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UW ChE Student Presentations

The following students will give presentations at the May 9, 2006 meeting of PSAIChE:

Speaker: AARON SAKS (Junior Chem E, Senior PSE)

Title: ACOUSTIC DETECTION OF MECHANICAL FAILURES IN POLYMERIC COMPOSITES

Abstract: The mechanical properties of filled polymeric composites are highly dependant of the adhesion between the polymer matrix and the filler particles.  In the past, optical tests have been used to locate and identify adhesive failures in strained specimens, but such tests are limited to transparent media.  In this work the detection of acoustic emissions is used for investigating adhesive failures in these types of systems, and is shown to correlate with optically observed events.  In particular, this study analyzes acoustic records of failure events in particle-filled poly (vinyl butyral) (PVB) specimens.  Results show that “voice-print” type analysis is able to distinguish cracking in the bulk matrix from delamination events at the polymer/filler interface.

Speaker: ZUDTKY WISECARVER (Senior Chem. E.)

Title: STUDIES OF MICROSCALE MASS TRANSFER IN THE ELECTROCHEMICAL PRINTING PROCESS

Abstract: Electrochemical printing (EcP) is a maskless microfabrication method that converts a computer drawn binary image directly into a metal micropattern.  The process uses localized electrodeposition beneath a print nozzle that flies several microns above a deposition substrate.  For electrodeposition processes, the quality of the metal deposit and the process throughput depends on mass transfer rates at the substrate.  Conventional electrochemical mass transferlimited current measurements are difficult to implement due to the confined geometry of ther EcP print head.  In-situ electrodeposition experiments with an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance are used to measure current efficiencies and limiting currents for an acid-copper sulfate electrolyte.  The limiting current depends on the Reynolds Number (Re), Schmidt Number (Sc), and the dimensionless nozzle fly-height (h/r).  For these experiments, the flow rate is varied from 0.01 to 1.0 mL/min and the fly-heights between 18 and 36 microns.  We show that the limiting current increases with fly-height and flow rate, and can be represented by a correlation model.

Speaker: JOHN FROSTAD (Senior Chem. E.)

Title: DYNAMIC SURFACE TENSION

Abstract: Using a common cationic surfactant, Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB), surface tension at an air-aqueous interface has been investigated as a function of time.  Dynamic surface tension data were obtained using a Maximum Pressure Tensiomter (LAUDA MPT-2).  The current mathematical model used to describe dynamic surface tension (by Ward and Tordai) predicts that surface tension reduction is a diffusion-limited process.  The data collected in this study show that surface tension reduction is not a diffusion limited process; there exists some other barrier to surface tension reduction that causes it to be slower than the diffusion limited process.  Further investigation is being made into the possible origin of this other barrier to surface tension reduction.

Schedule

Meeting Location  

Ivar's Salmon House (Lake Union)

(please do not contact the restaurant for reservations or cancellations)

Take 1-5 to N.E. 45th Exit (#169). Go east, toward the University of Washington,

and turn right at Brooklyn Avenue. Follow Brooklyn to Pacific Street and turn

right. At stop sign, turn left. The Salmon House is one block further, on the

left, at 401 N.E. Northlake Way.

Menu

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Alder-Grilled Wild Northwest King Salmon

Garden Fresh Vegetable Pasta

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Both entrées include Ivar's Clam Chowder, Dessert Tray and choice of Coffee or Tea

Meeting Reservation Form

Cost

NOTES

1. Please make reservations or cancellations by the Friday before the meeting.

2. Please pay by check payable to Puget Sound Section AIChE, or bring exact change.

3. For reservations:  

4. You can cancel by calling by noon of the Friday before the meeting. Dinner reservations "no-shows" will be billed!!