Project #174B—Research in Nonlinear Optical Materials (Majors: physics and electrical engineering). Description: Characterization of materials using different techniques including interferometry, optical second harmonic generation, and absorption spectroscopy. Data to be obtained may include refractive indices, nonlinear coefficients, electro-optic, piezoelectric and thermo-optic coefficients. Modeling will include calculation of phase matching loci, acceptance angles, and conversation efficiency for various optical frequency conversion processes.

Project #179A—Evaluation of Oxide/Oxide CMC’s for Aerospace Turbine Engine Combustors (Majors: mechanical engineering). Description: A detailed matrix of environmental exposure tests will be conducted. After exposure, test specimens will be tensile tested for residual tensile strength. Methods of characterization will include scanning electron microscopy (SEM), quantitative microscopy (QM), optical microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Presentation and technical reports will be required for briefing progress on the research program.

Project #183A—Microstructural Characterization (Majors: mechanical engineering and materials science). Description: Major duties consist of metallography and fractography support including cutting, grinding, polishing, etching, and photo-graphing metallic materials and failed test specimens using metallographic equipment and both optical and scanning electron microscopes. Other duties consist of data reduction and analysis of mechanical property data using programs such as Excel and Grapher for Windows. Some time may be spent in testing of metallic materials including tensile and micro hardness measurements.

Project #196A—Infrared Laboratory Experimental Automation (Majors: electrical engineering, physics). Description: Develop and document laboratory automation based on LabView software. The instruments to be automated include precision motion controllers, energy meters, a custom optical attenuator, shutters, and lasers. Functions must be controlled from a single software package and coordinated to yield high quality experimental data. The student should possess a thorough understanding of laboratory automation techniques and in-depth understanding of microcomputer hardware and software.

Project #201A—Degradation Studies of Conductive Elastomers (Majors: materials science physics). Description: Hands-on, in-house research and development in electrically conductive elastomer materials performance degradation phenomenon and new materials development. The work may include thermal analysis (DTA, DSC, DMA), chemical analysis (FTIR, Raman), surface chemical analysis (XPS), analysis of the effects of various environmental exposure effects (humidity, aircraft fluids), curing studies, development of novel methodologies for conductivity testing and a variety of mechanical properties studies directed to elucidate performance and failure mechanisms.

Project #222A—Tribology and Deposition of Cs Based Solid Lubricants (Majors: materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry). Description: Study the energy and angular distribution of atoms and molecules in the plume/plasma generated during pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Study the synthesis, structure, and property relations in Cs-based lubricants. Analysis techniques such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, pin-on-disk tribometer, scratch tests, and nano hardness tests will be used to characterize the films.

Project #223A—Electrical and Optical Properties of Polymers (Majors: physics, electrical engineering, materials science). Description: Determine the parameters for improving the electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and linear and nonlinear optical properties of polymers. The student will perform experiments and analyze data to meet this objective. Experiments include DC and AC electrical conductivity, photoconductivity, photovoltaic response, dielectric constant, photo- and electro-luminescence, wave-guiding, and electro-optic coefficient.

For more information, call (937) 910-5808 or visit www.soche.org. To apply, submit SOCHE application, resume, and transcript to: