A Nanotechnology Experiment for Undergraduate Engineering Programs: Carbon Nanotube Production using Electric Discharge Machining

摘要

A novel experiment for an undergraduate engineering course, the Engineering of Manufacturing Processes is described. The experiment demonstrates a process of manufacturing carbon nanotubes using a variation of the arc discharge method. Carbon nanotubes are synthesized in oil by electric discharge machining using two graphite electrodes. Pedagogical justifications and sustainability of the experiment within an undergraduate engineering curriculum are addressed.