2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This work-in-progress paper describes the development and planned implementation of innovative learning modules on ceramic additive manufacturing (AM) for a course at UNC Charlotte, Design of High-Temperature Materials, to be offered in Spring 2027. The course, part of the Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science program’s aerospace concentration, integrates concepts from mechanics, materials, and design classes to examine how materials perform in extreme thermal environments. Case studies including thermal protection technologies and and jet engine components are used to contextualize high-temperature design challenges.
To enhance the course, new instructional modules are being developed that focus on advanced manufacturing processes for ceramics, with a particular emphasis on additive manufacturing. Leveraging the resources of the Center for Additive Manufacture of Advanced Ceramics (CAMAC) at UNC Charlotte, these modules introduce students to the opportunities and challenges associated with fabricating ceramic components for high-temperature and extreme environments. The learning materials include hands-on design exercises and case studies that connect manufacturing processes to component performance and mechanical properties. The goal of these modules is to bridge the gap between materials selection, processing constraints, and functional design through experiential and application-driven learning. Initial classroom implementation and assessment are planned for Spring 2027. This paper presents the pedagogical framework, module structure, and intended integration strategies, demonstrating the efforts to contribute to manufacturing education through additive technologies and real-world materials applications.