| Affiliations: | Aggie Research Mentoring Program |
| Project Leader: | Jacob Rogers
jacob_rogers@tamu.edu Mechanical Engineering |
| Faculty Mentor: | James Cai, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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TBA |
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Team Size:
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3
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| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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conference attendance, co-authorship, potential full membership of research group |
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Team Needs:
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some material science knowledge, thermal analysis proficiency, experimental design expertise, data analysis skills, mechanical testing experience, cryogenic handling techniques, technical writing ability, analytical and problem-solving aptitude, teamwork and communication skills, laboratory safety protocol familiarity |
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Description:
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This project aims to understand the differing responses of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) to hypervelocity impacts (HVIs). When subjected to HVI, HDPE typically melts rather than fragments due to its higher polymer chain mobility and correspondingly lower degree of chain entanglement. In contrast, the longer and more entangled chains in UHMWPE restrict movement, leading to fragmentation. We hypothesize that reducing HDPE’s temperature near its glass transition temperature could limit chain mobility, resulting in fragmentation upon HVI. Similarly, impacting UHMWPE near its melt temperature may result in bulk melting seen in HDPE. Students will design both high (+160 C) and low (-130 C) temperature impact experiments, develop capabilities for both cold and hot temperature testing (active or passive), and ultimately assist with full-scale impact experimentation. Temperature variations and their effects on impact response will be compared by also impacting targets at room temperature. Target temperature monitoring during impacts will be conducted using thermocouples or infrared sensors. |