Use of advanced analytical tools like MATLAB/SIMULINK, SCILAB/XCOS, etc. for solution of engineering problems and their applications (Application of these soft wares depends on the 24 various problems formulated in different departments). Information literacy, information sources (media,publishers,aggregators);validityofinformation,plagiarismandlegalaspects. Information search – search engines, journal repositories, academic (social) networks, search strategies, personal contacts, tools for managing references. Integrating information literacy in research, cloud computing, audiovisual tools, e.g PowerPoint presentations. Literature review: Readingandsummarizingrelevantarticles,criticalanalysisandevaluationofresearch, identification of themes and comparators, writing review documentsand identification of research (or knowledge) gaps. Scientific method and nature of evidence: Experimental methods and design methods (as may be applicable to individual departments and research areas), data collection and management of quantitative data. Human participants – expert reviews, focus groups, questionnaires and interviews. Project management and report writing: project planning, report structure and style, general report writing techniques
Philosophy of Engineering Design: techniques and analysis, synthesis and evaluation; The creative process: Design in the Corporate Environment: engineering research, marketing, finance and other corporate functions – and comprehensive design. Development Engineering; post-initial design development of new products, value engineering; development testing vs experimental research; case studies. Integrated treatment of mathematical modeling and analysis of systems. Modeling linear and nonlinear systems and their performance under transient, periodic and random loads, time domain and transfer techniques for linear continuous and discrete time systems. Transfer function, integral equation representation, and state model for selected control systems. State variable methods. State transition matrix for time- invariant and time varying continuous and discrete systems. Solving practical Engineering problems using
MATLAB/SIMULINK, MAPLE, MATHEMATICA, etc). Adjoint Systems. Singularity functions and superposition integrals for linear systems. Distributed parameter system analysis. Selected numerical analysis methods and applications. Theory of design, material consideration, optimization techniques, similitude, stability, design of experiments and evaluation of results.
A proposal report to be written and presented by the Masters degree student as a seminar to staff and students of ACE-SPED and other interested stake-holders
Overview of renewable energy technologies with focus on Solar, Wind, Bioenergy, hydropower (Pico, Micro, small scale & large scale), geothermal, tidal, wave, hydrogen and fuel cells etc. Brief review of conventional and emerging energy systems (technical, economic and environmental relevance and impact). Identification of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Renewable energy resources assessment techniques and exploitation technologies. Solar resource evaluation techniques, physical basis of solar radiation, photoelectric effect, definitions and explanations of key terms in photovoltaic (PV) technology-direct/diffuse/ global radiation/Albedo/Air mass, solar cells, module make-up, mono and polycrystalline and amorphous modules, thin-film, dye sensitized and organic cells. Solar thermal technology, geothermal tidal, and wave technologies. Advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy technologies. New energy technologies: Hydrogen, fuel cells, free energy (fly wheel etc). Nexus between renewable energy and Africa’s development. Types of biomass and their basic properties. Overview of biomass processing technologies. Applications of biomass. Economics of biomass. Trends in biomass energy utilization in Sub-Saharan Africa. Introduction to RE softwares such as
RETScreen, HOMER, etc).
Materials for energy storage and conversion in existing and future power systems, including fuel cells and batteries, photovoltaic cells, thermoelectric cell and hybrids, Solar Energy Materials: Photovoltaic (PV) cells) using semi-conductive materials such as silicon and glass, mechanical and electrochemical energy storages. Energy efficiency on materials issues (lighting, buildings and Insulation) in addition to fuel cells and solar fuels. Development of smart grids: present technology (e.g., stronger, higher-current overhead lines), Emerging technology (e.g., superconducting cables), Anticipate technologies (e.g., storage for extensive solar or wind energy generation), High-penetration of renewable and grid stabilization.
The global energy landscape, climate change, Economics of materials in relation to global energy flows and global materials flows. Materials issues concerned in Non-renewable energy sources, such as petroleum, natural gas, oil shale and unconventional energy sources plus coal and coal conversion technologies, Materials and processes for advanced propulsion system, 26 structures, batteries, alternative fuels and sensors for autonomous vehicles, aviation and naval vehicles
Atomistic simulation, molecular dynamics method-algorithms Verlet and velocity Verlet, Getting numbers out of molecular dynamics simulations-radial distribution functions, diffusion constants, velocity autocorrelation functions, Constant pressure and constant temperature methods, Monte Carlo methods; the lsing model, Relevance of Computational Materials Sciences in energy materials and production.
