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
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I have recently returned from a vacation to visit family down in Miami, Florida. Vacations are not only healthy downtime but can be used to open your eyes to different cultures, their influences and to spark some inspiration. During short walks through Miami, I was able to catch a few cars that before I had only read about. For example, this twin-turbo V6 Nissan GT-R and this 5.7L V12 Ferrari 575M Maranello (in a tight parking spot I might add). I must admit, leaving Miami was difficult; however, hacing dinner outside while a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is parked yards away can inspire any gear head.
Urban Concept Car Competition. Utilizing Sean's excellent design capabilities, we are looking forward to creating a strong collaboration in order to further his "green" concept. Implementing our resources here at the College of Textiles, we are aiming to aid Sean with any material research and development needed to bring his designs to life.
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