REU Supplement: CAREER: Engineering Meta-Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys as the Future Generation of High Performance Magnetic Actuators

This is a request for an REU Supplement to the existing NSF award, CMMI-0954541. 1) The form and nature of each prospective student's involvement in the research project Students who can make long term contributions to engineering with knowledge on multidisciplinary fields is critical for the future generation of workforce of the U.S. Undergraduate research provides students an opportunity to learn new laboratory skills, apply the fundamental principles they learned at classes, and develop independent thinking. One undergraduate student will work on the project. He will involve in microstructure characterization (Optical Microscopy), microhardness, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis and mechanical testing of heat treated NiMnCoGa shape memory alloys (SMAs). Before conducting heat treatments, high temperature DSC system will be used to determine the phase transformation characteristics at high temperature. According to the DSC results, heat treatment temperatures will be selected and changes in microstructure, phase transformation temperatures and crystal structures and lattice parameters will be determined by optical microscopy, DSC and XRD methods. By this summer research opportunity, Parth Parekh, freshmen in our department, will be exposed to research at their early in his academic careers. Thus, they can make long term contributions to engineering with fundamental knowledge on multidisciplinary fields. 2) The experience of the PI in involving undergraduates in research, including any previous REU Supplement support and the outcomes from that support The PI had REU support last year and supported two undergraduate students. Both of them expressed that they had very fruitful experience and learned a lot. The results they have obtained are formed a basis for the current research efforts. We have identified promising shape memory alloy compositions. Sayed Saghaian involved in characterization of magnetic SMAs and decided to continue his education at PhD level at our department. Micah Pickerell decided to continue his career in industry. The PI he has a long history of working with undergraduate students. He advised 6 undergraduate students in three years. His graduated advisee Eli Darby is employed by ARMY and Ryan Schulte works at NASA Johnson Center. Ryan Schulte has also been selected as the outstanding senior at the Mechanical Engineering Department. Sayed Saghaian has graduated in December 2010 and continues his studies at PhD level. Micah Pickerell is applying for industrial jobs and Peizhen Li will be a Masters student next semester. Anil Erol is freshmen and works on shape memory polymers. The PI also advised two high school students, Parth Parekh and Charles Grigsby. Mr. Parekh worked on the characterization of magnetic shape memory alloys. He had attended to local science fairs and selected to present his work at state level. Current students are involved in the research areas of shape memory alloy or shape memory polymers. All the students are involved in hands on research and learn the basics of advanced materials characterization techniques. Every week, the PI meets with students in same research topics to learn the progress at their research, discuss the results and plan on what to do next. Weekly group meetings with a presentation from a group member provide an opportunity for the undergraduate students to present their work or learn from others