Project Description
The primary objective of this research is to investigate the electro-healing of long SMA fibers/wires reinforced self-healing metal matrix composites. Electropulsing treatment can be utilized to heal micro-cracks in SMA-reinforced self-healing metal matrix composites. This treatment potentially induces several mechanisms, including Joule heating, detouring or skin effect, thermal compressive stress, grain refinement, dislocation rearrangement and annihilation, electromigration, microstructural modification, recrystallization, atom diffusion, micro-welding, and the collapse of cracks. The study will investigate the effect of electropulsing treatment on the healing and mechanical properties of composites, as well as attempt to identify the potential mechanisms of healing.
Tasks and Responsibilites
The following are the tasks for which the student will be responsible:
1. Perform preliminary research into the literature to assess the feasibility of electropulsing treatment for healing long SMA-reinforced self-healing metal matrix composites.
2. Determine the optimum process parameters for electropulsing treatment to heal SMA-reinforced self-healing metal matrix composites.
3. Provide assistance in any experimentation, characterization, or testing of the project as needed by the responsible graduate student.
4. Create a CAD model to design the fixture for holding the sample during electropulsing treatment and fabricate the fixture.
5. Craft a poster and report on the research performed.
Desired Qualifications
None Listed.