GrayUR Undergraduate Research for Credit - Magnetothermal Heat Switch
Gadolinium-Based Magnetothermal Heat Switch
Project Overview
Heat switches are devices that allow for manual or autonomous control of the amount of heat going into or out of a system. These systems are typically used in conjunction with a cooling system to remove heat from systems that have energy and heat sensitivities. The switch varies between being opened and closed to manage heat within the system. Ideally, these devices are infinitely conductive in the closed state and not conductive in the open state. Current heat switches are typically made of state-changing material (like paraffin wax), bimetal materials, or actuating solenoids. The goal of this project is to create an autonomous heat switch based on the second-order magnetic phase transition in gadolinium.
Objectives
- Correlate empirical F(x,T) data with simulation
- Develop multi-physics model
- Develop alpha version of genetic algorithm for device design
- Develop alpha hardware design
Major Tasks
The major tasks of the project are outlined below. These are nominal and are likely to change somewhat throughout the course of the year. These are meant to illustrate the general nature of the work that the position entails.
- Gather empirical magnetic data
- Develop magnetic to thermal simulation interface code
- Align FEM with empirical data
- Develop genetic algorithm framework
- Develop initial hardware design
- Fabricate and validate alpha hardware
General Responsibilities of the Group
Students participating in the GrayUR undergraduate research group will register for an ENGE 2994 or ENGE 4994 undergraduate research course. Typically, students enroll for a 1 credit-hour course load. Under certain circumstances, we can look at extending this up to as many as 3 credits per semester and can sometimes explore technical elective credit within your major. Though not required, the expectation is that you will continue on with the team for two semesters, though we will examine the relationship at the end of the fall semester.
In addition to the major technical tasks listed above, all members of the GrayUR undergraduate research team should expect
- To devote ~3 hours/week to research for each credit hour
- To attend a biweekly team meeting with Dr. Gray
- To attend a monthly all-hands meeting with Dr. Gray
- To participate in periodic reporting (symposia, research poster sessions, etc.)
Major Deliverables
All student teams will have the following deliverables
- One progress presentation to the entire GrayUR group each semester
- Final project reporting
- Final report
- Final slides
- Final personal reflection
Open Positions
Specific Role(s)
FEM Model developer - develop Multiphysics model, generate simulated force curves, begin genetic algorithm framework development
Preferred Majors
- CS
- MSE
- EE
- ME
- Phys
Preferred Academic Years
Looking for Sophomore/Junior level students
Preferred Skills and Interests
- general coding
- genetic algorithms
- finite element method simulation
- magnetic materials, devices, and phenomena
How to Apply
Applications will be reviewed by Dr. Gray and by continuing researchers on the team. After a review of the application, our team will contact candidates to schedule an interview (likely to be conducted via zoom). Review for the positions will begin on Bastille Day, 2022, and will continue until all positions are filled. Please send an email to Dr. David Gray (dagray3@vt.edu) with the following deliverables;
- A brief (~1 page) essay or cover letter explaining which of the projects you are interested in, and why you think you might be a good fit for that project (or those projects). If you are applying for multiple projects, extend your essay a little and describe your interest and qualifications for each position. Be sure to let us know your major and where you are in your academic career (sophomore, junior, etc.)
- A resume outlining your work experience and education
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
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