Integrated Research and Educational Activities in Diffusion Bonding of Metal Alloys

技术：该项目促进了对铁基和镍基合金扩散连接的基本了解。扩散连接可能在下一代用于发电厂和涡轮机的金属合金的开发中发挥关键作用，因为更高的工作温度将需要仔细控制金属合金的成分和微观结构。在本研究中，实验测试的结果与Ther-moCalc/DICTRA软件包和用户创建的MatLab算法相结合，创建了能够估计扩散连接接头性能的建模工具。对能源转换效率的需求增加，意味着热交换器和涡轮机等部件必须在不停机的情况下运行得更热、寿命更长。各种镍基和铁基合金可以通过严格控制化学和加工来满足这些需求。使用这些合金的制造和修复需要开发坚固的连接方法，以保持接头区域的性能。扩散连接是实现这一目的的一个很好的选择。这项研究结合了微观结构分析、力学测试和数值计算，创建了预测扩散连接接头性能的工具。非技术性：该项目的教育结构结合了当前工程教育的最佳实践，包括动手活动、同行指导和工程理论的实际应用。本科生和研究生研究人员在研究活动中合作。综合研究和教育目标扩大了原本可能不会考虑的学生学习工程学的机会，同时也提高了那些已经入学的学生的技能和专业知识。教育活动包括同伴指导、高中/本科生合作设计项目、暑期学院，以及针对代表性不足的少数群体的活动。美国原住民学生参加教育活动，这是一个更大的项目的一部分，该项目旨在吸引和留住他们在数学、科学和工程方面的学习。一个合作设计项目和暑期学院的目标是那些在大学里从来没有学过工程学的高中生。该计划？S的实验测试和成绩将被整合到至少四门高级或研究生课程中。

TECHNICAL: This project advances fundamental understanding of diffusion bonding in iron- and nickel-based alloys. Diffusion bonding could play a critical role in the development of the next generation of metal alloys used in power plants and turbines, as higher working temperatures will require careful control over metal alloy composition and microstructure. In this research results of experimental testing are integrated with the Ther-moCalc/DICTRA software packages and user-created MATLAB algorithms to create modeling tools capable of estimating the performance of diffusion-bonded joints. Increased demand for energy conversion efficiency means that components like heat exchangers and turbines must run hotter and last longer without a shutdown. A variety of nickel- and iron-based alloys can meet these demands using carefully controlled chemistry and processing. Fabrication and repair using these alloys demand development of robust joining methods that preserve properties in the region of the joint. Diffusion bonding is an excellent candidate for this purpose. The research employs a combination of microstructural analysis, mechanical testing, and numerical calculation to create tools that predict the properties of diffusion-bonded joints.NON-TECHNICAL: The educational structure of the program incorporates the current best practices of engineering education including hands-on activities, peer mentoring and practical applications of engineering theories. Undergraduate and graduate researchers collaborate in the research activities. The integrated research and educational objectives broaden access to engineering for students that might not have otherwise considered it while also improving the skills and expertise of those already enrolled. Educational activities including peer mentoring, collaborative high school/undergraduate design projects, a summer academy, and activities for underrepresented minorities. Native American students participate in educational activities as part of a larger program designed to attract and retain them in math, science and engineering. High school students that his-torically have not pursued engineering in college are targeted by a collaborative design project and summer academy. The program?s experimental tests and results will be integrated into at least four upper-division or graduate courses.