Monday, June 6, 2011

Introducing.....

Hello we are Project Group 9-5.

The team consists of :
-Abram Tan ( leader )
-Seah Jit Sheng
-Shawn Lim
-Matthew Wong

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Our Gains

Project A :
The project on the tensile strength of engineering materials has taught us a much deeper application of physics. We learnt in-depth formulas, such as the tensile stress, tensile strain, % elongation, young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength, ductility and toughness. With these formulas in mind, we tested the tensile strength of various materials from different material groups, namely metals and polymers. We learnt to calculate these data and we also learnt about terms such as engineering strain, instantaneous strain and instantaneous length. We were taught how to use the Universal Electro-mechanical Tester Series 5560. 
We could apply the things we learnt about tensile strength of materials, so that whenever we design or build any structure or appliance, we would know exactly which material to chose from with no doubt that it would fail.

Project B :
This project is about the SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope). From this project, we were able to operate the SEM! However, virtually. Anyway, even though the SEM was virtual, it was pretty similar to the real thing. It was realistic in the sense that it had failure points where when the current to the filament generating the electron beam would blow. We learnt the operational controls which would make a successful SEM reading.
From this project, we could apply the careful operations we learnt to use the optical microscope better.

Project C :
The project taught us about composite materials. Our understanding of it has deepen by a whole lot more. Composites are Combining two or more materials to obtain useful properties. We also learned the three things that make up a composite ;matrix, fibre and sometimes filler. Next, composites are very useful as they would be cheaper, lighter, stronger, favourable properties, relatively easy to shape. Due to these, the composites now are heavily researched on to find a better solution for all current materials now. Lastly, we learned the process of curing carbon fibre.

From these skills and knowledge about composite materials, we can apply these probably in our school work like projects, presentations and even homework. For the skills, we can use the skills as we might have to do some experiments in the lab hence we are able to do it. We will also appreciate the things around us that we used to ignore that are made of revolutionary composite materials.

Our Accomplishments

What is the end product/ findings?
A description/ explanation of your product/ findings:

Our Mission

Project A

Description: In project 9a, we learnt that different materials have different microstructures, which directly control their different mechanical properties. Therefore, testing and knowing the mechanical properties of these materials is important for engineers to select the right material for the right application. We test the breaking point of some materials and learn to calculate things like the tensile stress, tensile strain, % elongation, young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength, ductility and toughness.

1. Why there are variations in mechanical properties of materials of the same type?

2. Why differences exist in mechanical properties of different materials?

3. What is the majority difference between polymer and metals in terms of mechanical behavior?

Project B


Description: In project 9b, we learn how the electron microscope is operated and how it works. However, we use a virtual SEM instead of the actual SEM due the cost of repair is case of damage.

1. What do you think may be cause if there is too much moisture on the specimen?

2. What is the working distance and accelerate voltage if the specimen is titanium?

3. Why can't we heat the filament too fast?


Project C

Description: In project 9c, we learn about composite materials. A composite material is a combination of 2 or more materials. It has desirable properties which only can be obtained by this combination of materials, rather than one material alone.

Logsheet - Total weight of the fiber matt used = (Not needed)

Weight of epoxy required = 30.0 g

Weight of hardener solution required = 20.0 g

Overview

Project 9 is about the tensile testing of engineering materials, scanning electron microscope and the composite material processing. 

As for the tensile testing of engineering materials, project 9a, we learnt that different materials have different microstructures, which directly control their different mechanical properties. Therefore, testing and knowing the mechanical properties of these materials is important for engineers to select the right material for the right application. We test the breaking point of some materials and learn to calculate things like the tensile stress, tensile strain, % elongation, young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength, ductility and toughness. 

During the scanning electron microscope(SEM), project 9b, we used a virtual SEM instead of the actual SEM due the cost of repair is case of damage. The virtual SEM resembles the actual SEM, in the buttons and the level of reality, that being, if the electron microscope would get damaged, the virtual SEM would also get damaged. In other words, we learnt how the electron microscope is operated and how it works!

In project 9c, the composite material processing, we learn about composite materials. A composite material is a combination of 2 or more materials. It has desirable properties which only can be obtained by this combination of materials, rather than one material alone. After learning the theory of composite materials, we went ahead to create our own composite material, carbon fiber! Carbon fiber is much stronger and lighter than steel and is used in bicycles, planes, tennis racquets, etc. 

*At the moment, it is still curing. A picture will be uploaded when it is cured.