Eddy Rao

Generation and Generalization of Artificial W-Cu Microstructures

Metal composites are used in a variety of engineering applications, such as in the defense and aerospace industries, where a combination of strength and toughness is needed from the structural material. Here, we investigate tungsten-copper (W-Cu) composites with a co-continuous phase distribution to understand how phase connectivity relates to observed mechanical behavior. Microstructural datasets have been previously collected using the TriBeam, an electron microscope system that maps out the 3D layout of the phases. While the 3D data obtained by the TriBeam provides invaluable insight into the true structure of composites, including particle coordination numbers, contact areas, and sizes, TriBeam datasets are too expensive to be acquired regularly. Developing methods for the generation of realistic microstructures is therefore necessary to conduct finite element analysis tests. Using particle compacts generated in a particle physics engine, we can generate representative microstructures. In this presentation, the microstructure generation method will be discussed and preliminary results on the role of particle size and composition on phase connectivity will be shown.

Faculty Mentor: Frank Zok

Project Mentor: Lauren Poole