Joel P. Clark

Professor of Materials Systems

BS/MS Engineering Science, Florida State University, 1966, 1970
ScD Metallurgy and Materials Science, MIT, 1972
SM Management, MIT, 1975

Room 8-407, 77 Mass Ave., Cambridge, MA  02139
617-253-6885 (phone) 617-258-0860 (fax)
jpclark@mit.edu

Prof. Clark's current research involves analysis of the relationship between technology and economics in materials industries. The long term objectives of this research are twofold: (1) to establish a comprehensive and consistent framework for analyzing the markets for minerals over the next 10-20 years, and the costs of supplying these markets, (2) to apply this framework to the study of the dynamic behavior of supply, demand, and prices in specific materials markets. He aims to create a framework that can answer questions such as: How will the future costs and properties of new materials affect the competitive positions of existing materials industries, and how will they impact end use markets?; What would be the likely supply and demand responses in the event of significant supply or price disruptions and/or cartel actions? 

Selected Publications

"Techno-Economic Issues in Materials Selection," ASM Handbook, Vol. 20, Materials Selection and Design (1996). 

"Life Cycle Analysis and its Role in Product and Process Development," Journal of Evnironmentally Conscious Manufacturing: (1996) (with others). 

"Bringing Light Weight Cars Down to Earth," Technology Review: 28-37 (January 1997) (with F.R. Field). 

"Automotive Materials for the Future," Conference Proceedings, Auto Focus '97, Beyond Globalization: The Automotive Industry in the New Millenium. Birmingham, U.K., (Sept. 1997). 

"Techno-Economic Issues in Materials Selection," in ASM Handbook, Vol. 20, Materials Selection and Design 256-265 (Dec. 1997) (with others).

Teaching Involvements

Fall 2006 3.57J Materials Selection, Design, and Economoics
Spring 2007 3.560J Industrial Ecology

Prof. Clark is co-director of the GM-MIT Material and Manufacturing Systems Analysis Collaborative Research Laboratory (MMSA). See Tech Talk for more information about this exciting new program. Prof. Clark's work with electronic recycling was reported in the March 2004 issue of Technology Review.