Multi-Scale Mechanical Characterization Laboratory
Abstract
With this proposal, the PIs seek to establish a new, interdisciplinary Multi-Scale Mechanical Characterization Laboratory (MMCL) at CSUN. Specifically, the requested funds will be used to acquire the following equipment: 1) Universal testing machines, 2) laser Doppler vibrometer, 3) scanning electron microscope and 4) optical microscope. The proposed MMCL will greatly extend current research capabilities and allow for new cutting-edge research avenues. In particular, the new laboratory will enable interdisciplinary work on key thrusts of the identified DoD agency technical areas. Planned projects include the design of smart, composite and lattice materials spanning the nano, micro and macro scales, as well as the realization of highly-attenuating, reconfigurable, and tunable structures, materials and interfaces. The impact of the MMCL will be synergistic in that it will allow for greater utilization of existing laboratories (e.g. Keck Composites Laboratory and Haas Manufacturing Laboratory), which feature state-of-the-art equipment such as a large-scale autoclave. All research proposed will involve students at the graduate and undergraduate level, and will focus on characterization of materials for the development of new capabilities in mission critical structures. Moreover, integration into the Mechanical Engineering curriculum will create a series of new high-impact, experiential instructional activities that incorporate the requested equipment into the classroom. Students will gain familiarity with the tools through demonstrations and data analysis at the undergraduate level (e.g. undergraduate students will analyze manufacturing flaws in composites based on microscopy images), and become fully-trained users by the culmination of graduate electives (e.g. graduate students will perform vibration testing of components with embedded smart material elements by laser Doppler vibrometry). As 57.7% of CSUNÕs 38,391 students (Fall 2019) are from traditionally underserved minorities, and 70.7% are first-generation students, the planned research and training activities will strongly contribute to further the diversity of the engineering and science workforce. In order to attract students from underrepresented minorities to pursue studies leading to STEM careers, a recurring workshop activity for high school students will be created. These are known to be a successful tool in the promotion of the positive societal impact of STEM and the development of motivation to pursue STEM education. The workshops will be integrated into multiple ongoing activities, including Family Education Day and campus tours, thus exposing up to 400 annual participants to cutting-edge experimentation. The planned research thrusts and curriculum activities will generate faculty and student users from the Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Computer Science Departments. Moreover, the laboratory capabilities will be advertised to departments across the university, especially the College of Engineering and Computer Science as well as the College of Science and Mathematics, establishing an interdisciplinary shared-use facility. The proposed MMCL will support DoD mission-critical research activities at CSUN for many years, and establish a pipeline of students from traditionally underrepresented groups with mechanical characterization expertise relevant to the DoD.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110159
Entities
People
- Christoph Schaal
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- California State University, Northridge
- Office of the Secretary of Defense