● My Experience of Master's Courses
In my master's courses, I conducted research on fiber-reinforced plastic materials in collaboration with institutions such as the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI), KOLON DACC COMPOSITE, DOOSAN ENERBILITY, and the RWTH Aachen Institute of Textile Technology (ITA).
The project with KRRI provided me with a significant opportunity to grasp the fabrication process and mechanical behavior of Glass/Phenolic composites. I conducted characterizations of tensile, compressive, and flexural properties of the composite based on ASTM testing standards.
With KIER and KOLON DACC COMPOSITE, we conducted a study to enhance the mechanical properties of SiC/SiC and C/C-SiC composites processed using the liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) method. As a result, we successfully increased the properties of these materials. Throughout this period, I acquired a strong foundational knowledge of SiC-based ceramic matrix composites.
Collaborating with DOOSAN ENERBILITY allowed me to put my problem-solving skills to the test with unfamiliar technologies. During that time, my responsibilities included re-modeling the compressor blade, generating engineering drawings of composite plies that constitute the blade structure, and analyzing the composite blade using ABAQUS. Particularly, we encountered challenges in creating these drawings due to the use of CATIA Composite Design, and there were no clear instructions on creating these plies with this CATIA module. However, after pushing myself to the limits, I succeeded in forming ply geometries through the intersection and projection techniques. Consequently, we managed to fabricate the composite blade for the compressor within a limited timeframe.
My research experience at ITA proved to be a valuable opportunity for my growth as a researcher. I took the initiative in solving issues related to research budgets, meeting schedules, and machinery. This experience allowed me to enhance my skills in contract writing and conducting meetings with companies. Fueled by a genuine passion for the art of three-dimensional weaving, I dedicated long hours to refining my abilities in setting up looms and producing intricate carbon textile preforms. Consequently, I acquired the know-how to create these preforms using a low-budget weaving loom.
