The purpose of this research is to nano-synthesize magnetostrictive smart materials to create nano-ink that can be 3D-printed to create acoustic sensors. The goal of this study was to achieve nano-synthesis of the smart materials Terfenol-D (terbium-dysprosium-iron alloy) and Galfenol (iron-gallium alloy). The acoustic sensors created from these nanomaterials have potential applications in pollution monitoring, health monitoring, chemical and biological detection, and signal processing devices.
This research project was in partnership with Boise State University, Idaho National Laboratory (INL), and the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) in a Research for Undergraduates Experience (REU) funded by the National Science Foundation. My contribution to this project included researching the composition of the smart materials used, as well as nanosynthesizing the material using a top-down approach. During this research project, I was able to achieve nanosynthesis of Terfenol-D by using a high-energy ball mill. I then analyzed and characterized nanoparticles utilizing methods like Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Energy Dispersive X-ray System, and Dynamic Light Scattering to ensure accurate composition and particle size. At the end of this research project, I presented my findings at the Idaho National Laboratory poster session.
The purpose of this research project is to provide companies with the data they need to make their products more sustainable. University of Washington has been working on creating a database that displays the recyclability of household appliances, and how accessible it is to the average household. The recyclability of household appliances is measured during disassembly, gathering data on the time that it takes to take apart, tools used, the composition of parts, and qualitative ratings of the accessibility and force required for disassembly. To properly simulate accessibility to the average household, only handheld tools were allowed during disassembly.
During this research project, I was provided a washer/dryer combination which I focused on meticulously disassembling over three months. During this process I took video footage of disassembly, measuring the time for disassembly, the force required, accessibility, and tools required. I logged all of the data collected in a spreadsheet, organizing each part by a part ID and logging its respective data. At the end of the project, I measured the mass of each part and assessed its overall composition. Upon completion of the project, I presented my findings at the University of Washington Tacoma undergraduate research colloquium and presented the data I had gathered to the University of Washington faculty for further use.
Washer/Dryer Combo that was Assessed