How can computational simulation and modeling be used to create lead-free alloys?

Tameka WhitneyW.W. Samuell HS, Dallas ISD

Faculty Mentor: Raymundo Arroyave, Ph.D.Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Meet Dr. Raymundo Arroyave• Assistant Professor in the Department of

Mechanical Engineering at Texas A & M University; joined the A&M faculty in 2006.

• Ph.D. in Materials Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Pennsylvania State University

Computational Materials Science

Its objective is to develop theories and methods to simulate the

behavior of materials across time and length scales.

Computational Materials Science CMS practitioners use different

computational simulation tools that model the behavior of materials at the macro-level.

Why is CMS important?• Provides the “recipe” for creating a

substance without using experimentation• Simulate structural, mechanical

& thermal properties

Dr. Arroyave’s Lab… Focuses on developing models,

predicting material properties and assisting materials design using computer simulation and modeling software

Soldering

Use of metal

alloys in order to join 2 or more components

Soldering• Majority of solders have been lead-

tin alloys• Reliable• Inexpensive• Relatively low melting

temperatures

Lead-Free Soldering

Uses copper-tin alloy instead of the typical tin-lead solder

Why is it important?

• Concern about environmental impact of discarded lead-containing products• leak into

groundwater from landfills• pollutes air if

incinerated

Where do I fit in?• My role is to generate data on

copper-tin based alloys that may be used in the soldering process• Structural properties

In a nutshell….• Materials Science studies the

relationship between the structure of a substance and its properties.

• Because of increased controls and legislation on the use of lead, lead-free alloys must be developed to be used in the soldering process.

• Besides Dr. Arroyave’s group, only 2 other groups in the US are researching lead-free alloys.

How can I use this in my classroom?

• Have students create a crystal of Cu3Sn using provided materials

• Types of bonding found in crystals (metallic, ionic) and the properties that result

Special Thanks

• E3 Team• Dr. Raymundo Arroyave• Min Soo Park • Colton Shannon • National Science Foundation (NSF) • Nuclear Power Institute (NPI)• Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)• Chevron