Time passed so fast, it was already day 5 of our programme. Despite the journey being arduous, it still felt fulfilling and fun. We learnt a lot about research and the things that are usually done in research.
For day 5, we had a lecture on some materials. We learnt that structure and microstructures are important as they gives the properties of the material. The direction of the fibres in a composite material determines at which direction the material can be pulled and withstand the force.
As for carbon, we learnt that the microstructures of the carbon determines the physical properties of the material. For example, diamond is hard due to the strong inter-carbon covalent forces. As for graphite, the layers bonded with weak van der waals forces allow different layer to slide over each other. It conducts electricity due to the free moving electrons. Fullerene is an interesting structure as it is used to provide volume for the material in question. We also get to know the various uses of materials in sports and military science.
After that, we went into a lab where we got to learn about carbon fibres and the strength of the fibre. The cloth like carbon fabric seemed so weak to me. The twines within the fabric were so easy to remove. However, we are shown this sample of a carbon fabric with resin matrix. And it looks like a magnificent, patterned black card. And upon close inspection, the material is very hard.
After that, we went to get to know about different computer programmes that are useful, such as modeling and animation softwares. It looks amazing and it feels like a sophisticated version, of Google sketchup. We got to try and it looked really promising after I thought about the potential that it has to improve studies and research.
Testing underway!
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