Rapid Freeze Spraying of Graded Laminar Composites
Department
Materials Science and Engineering
Major
Ceramic Engineering
Research Advisor
Dogan, Fatih
Advisor's Department
Materials Science and Engineering
Funding Source
Center for Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies; Air Force Research Laboratories; Boeing Phantom Works
Abstract
Laminar composites are needed for many applications ranging from structural materials to aerospace engine components to biomedical implants. Unfortunately, different expansion coefficients of materials cause them to separate during sintering which can lead to failure of the composite samples. This project optimizes and employs rapid freeze spraying technology to fabricate prototypes with graded alumina and zirconia structures in order to form gradual transitions between coefficients of thermal expansion.
Rapid freeze spraying significantly decreases costs for manufacturing because sample fabrication time decreases and expensive dies are no longer required. The process is also environmentally friendly because the materials used possess a low organic content. In addition, our research has shown that graded composites with gradual transitions between coefficients of thermal expansion are less susceptible to crack formation during sintering. This can lead to tougher materials for practical applications as structural components.
Biography
Ashlee Abbott is a freshman undergraduate at the University of Missouri--Rolla, majoring in Ceramic Engineering. She has been researching composite samples since May 2005.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Presentation Date
12 Apr 2006, 1:00 pm
Rapid Freeze Spraying of Graded Laminar Composites
Laminar composites are needed for many applications ranging from structural materials to aerospace engine components to biomedical implants. Unfortunately, different expansion coefficients of materials cause them to separate during sintering which can lead to failure of the composite samples. This project optimizes and employs rapid freeze spraying technology to fabricate prototypes with graded alumina and zirconia structures in order to form gradual transitions between coefficients of thermal expansion.
Rapid freeze spraying significantly decreases costs for manufacturing because sample fabrication time decreases and expensive dies are no longer required. The process is also environmentally friendly because the materials used possess a low organic content. In addition, our research has shown that graded composites with gradual transitions between coefficients of thermal expansion are less susceptible to crack formation during sintering. This can lead to tougher materials for practical applications as structural components.
