Project Description
In the proposed research and development effort, the degradation mechanisms of nickel and aluminum alloys will be characterized via optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thin “dog tag” samples of a nickel-cobalt-chrome (NiCoCr) alloy and an aluminum-cerium (Al-Ce) alloy will be machined for oxidation and corrosion studies, respectively. The NiCoCr dog tag samples will be subjected to high temperature air/steam environments whereas the Al-Ce samples will be subjected to electrochemical corrosion within a NaCl solution. The OM/SEM characterization of degradation mechanisms and kinetics will be used for subsequent constitutive modeling of the evolution of materials/microstructures within aggressive/extreme environments.
Tasks and Responsibilites
1). Machine dog tag samples for oxidation and corrosion studies.
2). Conduct oxidation testing of a NiCoCr alloy at high temperature.
3). Conduct electrochemical corrosion testing of an Al-Ce alloy within a NaCl solution.
4). Prepare (cut, mount, and polish) baseline, oxidized, and corroded alloys for optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization.
5). Analyze development of oxide and corrosion layer(s) on specimens using OM/SEM characterization.
6). Report research findings periodically to Academic mentor and within poster session at Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Desired Qualifications
None Listed.