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Speaker:
Robin Bright
Advisor:
Dr. Harris Marcus
Bio: Robin
Bright graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Engineering
degree (BSE) in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) from the University of
Connecticut in 2005 and is currently working toward his Masters degree in MSE.
Prior to entering graduate school, he worked for three summers at Saint-Gobain
High Performance Materials Research and Development in Worcester, MA. He
has been an active participant in the Materials Advantage.
Topic: Preliminary
Observations of Metallurgical Phenomena in Laser Drilled Nickel-Based
Superalloys.
Abstract:
Laser drilling is becoming an increasingly popular method for creating cooling
holes in a variety of high temperature gas turbine engine components. The
present communication summarizes the initial effort currently being conducted at
the Institute of Materials Science
(IMS) at the University of Connecticut in terms of investigating the local
metallurgical phenomenon that can occur during laser drilling of nickel-based
superalloys. Preparation of samples, observed local features, as well as
microstructural and chemical analysis of laser drilled specimens will be
discussed. This research is funded by the Connecticut Center for Advanced
Technology (CCAT).
Speaker:
Neal Madefrau
Advisor: Mark Aindow
Bio:
Neal is a local Connecticut resident who received his B.S. in Metallugy and
Materials Engineering from UConn in 2005 and has continued on to pursue a
Master's degree. His research interests include characterization of
nanoscale microstructures in metallic systems using electron microscopy.
Currently he is working on a research project involving amorphous alloys for the
aerospace industry. He is also the current President of the UConn Materials
Advantage Chapter.
Topic:
Characterization of Phase Transformations in Pseudoelastic B-Titanium Alloys
Abstract:
Titanium alloys have been the primary choice for biocompatible materials for
implants and medical equipment. In particular, pseudoelastic alloys have
found their way into the human body due to their unique mechanical properties.
Although Nitinol (~50% Ni, 50% Ti) is the most widely used pseudoelastic alloy,
nickel is known to cause allergic reactions in the body. This talk focuses
on a senior design project sponsored by Memry Corporation, specifically on the
characterization of a new nickel-free alloy known as Flexium. In general,
pseudoelasticity in these alloys can be found only when transforming the
metastable beta-phase (BCC) to orthorhombic martensite. Unfortunately,
small particles of omega-phase (hexagonal) are known to form in this alloy.
This talk focuses on the characterization of this unwanted phase and determining
its stability range as a means of preventing its formation and retaining good
pseudoelastic properties.
Speaker:
Will Osborn
Advisor: Leon Shaw
Bio:
Will Osborn earned his BS in Materials Science and Engineering from the
University of Washington in Seattle in 2004. After focusing on structural
composite materials as an undergraduate, Will is currently pursuing his
PhD and has interests in fuel cell and energy materials.
Topic: Li3N
Based Materials for Solid State Hydrogen Storage
Abstract:
Deploying hydrogen-powered automobiles on a national scale requires a viable
low-pressure hydrogen storage system. Lithium nitride is capable of 11.5
weight percent reversible H2 storage, but suffers from high operating
temperatures. The presented work summarizes current efforts to
mechanically destabilize lithium amide and lithium hydride to create metastable
structures that offer operating temperature reductions of 50°C. Further
reductions in operating temperatures via electronic destabilization are
discussed. Additionally, the kinetic issues associated with operating
these storage materials at lower temperatures are addressed. The necessity
for catalysts in this system is shown.
Topics
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