Designing Lubricants for Enhanced Performance and Precision in Powder Metallurgy Components
- Sundar V. Atre and J. L. Rose (Michelle Poulos)

The presence of density gradients in components manufactured from powder metallurgy (P/M) severely restricts their final precision and properties. The purpose of this study is to understand how lubricant chemistry alters frictional forces between particles during the compaction of metal powder in a die cavity.
This knowledge will enable the design of new lubricants that will allow the production of components of uniform density. Such components can then be sintered to nearly full density without distortion and will have properties far superior to current capabilities in the industry.

During the project, the student will learn:

• How to fabricate precision engineering components using die compaction
• How to use ultrasonic techniques to measure density gradients
• How to perform various dimensional and mechanical property measurements