Project Info
Heat Treatment of Aluminum Die Castings
Kester Clarke |kclarke@mines.edu
Die-casting is a proven, cost-efficient, and highly efficient manufacturing process for structural metal components, especially for aluminum alloys. Aluminum alloys can be heat treated to produce significantly improved mechanical performance, but when the prior processing is die-casting, small bubbles of gas can be entrapped inside the material. Subsequent heat treatment can cause these bubbles to expand and reduce the structural integrity of the component, limiting the ability for heat treatment to improve properties in die cast aluminum alloys. This project aims to find ways to eliminate or reduce the effects of entrapped gas in die-cast aluminum components, which could revolutionize our ability to make high-strength components!
More Information
https://www.diecasting.org
Grand Engineering Challenge: Engineer the tools of scientific discovery
Student Preparation
Qualifications
Interest in metallurgical and materials engineering, and good ability to work hands-on in the laboratory.
Time Commitment
Hours would be flexible, but about 10-20 hours per week, 40-80 hours per month.
Skills/Techniques Gained
Microstructural characterization and mechanical testing.
Mentoring Plan
This is also flexible. I would plan to meet with the student and develop a mentoring plan based on the student and project needs.