UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #652

Submission information
Submission Number: 652
Submission ID: 13876
Submission UUID: 116e38dd-2d04-48ff-9f02-5737c6f61fc2

Created: Fri, 04/26/2024 - 10:22 AM
Completed: Fri, 04/26/2024 - 10:39 AM
Changed: Fri, 04/26/2024 - 10:39 AM

Remote IP address: 163.116.249.90
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
Primary Research Mentor Name Liam White
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns He/Him/His
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) lw20dv@fsu.edu
Position Title Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name Bryan Quaife
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email bquaife@fsu.edu
FSU College (if applicable) Arts and Sciences
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation The Department of Scientific Computing
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Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above)
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated)
Name of Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) (if applicable)
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Pronouns
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated)
Title of the Project Field-Guided Slicing & Toolpath Planning Framework for Additive Manufacturing
Project Keywords Additive Manufacturing, C++ Programming, Software Engineering, 3D Printing, Computational Modeling
Are you currently looking for research assistants? Yes
Number of Research Assistants Needed 2
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s) Scientific Computing, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics
Project Location: Oak Ridge National Laboratory Manufacturing Demonstration Facility - 2350 Cherahala Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37932
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation? No, the project is remote
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s): Fully Remote
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work? A minimum of 10 hours a week would be required.
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work? Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Overall Research Project Description Additive Manufacturing (AM) has evolved to encompass a three-stage process: design, slicing and toolpath planning, and fabrication. This evolution has led to increasingly intricate component designs, pushing the capabilities of AM systems. Slicing software has also advanced, offering more functionalities and modalities to meet these demands. However, this progress introduces a significant challenge: each new feature in the slicing software adds complexity through additional parameters. The proper use of these parameters requires a deep understanding of material science, engineering principles, and the specific AM technology in use. Users must meticulously link a component's functional requirements, such as thermal and mechanical properties, to precise slicing and toolpath planning parameters. The sensitivity of these parameters is such that minor adjustments can significantly impact the quality and performance of the final component. As the complexity of both components and manufacturing capabilities grows, so does the intricacy of slicing software, creating barriers to accessibility, and reducing user efficiency. There is a clear need for a radical shift in the approach to slicing software to maintain its sustainability and effectiveness.

This project introduces a transformative approach to AM slicing and toolpath planning by focusing on automating the selection of optimal process parameters. We are developing a novel framework that uses advanced three-dimensional fields, incorporating scalar, vector, and tensor elements, to guide the generation of slice surfaces and their associated toolpaths. Utilizing level set methods applied to these fields, the framework aims to intuitively bridge the gap between a component’s properties and the capabilities and limitations of AM systems. This approach simplifies the process, making it more accessible to a broader range of users, while simultaneously enhancing productivity and fostering innovation in the AM sector. Our goal is to create a tool that not only reduces the complexity inherent in parameter selection but also harnesses the full potential of AM technology, paving the way for more advanced and precise manufacturing solutions.
Research Tasks Literature Review:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature on field-guided slicing and toolpath planning in additive manufacturing.
Software Development:
- Assist in the development of algorithms related to the new slicing & toolpath planning framework.
- Assist in the development of user-friendly interface for the new framework.
Case Studies:
- Conduct case studies on complex component designs using the new framework.
- Compare the results with those obtained from traditional methods to highlight the benefits and any potential limitations.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Prepare detailed documentation of the methodologies, algorithms, and case study results.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
- Intermediate proficiency in the C++ programming language.
Recommended:
- Experience with software development tools and environments.
- Knowledge of additive manufacturing technologies and processes.
- Familiarity with numerical methods and algorithms, particularly those used in optimization and simulation.
- Mathematical knowledge in areas such as calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.
- Eagerness to learn new software tools, programming languages, and manufacturing techniques.
- Flexibility to adapt to new challenges and changes in project direction as research progresses.
Mentoring Philosophy My mentoring philosophy is rooted in fostering the intellectual and personal growth of mentees by understanding their unique goals and capabilities. I prioritize building a relationship based on mutual respect and trust, encouraging open communication and ownership of work. This foundation promotes accountability and pride in achievements.

I engage mentees by identifying their strengths and areas for development, tailoring tasks to enhance their skills and knowledge. By sharing my experiences, I offer practical insights that complement theoretical learning, creating an interactive environment that encourages dynamic problem-solving.

Understanding individual motivations is crucial. This personalized approach helps me design learning opportunities that are inspiring and achievable, maintaining enthusiasm and commitment. I emphasize the importance of applying theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between academic studies and practical application.

A key component of my philosophy is creating a safe space where failures are viewed as essential to learning. I encourage mentees to experiment and learn from setbacks, fostering resilience and a growth mindset. I also advocate for inquiry-based learning, prompting mentees to question and explore, which deepens understanding and nurtures a proactive approach to challenges.

In conclusion, my mentoring approach is dedicated to the comprehensive development of mentees, equipping them with the tools and confidence to succeed both personally and professionally.
Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable): https://www.ornl.gov/staff-profile/liam-white
Please add any additional information here (if applicable):
Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation Yes
Materials Grant Yes
UROP Poster Presentation Yes
Faculty Advisor Confirmation Yes
Are you interested in attending in a UROP Research Mentor Workshop Series? Yes
Year 2024
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