UD mechanical engineering sophomore Kevin Paterra assists and supports scientists and engineers in his co-op job at the University of Dayton Research Institute. “Working in the Structural Integrity Division has given me great insight into the world of research and has taught me a lot about teamwork,” said Paterra, who routinely prepares test specimens, performs data entry, does mechanical drawing and sets up test machines.

He also helps characterize microstructures in materials to determine if harsh service conditions have affected their mechanical properties. In the process, he prepares material samples with surface features highlighted at the micron level. By using special software that scans images of the highly magnified sample surface, Paterra can determine grain size distribution and other microstructural characteristics that control the mechanical properties.

“The experience has been valuable both technically and socially,” Paterra said. “I’ve learned that it takes more than equations to solve a problem.”

Paterra participates in other investigations designed to “grow cracks” in materials by applying special fatigue loading sequences to test specimens. After a specimen has failed — has been broken in two pieces — Paterra examines photographs of the crack surface, obtained with an optical microscope, and fractographs from a scanning electron microscope to detect fracture surface markings created by the loading sequence. These markings, which indicate the crack front locations as the crack propagates through the material, also yield values of crack growth rates that can be used in life-prediction methodologies.

“It takes a collaborative effort by everyone, every day, to accomplish a goal,” Paterra said.