UROP Project

Tribology and Characterization of Hydrogen Exposed Refractory Metals

wear, friction, refractory metals, hydrogen, XPS, tribology, furnace
Research Mentor: Catherine Fidd, she/her
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: cf22k@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: AME Building- 2003 Levy Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32310
Research Assistant Transportation Required: bus
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
  • Day: Tuesday, September 2
    Start Time: 3:30
    End Time: 5:30
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92219172548
  • Day: Thursday, September 4
    Start Time: 12:30
    End Time: 3:30
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92219172548

Project Description

Hydrogen is rapidly gaining popularity as a "clean" energy source. Understanding the effects of hydrogen aging on materials, in this case metals, is important to ensure longevity of components that are exposed to hydrogen. For example, hydrogen turbines require materials that are creep resistant to temperatures >1200 degrees C. Refractory metals are a promising option due to their tolerance of high temperatures. This project investigates the effect of hydrogen exposure on the tribological properties of refractory metals exposed to hydrogen at high temperatures. It also aims to characterize crystallinity, chemical, and phase changes in the materials using methods such as XPS, XRD, and electron microscopy.

Research Tasks: Operation of high temperature hydrogen furnace
Friction and wear testing of materials on tribometers


Skills that research assistant(s) may need: *skills for this can/ will be taught
-Matlab*
-Calculus (recommended but not required)
-Chemistry (recommended but not required)
-XPS (Xray photoelectron spectroscopy)

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentoring philosophy revolves around fostering independence while providing support and guidance. In the context of polymer processing and mechanical testing, my approach emphasizes empowering students to take ownership of their project, starting with foundational training and evolving into self-directed work. I believe in the ultimate goal of developing critical thinking skills through data processing and analysis. I encourage students to delve deeply into relevant literature, linking past research with their experimental results. By maintaining open lines of communication, I aim to create an environment where questions are welcomed and curiosity is nurtured. Our lab has a multi-tiered mentoring structure, where the student will be able to talk to both the graduate student and faculty advisor regarding the project. My role is to guide and support, helping students navigate challenges and refine their understanding, ultimately leading to a more profound grasp of both the theoretical and practical aspects of their project.

Additional Information

This project has some work that can be conducted on main campus as well.

Link to Publications

https://web1.eng.famu.fsu.edu/~bkrick/
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