Alexander Kovar Email & Phone Number

Ames, Iowa, United States

As an undergraduate researcher at Ames National Laboratory in the Critical Materials Institute, I develop more understanding of new ways to use less critical materials in our lives. This position has definitely reinforced and defined new ways of understanding metals.To explain what I do on a day to day basis, here are the basics:Tensile testing "dog-bones" with either cyclic or normal tensile loading cases till material fracture.Creating metal alloys from constituent elements/compounds at desired atomic and weight percentages. Arc melting samples and drop casting them to create ingots of desired alloys.Heat treating metals like Nickel-based superalloys, using different methods of cooling to achieve different crystal structures. Processing large amounts of chunks of metal into powder for sintering and other applications.Melt spinning ribbons, to produce a near amorphous crystal structure to evaluate the property differences from the as-cast material.Using Vibrating-Sample Magnetometer's(VSM's) to define the magnetic properties of materials specifically through magnetic moment and magnetic field's.Polishing mounted epoxy samples to be used for micro-hardness and SEM(scanning electron microscope) testing properties of specific materials.Creating argon filled ampoules for samples using a blowtorch.Regular maintenance of machines and spaces in laboratories.Data crunching from various tests above using Excel.

United States

As a student researcher at Ames Lab I help develop new alloys and perform tests on them to validate their performance and uses. A lot of the alloys I am working to develop are utilizing critical materials that are beneficial for the technology that has changed our lifestyles in the past 75 years. The alloys I currently research include High Entropy Alloys and Nickel-Based Super Alloys.

Ames, Iowa, United States

Before starting this position, I did FEA on roll cage designs to determine a design that would survive load cases based on regulations from the solar car race officials. I looked at research papers and material property documentation. Each FEA study was performed to find several different values (equivalent von Mises, principal stresses, deformation, and normal stress). Then, this understanding was applied to composites. I learned how to find all of these solutions for sandwich panels made from carbon weaves in FEA.Then I used all of this understanding to show tutorials to new members. I led a large team to complete several projects like crash bars, and composite structures.

Ames, Iowa, United States

I am a member of the mechanical team for PrISUm. When I first joined the team, I started working on the Dynamics team, building brakes and fixing the suspension. I got respirator trained the following spring and began making composite parts. I was also elected safety director and was selected for the American Solar Challenge race crew in 2021. During the summer of 2021, I worked on numerous mechanical projects. I built carbon fiber panels, shimmed the suspension, reconstructed and repaired brakes, installed various structural projects, and cleaned workspaces for use after the races.

Ames, Iowa, United States

The solar car team requires a good level of experience in sanding, body filling, and mold manufacturing. Then, the composites manager must understand polymer chemistry well to ensure the team makes high-quality composite layups.I demonstrated all of the above by leading other members to create a 5X10 ft mold using a positive foam plug to a negative fiberglass tool mold. These molds required attention to detail when preparing for layups. Then, I led a materials acquisition team to get carbon fiber pre-preg and do preparation to make the layup as simple as possible. Finally, the team used the Delta Airlines composite repair facility to create the layup. The layup was a success because of the knowhow that I had.

United States

As Treasurer I manage the budget and fundraise for the team. All purchases the team makes must be well understood. With my previous experience as a mechanical team member, Safety Director, and finally Assistant Project Director; I am able to further understand each purchase and plan ahead so the team saves money and time building a solar car.As of August 2022, the team transitions to a new phase where fundraising is vital to the advancement of our current and new vehicles. The experiences I had allowed for me to be elected into this position.

Ames, Iowa, United States

Organized meetings and team events, some of which included sponsors and alums.I have dealt with legal matters concerning the existence of the team and qualification for the race in 2022.We have secured a significant donation of Bridgestone Ecopia Solar Car tires for the team to get through the race.Stepped up when other directors could not handle their work and asked plenty of questions as doubts arose.I have represented the entire university in a commercial that aired during Iowa State sporting events for over two years.Ensured the team maintained good relationships with sponsors and the university.

Ames, Iowa, United States

Organized training for members to be able to safely work in the spaces that the team occupied.Wrote and implemented an SOP for the safe use of MEKP.Communicated with the University EH&S and various managers of spaces to improve accessibility and quality of the workspaces.