Blair London

Tensile and Fatigue Properties of Friction Stir Processed NiAl Bronze

Friction stir processing (FSP) produced local microstructural refinement in cast Ni Al Bronze. The refined microstructure quality was evaluated with mechanical property characterization using monotonic tension and fatigue testing as a function of FSP raster patterns. Modifying the cast NiAl bronze with FSP resulted in a 140 - 172 % increase in yield strength, and a 40 - 57% increase in tensile strength. Changing the raster pattern from a linear to a rectangular spiral raster increased the tensile elongations by 40 - 134%. This increase in elongation was attributed to increased microstructural uniformity through the depth of the FSP raster. The ability to transfer FSP technology was demonstrated with consistent tensile property data produced by three different laboratories. Fatigue characterization (both uniaxial and rotating-bending fatigue) showed that FSP improved the cast NiAl bronze fatigue resistance. Both types of fatigue testing showed differences in fatigue resistance as a function of processing parameters.

Cultivating Graduate Students: Techniques to Inspire Effective Research

Each year, U.S. institutions grant well over 10,000 bachelors degrees in science and engineering. However, only a small fraction of those students pursue graduate study. Many who do often experience great difficulty partly due to a lack of preparation for research: the nature of research is inherently foreign to those who are accustomed to studying course material and demonstrating their mastery of it by passing an exam. Carefully involving undergraduates in research can be an effective means for inspiring students to pursue graduate study. We have found that one can create a positive research experience for the student by implementing simple techniques. In this presentation, we present these practical techniques which include: Defining a manageable undergraduate research project; marketing the project to undergraduates; enabling effective record keeping in laboratory notebooks; focussing and directing research through efficient experimental designs. Along with these techniques, we will present examples—taken mainly from our Polymer Electronics Laboratory. We will also present the inherent pitfalls associated with these techniques.

Work in progress-classical ballet structure and practice applied to engineering class sessions

Classical ballet classes have a universal structure that fosters active in-class learning. This structure creates a safe environment for students to try, fail, be corrected, and succeed. Engineering classes lack a common structure; most learning in engineering occurs outside of class. Engineering classes could move toward adopting a similar structure to ballet to improve in-class learning and mirror engineering culture and practice. The paper describes aspects of ballet class structure and practices that work and bow these can apply to engineering classes. A new engineering class session structure is presented following the ballet model where engineering students are motivated to participate and learn during the class.

Work in Progress: Crossing the Engineering Border into Art and Society with a Materials Selection for the Life Cycle course

A new course in materials engineering has been developed to incorporate industrial design and sustain ability principles. Many current engineering tasks require the ability to comprehend and consider the complicated interplay of technology with the environment and society. Thus the changing skill set required of future engineers is being reflected in the changes with our courses. We are stepping beyond the traditional boundaries of engineering courses to present a more holistic approach to problem solving. The use of materials and processing techniques is applied to product design, and thus involves consideration of the end user and the end of product life. Green engineering and cradle to cradle design principles are also introduced in the course. Outcomes for this class include students being able to employ systems thinking, to formulate creative design solutions, and to select the appropriate materials and processing for minimal environmental impact