Microstructural characterization techniques: optical and electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis and surface analytical techniques, including Auger electron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy. Chemical Analysis by Diffraction and fluorescent spectroscopic methods. Electro-optical
techniques (TEM, STEM, SEM, EMMA, NMR, Nuclear magnetic etc). Sample Preparation for TEM, STEM and SEM and image analysis.
Current and potential future energy systems: resources, extraction, conversion, and end-use technologies, with emphasis on meeting regional and global energy needs in the 21st century. Renewable and conventional energy production technologies. Energy end-use practices and alternatives. Consumption practices in different countries. Evaluation and analysis of energy technology system: (engineering, political, social, economic, and environmental goals).
Nuclear energy generation: current and future schemes. Material requirements for controlled nuclear fusion. Creep and time-dependent fatigue behavior of a number of structural alloys used or planned in advanced nuclear power generating systems. Nuclear non-proliferation treaties, nuclear waste management and disposal.
Industrial Internship for a duration of one month is compulsory for all ACE-SPED students. The internship, which is expected to be undertaken in one of our Sectoral partners establishments/industries/firms could lead to a project research and will culminate in a seminar presentation at the end of the internship.
ACE students are required to carry out a research-based project in any of the thematic areas of ACE-SPED under the guidance of an academic staff appointed by the Centre. This will be captured in a standard Project Report to be examined orally by a Board of Internal and External Examiners as laid down in the guidelines of the School of Postgraduate Studies of the University of Nigeria. The report shall not have been, in part of in full submitted for any other diploma or degree of this University or of another educational institution.
Review of Quantum Mechanics. Nanosystems. Molecular dynamics. Scanning Probe Microscopy. Nanomaterials: Production and characterization of nanoparticles. Design of nanostructured systems. Nanomechanics of materials, Applications of nanosystems in the
industry. Development of quantitative understanding of the different intermolecular forces between atoms and molecules and how these forces give rise to interesting phenomena at the nanoscale, such as flocculation, wetting, Preparation of Nanoscale Materials: Precipitation, mechanical milling, colloidal routes, self-assembly; vapour phase deposition, MOCVD, 27 sputtering, evaporation, molecular beam epitaxy, Chemical spray pyrolysis atomic layer epitaxy, microelectronics. Patterning and Lithography for Nanoscale Devices: Optical/UV, electron beam and X-ray lithography systems and processes, wet etching, dry (plasma/reactive ion etching), etch resists
Ferro electricity – Dielectric Properties, Ferro electric hysteresis loop. Perovskite structure e.g. Barium Titanate Structure and Applications. Electrical, optical, magnetic and mechanical properties of metals, semiconductors, ceramics and polymers Role of bonding, Structure (crystalline, defect energy band and microstructure) and composition in influencing and controlling physical properties are discussed. Case studies drawn from a variety of applications: semiconductor diodes and optical detectors, sensors, thin films, insulator etc.
Electrical, magnetic and optical properties of materials and acquisition of quantum mechanical tools. Postulates of quantum mechanics, and examination of the hydrogen atom, simple molecules and bonds, and the behavior of electrons in solids and energy bands. Introduction to the variation principle and method for the calculation of wave functions, investigation of how and why materials respond to different electrical, magnetic and electromagnetic fields and probes and study of the conductivity, dielectric function, and magnetic permeability in metals, semiconductors, and insulators. A survey of common devices such as transistors, magnetic storage media, optical fibers concludes the semester
Superconducting magnets, including thermodynamic and transport properties of aqueous and nonaqueous electrolytes, the electrode/electrolyte interface, and the kinetics of electrode processes. Electrochemical characterization with regards to d.c. techniques (controlled potential, controlled current) and a.c. techniques (voltametry and impedance spectroscopy). Applications: electrowinning, electrorefining, electroplating, and electrosynthesis, as well as electrochemical power sources (batteries and fuel cells).
