Project Description
This project, supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, aims to develop new methods to design composite materials with a microstructure that is optimized for a given application or set of loading conditions. The manufacturing of such materials will leverage advances in 3D printing and rapid prototyping. The SPUR student will focus on the experimental validation of the methodology. The candidate will collaborate with the graduate student developing the optimization framework, so that experiments and modeling are tightly correlated. The tasks of the project include building samples following the optimized microstructures, experimentally testing their stiffness and/or strength (including developing the testing procedure and processing the results), and analyzing the samples after testing.
Special Requirements
The candidate should be interested in performing experimental work, with strong presence in the lab. Prior knowledge in mechanics of materials and structures (such as ASEN3112, MCEN2063, CVEN3161, etc.) will be useful but not compulsory. Experience with machining and rapid prototyping (laser cutter/ 3D printer) will be valued.
Contact
- Francisco Lopez (faculty)
- Mohammad Mokhtarzadeh Khanegahi (graduate student)