Department
Materials Science and Engineering
Major
Metallurgical Engineering
Research Advisor
Richards, Von
Advisor's Department
Materials Science and Engineering
Funding Source
UMR Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Program
Abstract
Trace elements found in gray cast iron affect graphite morphology, and thus mechanical properties. Even though there is existing research on the effects of trace elements, this paper will specifically discuss the outcomes of adding the trace elements, boron, nitrogen, and titanium in ranges suggested b y a committee of participating foundries, to gray cast iron on the microstructure. The compositions of the samples were varied according to a factorial experimental array in ranges recommended by a committee of foundries providing technical oversight. Using metallographic techniques, graphite length and type of graphite were determined and then compared with their tensile strengths. Correlations between composition and graphite length were compared to correlations between composition and strength.
Biography
Meghan McGrath is the daughter of Kevin and Mary McGrath of St. Louis. She is a junior in Metallurgical Engineering. She is the President of the Alpha Sigma Mu (Materials Science and Engineering Honor Fraternity), the Secretary/Treasurer of the American Foundry Society, and a member of Material Advantage.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Havener Center, Carver-Turner Room
Presentation Date
11 April 2007, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
Trace elements effects on gray cast iron microstructure
Havener Center, Carver-Turner Room
Trace elements found in gray cast iron affect graphite morphology, and thus mechanical properties. Even though there is existing research on the effects of trace elements, this paper will specifically discuss the outcomes of adding the trace elements, boron, nitrogen, and titanium in ranges suggested b y a committee of participating foundries, to gray cast iron on the microstructure. The compositions of the samples were varied according to a factorial experimental array in ranges recommended by a committee of foundries providing technical oversight. Using metallographic techniques, graphite length and type of graphite were determined and then compared with their tensile strengths. Correlations between composition and graphite length were compared to correlations between composition and strength.
