Reference no: EM13174624 , Length: Words 1500

Prepare the project objectives based on the requirement out lined at the next page.The following is the project summary.

Project summary

This research attempts to examine the influence of the vibration on the grain size, microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminium-silicon alloys (Al-Si) during solidification. Aluminium-Silicon shall be melted at the lab using electrical resistance furnace. The molten alloy is then subjected to vibrational amplitude in either horizontal or vertical direction while being cooled. A thermocouple will be inserted into the melt to monitor it is temperature. A range of vibrational amplitudes and frequencies will be tested along with different molten alloy superheats and duration of the time of applied vibration. The resulted microstructure of the as solidified samples will be characterized to verify the effect of vibration on the as-cast structure. Optical and electron microscopy will be used to study the changes of the microstructure of Al-Si alloy through analysis of dendrites and silicon particles. Both dendrite size and Si size and morphology affect mechanical properties of as-cast alloy. As an extended goal, the mechanical properties of as-cast Al-Si alloy will be tested using tensile test, impact (toughness) test, hardness to further highlight the effect of vibration.

Project Objectives:

The objectives must define what is to be achieved and the method of measuring the extent of the achievement. The description of the project objective must adhere to the S.M.A.R.T. criteria:

• Specific - target a specific area for improvement.
• Measurable - quantify or at least suggest an indicator of progress.
• Assignable - specify who will do it.
• Realistic - state what results can realistically be achieved, given available resources.
• Time-related - specify when the result(s) can be achieved.

An example of a well written project objective is,

In this research project the author will experimentally measure the hoop stress in a rib-stiffened steel cylinder of 10cm in diameter and 50cm long when placed under varying internal hydrostatic pressure. The experimentally measured hoop stress will be compared with theoretical predictions (Young, 1989, p518) with a goal of achieving differences between theoretical predictions and experimental results of less than 5% of the theoretical value of stress. The experimental tests will be conducted using the existing laboratory rig and equipment in the School of mechanical Engineering.