Laser welding of zinc-coated steel using optical sensors for in-process weld quality monitoring
Ashish K. Dasgupta, GSRA CLAIM
Jyoti Mazumder, Director CLAIM
Zinc-coated steel is a popular material in automotive body manufacturing owing to its good corrosion resistance, strength and ease of availability. Laser welding is also very popular nowadays because it delivers superior process and part quality. However, laser welding of zinc coated steel is a challenging task due to the low boiling point of zinc, which evaporates violently at the weld interface resulting in undesirable high porosity joints. The problem is more prominent in lap welds which are commonly used in auto-body fabrication. The aim of this research project is to develop a solution for the welding problem along with an optical sensor for monitoring weld quality in real-time. (Back to Top)
PROJECT SPONSOR — NSF I/UCRC (CLPAM)
One-step Fabrication by Laser Micro-machining for Micro-fluidics Vascular Networks
Donghyuck Kam, GSRA CLAIM
Jyoti Mazumder, Director CLAIM
Laser direct writing has proven to be a flexible tool for micromachining with simple and inexpensive operations. A variety of lasers can be used for micromachining, from nanosecond lasers to ultrafast lasers or from IR lasers to UV lasers, depending on the materials to be fabricated and desired applications. Currently, in our group, using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with fundamental wavelength, multi-depth, multi-width 3D microstructures on silicon are machined without photolithography-based methods. A femtosecond fiber laser is also used to explore the limit of the resolution and quality for laser machined micro-channels. (Back to Top)
PROJECT SPONSOR — NSF I/UCRC (CLPAM)
Multi-Energy Processing
Joonghan Shin, GSRA CLAIM
Jyoti Mazumder, Director CLAIM
This project addresses the scientific issues related to the multi-energy processing of materials. The goal will be to understand the gas-solid phase interactions with multi-energy sources so that materials can be processed at favorable conditions. Our approach to attain the goal is to use multi energy sources including two pulsed beams and electric field to perform different functions and ablations in thin film deposition process. Using this technique, we will develop the process for deposition of novel thin film with excellent properties, enhancement of film growth rate and other applications. (Back to Top)
PROJECT SPONSOR — NSF I/UCRC (CLPAM)
Rapid Prototyping of Ti-6Al-4V Scaffolds by Direct Metal Deposition Technology
G. P. Dinda, Postdoctoral Research Fellow CLAIM
Jyoti Mazumder, Director CLAIM
Direct metal deposition (DMD) technology developed at the University of Michigan is a rapid prototyping method which can be used to manufacture near net shape components using powders from their CAD files. Ti-6Al-4V alloy is widely used as an implantable material mainly in the application of orthopedic prostheses because of its high strength, low elastic modulus, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior biocompatibility. The principal focus of this project is to produce ideal Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds (a supporting structure for growing cells and tissues) by DMD technology for bone tissue engineering. (Back to Top)
PROJECT SPONSOR — NSF I/UCRC (CLPAM)
Nano-Crystalline Surfaces for Improved Combustion
Sean Bulla, GSRA CLAIM
Arvind Atreya, Co-PI
Jyoti Mazumder, Director CLAIM
Current work is being done to stabilize the flame in the laminar combustion process to achieve a uniform surface reaction. Modifications are being made to the central feed cylinder to improve the fluid mechanics and control. Additionally, overhaul modifications are being made to the virtual instrument data acquisition system for our experiment that will reduce the input channels and simplify the calibrations. Design improvements to the fuel/oxidizer delivery system are being incorporated into the experimental setup as well. (Back to Top)
PROJECT SPONSOR — NSF I/UCRC (CLPAM)
