The codes will be made available to participants via a web interface.
Mon Jan 22, 09-10:30am, 5-217

Size Effects in Deformation of Materials
Professor Markus J. Buehler
Size effects in deformation of materials: Is smaller stronger?
Fri Jan 26, 09-10:30am, 5-217

1.979
Special Graduate Studies in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Transportation Software Packages Workshop
Mikel Murga
Mon-Fri, Jan 8-12, 18-19, 29-31, 09am-05:00pm, Room 1-371

Pre-register on WebSIS and attend first class.
Limited to 12 participants.
No listeners
Prereq: Permission of instructor Yes
Level: G 4 units Standard A - F Grading Can be repeated for credit   

Graduate subjects taught experimentally; special subjects offered by visiting faculty; and seminars on topics of current interest. 1.978 is taught P/D/F.
This is a two-week workshop on GIS, transportation demand modeling and traffic simulation. The goal is two-fold: (a) to provide hands-on experience with commercial software packages (TransCad, HCS and Vissim) and (b) to present and discuss types and sequences of analytical approaches, data needs and sources, pitfalls and opportunities, ranges of application, sensitivity analyses, calibration and validation exercises, etc. A supplemental bibliography will be provided together with a list of relevant web sites. The workshop will require 60 hours of work.

Please Note You must receive permission from instructor prior to registering for class.
Contact: Mikel Murga, 1-276, x2-3121, mmurga@mit.edu

1.991
Spec Stud: Civil & Environ Eng
Designing Museum Exhibits to Illustrate Earth System Science and Engineering
Prof. Rafael Bras, Dr. Ari Epstein
Mon Jan 29 thru Fri Feb 2, 11am-05:00pm, 16-168

Pre-register on WebSIS and attend first class.
No listeners
Prereq: Terrascope (1.016) Students only
Level: U 3 units Graded P/D/F Can be repeated for credit   

In preparation for 1.016, students will explore how visitors learn in museums and how developers create effective exhibits. Students will also develop concepts for exhibits to be built in 1.016. The class will visit local museums, meeting with designers, observing visitors and brainstorming about best practices. They will draw on their experience in 1.991, and the work they have already done in Mission 2010, to develop ideas for exhibits about Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, the Mississippi Delta region, reconstruction/rebuilding, and planing for future major storms.
Contact: Prof. Rafael Bras, 48-213, x3-2117, rlbras@mit.edu

1.994
Special Undergraduate Studies in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Professor Jerome Connor
Schedule: TBD
Pre-register on WebSIS and attend first class.
Limited to 12 participants.
No listeners
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Level: U 3 units Graded P/D/F Can be repeated for credit   

ASCE Steel Bridge Competition

Undergraduate and graduate civil engineering students are challanged to an inter-collegiate competition that includes design, fabrication, and construction of a steel bridge. Participating students gain practical experience in structural design, fabrication processes, construction planning, organization, and teamwork. The ASCE Steel competition also provides the element of excitement in competing against and networking with students from other colleges and universities from around the country. The competition takes place on March 17th, 2007 at the University of Connecticut. Project planning and design shall commence during the fall semester with the fabrication ocurring during the IAP.

This IAP will continue on through February and March.
Contact: Professor Jerome Connor, 1-253, x3-8435, jjconnor@mit.edu


MIT  
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Last update: 30 September 2004