Program Overview

Program Overview

The Next Generation Automobile Conductors project aims to develop nanostructured variants of aluminum with high electrical conductivity and strength. This project has the potential to revolutionize the automobile industry by enabling the use of nano-aluminum wires in place of copper wires in future electric vehicles.

Project Description

The goal of this project is to create a massive shift in the automobile industry, helping to usher in the era of all-electric vehicles. Nanostructured aluminum wires can reduce the weight, environmental impact, and cost of automobiles while increasing fuel efficiency. Currently, every car has over 1 mile of wiring, weighing approximately 100 pounds. Cars of the future with nanostructured aluminum will have less than half the weight of conductors. Additionally, the cost per amp delivered by automobile wiring is at least 6 times less for aluminum compared to copper.

Student Qualifications

• Interest in materials processing and characterization of properties
  • Basic metallurgical laboratory skills are helpful, but can be taught

Time Commitment

• 20 hours/month

Skills and Techniques Gained

• Skill and experience in processing and testing materials
  • Learning to measure strength and observe microstructures

Mentoring Plan

The project uses a formal mentoring system based on a combination of the UC Davis and University of Michigan models for mentoring. The Transdisciplinary Nanostructured Materials Research Team members employ multiple mentoring modalities to enhance student research and learning.

Institution

Colorado School of Mines 1500 Illinois St., Golden, CO 80401

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