Robert W. Schwartz
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Missouri University of Science & Technology
110 ERL
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Rolla, MO 65409-0840
Phone: (573) 341-7887
FAX: (573) 341-4979
E-mail: Robert W. Schwartz
Education:
- Ph.D., University of Illinois (Ceramic Engineering), 1989
- M.S.,North Carolina State University (Chemistry), 1981
- B.S., North Carolina State University (Science Education), 1977
Research Interests:
- Development of high energy density dielectric composites, including polymeric-based and glass-ceramic systems
- Modeling of field, conductivity, and energy density distributions in diphasic dielectrics
- Piezoelectric composites, including Rainbow, Thunder, Cymbal and Moonie devices
- Focus on understanding stress effects on device reliability and performance
Prof. Schwartz's research is aimed at the development of new material systems with enhanced performance compared to the state-of-the-art. His group focuses on understanding material behavior at the nano- and micro-structural levels to influence, control, and improve macroscopic material response. For example, they are studying local field distributions in diphasic dielectrics to identify strategies to minimize local field enhancement, and thus allow for the use of higher applied fields, increasing dielectric energy density. In the area of piezoelectrics, they use control of processing conditions to manipulate the stress state of the piezoelectric layer in composite devices to take advantage of enhanced extrinsic contributions to electromechanical response. They also carry out fundamental investigations to address the specific role that stress plays on domain wall translation processes at the microstructural level. For example, they are trying to answer the question regarding which aspect of the stress profile is the most important: magnitude, gradient, or changes in gradient during dynamic operation.
Technologies Impacted by Research:
- High energy density dielectrics
- Piezoelectric composites
Professional Experience:
| June 2007 to present | Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Missouri University of Science & Technology (formerly University of Missouri-Rolla) |
| May 2002-June 2007 | Professor, Ceramic Engineering, University of Missouri-Rolla |
| August 1999-May 2002 | Associate Professor, Ceramic & Materials Engineering, Clemson University |
| August 1997-August 1999 | Assistant Professor, Ceramic & Materials Engineering, Clemson University |
| September 1989-August 1997 | Senior Member of the Technical Staff, Sandia National Laboratories |
| May 1980-August 1984 | Advanced R&D Engineer, B.F. Goodrich Corporation |
Awards:
| 2006 | Fellow, American Ceramic Society |
| 2004,2006 | Faculty Excellence Award, University of Missouri – Rolla |
| 2005, 2006 | Dean’s Award for Sustained Teaching Excellence |
| 2003, 2004, 2005 | Letter from Committee on Effective Teaching – Teaching rated high by students, but class load inadequate to qualify for Outstanding Teaching Award |
| 2004 | Ceramic Engineering Outstanding Professor Award |
| 2000 | Best Poster Award, American Ceramic Society, Electronics Division |
| 2000 | Best Symposium Poster Award, Materials Research Society |
| 1998 | Sigma Xi |
| 1994 | Best Paper Award – 44th IEEE Electronics and Components Technology Conference, Washington D.C. |
| 1988 | Graduate Student Award, Materials Research Society |
| 1985 | Keramos – Ceramic Professional Honor Fraternity |
| 1979 | Allied Chemical Company Award for Outstanding Research and Scholastic Achievements |
| 1977 | Graduated with High Honors |
| 1976 | Phi Kappa Phi |
| 1974 | Phi Lambda Upsilon |
Selected Publications:
- 1. W. Li and R. W. Schwartz, “Thermally and Electrically Excited Relaxation Process in Calcium Copper Titanate,” Appl. Phys. Lett. (2007). Accepted.
- W. Li, R. W. Schwartz, “Dielectric Response of Sr-doped CaCuTi4O12 Ceramics,” Appl. Phys. Lett. (2007). Accepted.
- M. Narayanan, R. W. Schwartz, and D. Zhou, “Stress-Biased Cymbals Using Shape Memory Alloys, J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 90 [4], 1122 – 1129 (2007).
- M. Narayanan and R. W. Schwartz, “Finite Element Modeling of a Donut Flextensional Transducer,” J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 90 [3], 850 – 857 (2007).
- A. Young, G. Hilmas, S. C. Zhang, and R. W. Schwartz, “Effect of Liquid Phase Sintering on the Breakdown Strength of BaTiO3,” J. Am. Ceram. Soc., (2007). Accepted.
