2009-2010 University Scholar Profile
Aura G. Cruz
Mentor: Pamela Dickrell
College of Engineering
" I applied to the University Scholars because I realized that the opportunities I’d receive through the stipend and the chance to work side-by-side with a professor in my field is a crucial step for success in my undergraduate years. Working with different topics in the mechanical engineering field and even outside the field has given me a feel for what I want to become in the future. A research opportunity is an innovative method that companies and other universities might find attractive in a resume. Getting hands-on experience with a lot of background information is a lot more meaningful for the accomplishments of a company than having some knowledge about a topic. The main goal of a company is to succeed. In result, they will see my experience with the University Scholars Program as an asset."
Courses of Study
Major
Mechanical Engineering
Minor
Environmental Studies
Research Interests
Searching for new ways to lessen the environmental effects of certain materials
Academic Awards
- Community Service Award, Miami Children’s Museum, 2008
- General Motors Scholar
- Kraft Mentor/Mentee Program
Non-Academic Awards
- Finalist for the Phyllis M. Meek Spirit of the Susan B. Anthony Award from the Center for Leadership and Service in April 2009
Organizations
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman National Honor Society)
- UF Billiards Team
- Member of a professional billiards team
- Vegetarians club
Volunteer
- Phi Eta Sigma, the Freshman National Honor Society
- Society of Women Engineers
- E-Swamp Day, which allows us to introduce freshman girls to the field of engineering.
Hobbies/Activities
Playing pool/billiards
Research Description
Mechanical and
Electrical Applications of Carbon Nanotubes
This project investigates the use of multi-walled, vertically-aligned carbon nanotube films, as potential materials for electrical and mechanical contacts. Carbon nanotubes are closed cylindrical objects that can serve as a passageway for electrical conduction. The nanotube arrays examined in this research are produced through a chemical vapor deposition procedure (CVD). This investigation takes vertically aligned carbon nanotube films and simultaneously investigates both their mechanical flexibility and electrical contact resistance. An experimental test matrix varying physical strain and sourced current is executed to look for mechanical and electrical signs of degradation under varying loads. The experimental test apparatus used is a computer controlled tribometer, run in an indentation mode. A vertically aligned carbon nanotube film is used as a substrate and a gold coated 4 mm diameter sphere is used as the indenter probe. A manually-designed four-wire electrical contact resistance measurement setup is constructed in which two wires are connected to the ball and the other two wires are connected to the nanotube film and controlled through an external multimeter. Mechanical strain/loads executed on the film are measured and controlled through the tribometer interface using a capacitance probe based measurement of tip displacement. Experimental results are obtained on the laboratory scale apparatus, but are discussed based on the potential for scaling to real world applications. Two main potential applications discussed are high frequency low force electrical contacts used in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and as potential brush materials within electrical motors.
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