Automotive Composites: February 2010

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

Thursday, February 18, 2010

It's a Printer, in THREE Dimensions

The College of Textiles has recently acquired a 3D printer by Z-Corp (Model 450 to be exact). What is a 3D printer you ask? Well, the process starts off in a three dimensional CAD program,where your design is created or loaded (this is an example of a 3D weave design I created in SolidWorks). The design can be colored and resized to your liking with the Z-Corp editing software. The software takes your design and breaks it down into hundreds (depending on the size) cross sectional images (Imaging taking your design and cutting it into millimeter thick sections).

The printer consists of a build bed, which holds the build powder, and a printing head. The printer then starts by laying down a single layer of powder and prints a cross section, then repeats the process until the build is complete. The printer speed is approximately 0.9 inches per hour and has the capabilities to print in color. When the build is complete, the build bed recycles any unused powder for future use, the user takes the build out of the bed and into the right section for depowdering (using compressed air to remove any excess powder). Finally, the product is dipped in or covered with a binder,making the final product stronger and brightens the colors.

The capabilities of this printer seem endless and I am very excited to work with this more in the future. For more information about the Z-Corp 450 or to see more designs click here.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

My Committee

I have finally created my committee for my thesis support. This committee consists of three professors here at the College of Textiles, each brings a very strong angle to my thesis direction.
Professor Nancy Powell has over 27 years of experience in the automotive textile industry, has a strong management background as well as interests in automotive textiles as wel

l as new product development and currently teaches courses in Textile and Apparel Management. Professor Powell offers experience and knowledge of the automotive industry with a management focus.
Dr. Pam Banks-Lee received her B.S. in Textile Technology and Applied Mathematics, along with her PhD in Fiber and Polymer Science, Dr. Banks-Lee currently teaches courses in Textile Technology with a focus in nonwovens. Dr. Banks-Lee brings a technical view to this committee, be a support in the testing phases of the research.
Dr. Hoon Joo Lee holds a B.S. in Textile Engineering and received her PhD in 2007 in Textile Technology Management, Dr. Lee's research interest is in product development and computer-based design. Dr. Lee offers a strong product development aspect to my committee, being able to help from concept to product.

I am very excited to have my committee finalized and look forward to the next few semesters.