51ÉçÇø

Course: LM116 - Mechanical Engineering Stream

Supervisor: Professor Anthony Comer

Name of Research Project/Activity: Design of a High Frequency Fatigue Testing Machine for composite materials

Q) Can you tell me a bit about yourself, and why did you decided to study Common Entry Engineering at UL?

Hello, my name is Alexander Marszalek, and I am a student at the 51ÉçÇø. I was the only one from my school in Dublin to decide on going to the 51ÉçÇø. I wanted to go there for their fantastic engineering course, which is great at both giving real world experience with cooperative education and its fantastic facilities that the university provides for students learning. I must mention in the great sports facilities too, as a student athlete it is great to be able to train in some of the top of the art facilities they provide! 

Q) What motivated you to apply for the Summer Bursary Programme?

When I initially saw the programme, I was instantly hooked. I would have an opportunity to see what it is like to complete a research project and engineer a device that would potentially be able to help with furthering our knowledge here at the university. It would have been my first time stepping in the shoes of a serious engineering task and it could not have been better. The opportunity to be able to create something new under the supervision of a fantastic educator like Prof. Comer is humbling, exciting and insightful. 

Q) What are you doing as part of your research here at UL?

As part of my research here, I am designing a machine for the testing of composite materials that are exposed to very high cycle fatigue. Very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) is a fatigue behaviour of materials subjected to a very large number of stress cycles, typically more than 10 million cycles. This machine will test samples of various shapes for potential failure occurrences. This machine will use a piezoelectric actuator to produce a frequency of up to 20kHz to be put into a sample and be able to test it in a significantly shorter period compared to the more common machines used to date. The importance of composite materials in non-aerospace applications is a rising matter that continues to grow exponentially daily. It is key for the future of humanity and the planet to be able to test these materials for their potential in various applications such as offshore energy, automotive parts and even more. I have been truly honoured to be able to set the foundations for this project and am excited to see where it will lead.

Q) what skills have you developed over the summer?

Over the summer I have been able to cultivate and grow various important skills in the world of engineering. With great focus on academic research, CAD software and problem-solving skills. The great insight I have received on how to appropriately conduct and present findings as well as how to perform finite element analysis and conduct testing on materials (using methods such a prescribed displacement and harmonic analysis) in CAD software such as solid works has greatly expanded my skills as an engineer and has helped me see things in a more fundamental light. I will, without a doubt, be applying what I learned here to future projects.

Q) What has this experience taught you and what would you recommend it to others?

This experience has taught me the importance of communication and research of this area. I cannot stress the importance of the research that goes into the testing of these materials that will shape future products and economies. I would most definitely recommend this experience to anyone, it is a great excuse to continuously keep learning and to be able to output some work in topics that truly matter. I have discussed some of the work my friends are doing under this scheme and the work they are doing is really truly fantastic.

Another important message I would want to pass on would be not to let your fears limit your possibilities. While stepping into a project like this might seem daunting for a first-year student, ultimately, we cannot grow without facing challenge. Do not fear such opportunity, seize it and never let go. Surpass your limits.

Q) What are your future career plans, would you consider a career in research?

My future career plans are as ambiguous to me as to anyone. I just want to be able to help humanity and people in a way that will make their lives happier, safer and easier. I always have been fascinated with aviation and fuels so perhaps something along those lines will be the path I will travel. A career in research is in my consideration, to be able to pursue and enhance knowledge would be a great experience and with the work I have been able to do here it would be a pleasure to continue with other topics. I am looking forward to where my time at the university of Limerick will take me.