Project Info
Next Generation Automobile Conductors
Terry Lowe | lowe@mines.edu
The goal of this project is to develop nanostructured variants of aluminum that have electrical conductivity and strength high enough to enable nano-aluminum wires to replace copper wires in future automobiles. This project is interesting because it creates a massive shift in the automobile industry, helping to usher in the era of all electric vehicles. Nanostructured aluminum wires can reduces the weight, environmental impact, and cost of automobiles while increasing fuel efficiency. Today every car has over 1 mile of wiring, having a weight on the order of 100 pounds. Cars of the future with nanostructured aluminum will have less than half the weight of conductors. Also, the cost per amp delivered by automobile wiring is at least 6 times less for aluminum compared to copper.
More Information
http://www.autonews.com/article/20160111/OEM10/301119994/yazaki-rethinks-wiring-for-autonomous-age”
Grand Engineering: Not applicable
Student Preparation
Qualifications
The minimum qualification is a passion for learning experimental techniques and the ability to work in a research team environment. Prior experience with materials science and engineering is helpful, but is not necessary.
Time Commitment
40 hours/month
Skills/Techniques Gained
The successful student for this project will learn to conduct materials processing by High Shear Deformation techniques and by wire drawing. They will also learn skills to characterize microstructures, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties. Most importantly, the student will work in a diverse team environment and experience mentoring and teamwork.
Mentoring Plan
Mentoring is an integral part of working in our Nanostructured Materials Research Team. We have implemented elements of mentoring programs developed at the University of California and the University of Michigan.