Fundamentals of additive manufacturing Technical comparison of additive manufacturing with conventional manufacturing processes(e.g.CNC milling, Injection moulding, casting), The work flow in additive manufacturing(polymers, resins, Ceramics and metals), Classification of materials in additive manufacturing, Designing for additive manufacturing, Post treatment of additive manufactured parts, Some known applications of additive manufacturing, How to calculate the cost of additive manufactured parts, Potentials of commercializing additive manufacturing, Relevance of additive manufacturing in energy materials and production.
The synthesis-structures-properties-applications relationship of conducting polymers: Draw the molecular structure of common conducting polymer monomers/polymers, basic synthetic method, concept of doping and dedoping, properties of conducting polymers(Electrical and electronic, Mechanical, Optical, Electroluminescence, electrochromic and photochromic), applications
of conducting polymers (Supercapacitors, Corrosion inhibition, Photocatalytic, Electrochemical gas sensors, Conducting polymer hydrogels (CPH) for bioelectronics, Solar Cells), Conductive Polymer Composites and Blends, Hands-on experiences on the synthesis of nanostructured conducting polymers and construct chemical vapor sensors
Industrial Internship for a duration of one month is compulsory for all ACE-SPED students. The internship, which is expected to be undertaken in one of our Sectoral partners establishments/industries/firms could lead to a project research and will culminate in a seminar presentation at the end of the internship
Choice of broad research area with considerations of interdisciplinary topics, Identification of research/ knowledge gaps and research objectives. Role of technical reports in engineering projects. Fundamental principles of technical writing. Format of different types of reports, outlines, purpose and scope, technical discussion details, role of appendix, function of figures, equation editors, tables and illustration. Literature search, references (citing’s and listings). Nature of recommendations and conclusions. Guides for writing memoranda, business letters. Oral presentation of technical reports and thesis. Synopsis writing Developing long-term research plan, Identification of potential funding agencies and their requirements. Research objectives in relation to interests of the funding agencies. Estimating Page 13 of 14 research timelines, Budget preparation, manpower requirements and availability, research facilities, legal
issues, etc.
Advanced version of ACE 601
A proposal report to be written and presented by the PhD candidate as a seminar to staff and students of ACE-SPED and other interested stake-holders.
Microsystems design: material properties, fabrication technologies, structural behavior, sensing methods, fluid flow, microscale transport, noise, and amplifiers feedback systems. Design of microsystems (sensors, actuators, and sensing/control systems) of a variety of types, (e.g., optical MEMS, bioMEMS, inertial sensors) to meet a set of performance specifications (e.g., sensitivity, signal-to-noise) using a realistic microfabrication process, modelling and simulation in the design process.
X-ray Diffraction analysis, Ion Beam instruments and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry, design and operation of scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopes, with particular reference to electron sources. Scanning Probe Microscopies: lateral imaging range and sensitivity to structure and properties; specifically describe the theory, use and operation of the STM and AFM including strengths and weaknesses of each technique; Discuss applications of SPM to materials characterization. Thermal analysis: Describe the different types of thermal analysis techniques available; Interpret DSC, TG and DTA data for simple materials.
A thesis shall embody original scholarship and independent research which must make a distinct contribution to knowledge in an area advanced energy materials engineering. The thesis must be submitted in an approved format and defended in an oral examination.
Computer programming: MATLAB; use of Simulink, Neural Network, FIS and ANFIS for solving sustainable energy materials problems. System, environment, input and output variables; state variables and their transition. System identification – structure and parameter identification; Deterministic and stochastic systems; Static and Dynamic Systems. Modelling and simulation: physical Modelling, dimension analysis, dimensionless grouping of input and output variables to find empirical relations, similarity criteria and their application to physical models.
Physics of microelectronic semiconductor devices for silicon integrated circuit applications: semiconductor fundamentals, p-n junction, metal-oxide semiconductor structure, metal-semiconductor junction, MOS field-effect transistor, and bipolar junction transistor. Energy band diagrams and short-channel MOSFET device design, issues in modern device scaling.