AME - Optical fiber interface mechanics for embedding in structural elements

Optical fiber can be embedded into structures during their fabrication.  This includes 3D-printed objects and composites.  Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR) enables resolving the temperature and strain at lengths along the fiber.  We are studying embedding the fiber into high-temperature (metal) structures.  The fiber is threaded through channels in the part which are then filled with various high-temperature adhesives (ceramic-based epoxies and solders).  The objective is to understand the movement of the adhesive during curing as well as how it performs at different temperatures.  This can be experimentally or simulation-driven and ideally will include both

Name of research group, project, or lab
Laser Precision Manufacturing Laboratory
Why join this research group or lab?

We advance laser-based fabrication methods and apply advanced laser-based fabrication to a range of problems.  The laboratory has several state-of-the-art systems which are being applied in innovative ways.

Logistics Information:
Project categories
Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Civil & Environmental Engineerng & Earth Sciences
Student ranks applicable
Junior
Senior
Graduate Student
Hours per week
3 credits / 12+ hours
Summer - Full Time
Summer - Part Time
Compensation
Research for Credit
Paid - General
Number of openings
1
Techniques learned

FEM skills (or enthusiasm to learn) are very helpful.  A good background in Mechanics of Materials is very important.

Project start
Spring semester 2025
Contact Information:
Mentor
ekinzel@nd.edu
Associate Professor
Name of project director or principal investigator
Edward Kinzel
Email address of project director or principal investigator
ekinzel@nd.edu
1 sp. | 1 appl.
Hours per week
3 credits / 12+ hours (+2)
3 credits / 12+ hoursSummer - Full TimeSummer - Part Time
Project categories
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (+2)
Aerospace and Mechanical EngineeringChemical and Biomolecular EngineeringCivil & Environmental Engineerng & Earth Sciences