AIST Foundation Steel Intern Scholarship - Samson Canadian
Michelle Radoiu
This summer, I had the opportunity to return to the Centre for Automotive Materials and Corrosion (CAMC) working as a research assistant, researching the impact of liquid metal embrittlement (LME) on zinc coated advanced high-strength steels. This internship has allowed me to develop both my technical and professional skills while broadening my understanding of the steel industry.
The objective of my project was to determine the effect of coating and substrate composition on the susceptibility to LME. In order to achieve this, mechanical tests such as Gleeble hot tensile testing were performed through partnership with ArcelorMittal Dofasco to simulate the thermal and mechanical conditions these steels would be subject to during resistance spot welding. In addition, I utilized advanced characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy in order to characterize the severity and morphology of the cracks to better understand the LME mechanisms.
My experience at CAMC has allowed me to connect with various people within the materials research community. I had the opportunity to attend the Steel Research Centre meetings, in which I listened to presentations on the various fields of research pertaining to steel at McMaster University. I have also had the pleasure of touring the ArcelorMittal Dofasco Global R&D Research Laboratory, where I learned of the many elements of research that go into the steelmaking process.
Through my time at CAMC I have developed a deep interest in the processing and production of various steel grades and how each choice along the way will affect the performance of the final product. I have learned extremely valuable skills and knowledge involved in steel research and I am excited to see where my future lies in the steel industry.
I would like to thank the AIST scholarship committee for giving me this opportunity to further deepen my interest in steel research. I am also grateful to everyone at CAMC for their support and to my supervisor, Dr. Joseph McDermid, for his continuous mentorship and technical guidance.