Integrating Kinetics Characterization and Materials Processing Within the Lab Experience

Authors

  • Dennis J. Michaud University of Delaware
  • Rajeev L. Gorowara University of Delaware
  • Roy L. McCullough University of Delaware

Abstract

An integrated sequence of two undergraduate laboratory experiments has been developed at the University of Delaware to provide students with a coherent understanding of the underlying physical and chemical phenomenon present during the manufcture of composite materials.  In particular, the students are presented with the design challenge of identifying satisfactory processing conditions for the manufacture of thick-sectioned composite laminates.  In their junior year, the students characterize important kinetic parameters of the resin and use these parameters within a cure simulation to identify the optimal processing conditions for the process.  In their senior year, they manufacture two composite laminates to estimate material and kinetic model parameters under real processing conditions for their final design.  The numerical cure simulation used by the students is available on-line as part of the course/s webpage.

Author Biographies

Dennis J. Michaud, University of Delaware

Dennis J. Michaud is currently Lecturer of Chemical Engineering at the University of Delaware. He received his BS from Northeastern University and was awarded a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Delaware in 2000 for his work in the optimization and control of thick-sectioned RTM composite processing.

Rajeev L. Gorowara, University of Delaware

Rajeev L. Gorowara received his PhD in Chemical Engineering under the direction of Professor McCullough at the University of Delaware in 2001, focusing on interphase formation in glass-fiber vinyl-ester composites. He received his BS and MS from Ohio State University. He is currently a Consulting Engineer in the DuPont Engineering Particle Science and Technology Group.

Roy L. McCullough, University of Delaware

Roy L. McCullough was Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Delaware until his death in December of 2001. He received his undergraduate chemistry training at Baylor University and was awarded a PhD in Chemistry by the University of New Mexico in 1960. He published numerous technical papers and organized symposia in the areas of polymer science and composite materials.

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Published

2002-07-01

Issue

Vol. 36 No. 3 (2002): Summer 2002

Section

Manuscripts