I have successfully made it through my first semester in graduate school here at NCSU. My courses included a digital design course, medical polymers course, and a composites course. Since it was my first semester, I wanted to branch out a bit and take classes that I wouldn't normally take to see what I am most interested in. All semester I have been racking my brain to figure out what I should focus on for my thesis. Ever since I took my initial textiles class (T101) my first semester of undergraduate, my view on the applications of textiles has changed dramatically. Using the knowledge I have gained over the past years studying textiles and my passion for automobiles, I am sure to find something to focus.
I have always been the type of person that questions, not because I doubt, but because I am interested, I want to learn, I want to understand how and why things work. When I feel as though I understand a system, i begin to ask,"why not this way?" trying to figure ways to make it efficient or different. In my undergraduate studies, I have learned so much pertaining to knits, wovens and nonwovens. After several meetings with my advisor, Professor Powell, I have concluded that minimal automotive research has been accomplished here at the College of Textiles dealing with nonwoven automotive textiles. After some internet research, I have determined that the large amount of research done with nonwovens is focused on sound absorption, interior cloth, and filtration.
When using the term "nonwoven" the overall consensus is that they have low strength and are cheap. I would like to utilize my thesis to change the perception people have about nonwovens. I would like to focus on how to strengthen them in a easily manufactured three-dimensional form for structural applications. This is all still just a thought, I am still trying to find my edge...
The Journey
First thing first, I would like to show my gratitude to Jenna Eason, who's enlightening blog has inspired me to create my own. Jenna graduated from the Master's program here at NC State's College of Textiles in 2009, her research was on the history and future trends of automotive textile design (http://automotivetextiledesign.blogspot.com/). So, I just wanted to thank Jenna for giving me the idea to create this blog, which I hope will be used to inspire further gradutate students to follow in our footsteps and carry on this tradition.
I have always been fascinated with complexity and engineering of automobiles and how they work. Since I was young, I have always been drawn to cars,the design, attention to detail and a passion for driving. An extensive amount of processes must work in perfect synergy in order for an automobile to be an efficient driving machine.
Everyday research is progressing the technology in automobiles, making them faster, more user friendly, more cost and energy efficient. My research is in light weight composite materials to be used in automobiles. The aim of my research is to investigate processes and materials which could be cost efficient means of creating strong three-dimensional structural components.
I have three key purposes for this blog:
1. An educational source focusing on textile-related materials that are or could be utilized by the automotive industry. When using the term "textiles" in the automotive field, one may only envision seat cloths or headliners, when I would like to use this blog as an eye opener to the world of functional technical textiles. Materials such as woven carbon fiber composites have been floating around in the industry for years, however, the spectrum is open to so many more possibilities. I would like to open the blog to the entire spectrum, from eco-friendly biocomposites, to exotic three-dimensional nonwovens, the sky is the limit. I anticipate that this focus will shed light on the promising relationship that the textiles industry will have in the future of automobiles.
2. This will be a journal I will use to document my process through my thesis research. I have always found it easier to comprehend a situation if I have the opportunity to write out my thoughts. I hope to use this blog as a creative expression of my research while having the opportunity to present my experiences through my journey. I would appreciate any suggestions, advice, and ideas.
3. Finally, I would like to utilize this blog as a guide to any other graduate students through their research. I hope this will help inspire others and even answer any questions about the process. I have always been one to say, do what makes you happy and don't let anything stand in your way. So when the opportunity comes knocking to give you the chance to do something you love, don't think twice and always give it 100%.
First order of business, to find a specific thesis topic...
"Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goal. Prepare yourself in every way you can by increasing your knowledge and adding to your experience, so that you can make the most of the opportunity when it occurs."
-Mario Andretti
I have always been fascinated with complexity and engineering of automobiles and how they work. Since I was young, I have always been drawn to cars,the design, attention to detail and a passion for driving. An extensive amount of processes must work in perfect synergy in order for an automobile to be an efficient driving machine.
Everyday research is progressing the technology in automobiles, making them faster, more user friendly, more cost and energy efficient. My research is in light weight composite materials to be used in automobiles. The aim of my research is to investigate processes and materials which could be cost efficient means of creating strong three-dimensional structural components.
I have three key purposes for this blog:
1. An educational source focusing on textile-related materials that are or could be utilized by the automotive industry. When using the term "textiles" in the automotive field, one may only envision seat cloths or headliners, when I would like to use this blog as an eye opener to the world of functional technical textiles. Materials such as woven carbon fiber composites have been floating around in the industry for years, however, the spectrum is open to so many more possibilities. I would like to open the blog to the entire spectrum, from eco-friendly biocomposites, to exotic three-dimensional nonwovens, the sky is the limit. I anticipate that this focus will shed light on the promising relationship that the textiles industry will have in the future of automobiles.
2. This will be a journal I will use to document my process through my thesis research. I have always found it easier to comprehend a situation if I have the opportunity to write out my thoughts. I hope to use this blog as a creative expression of my research while having the opportunity to present my experiences through my journey. I would appreciate any suggestions, advice, and ideas.
3. Finally, I would like to utilize this blog as a guide to any other graduate students through their research. I hope this will help inspire others and even answer any questions about the process. I have always been one to say, do what makes you happy and don't let anything stand in your way. So when the opportunity comes knocking to give you the chance to do something you love, don't think twice and always give it 100%.
First order of business, to find a specific thesis topic...
"Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goal. Prepare yourself in every way you can by increasing your knowledge and adding to your experience, so that you can make the most of the opportunity when it occurs."
-Mario Andretti
Monday, December 21, 2009
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