Aguilar, Louie

Graduate Research Associate – Louie Aguilar

Biographical Sketch

Louie Aguilar is a second year graduate student in the Materials Science and Engineering Departmennt at The Ohio State University (OSU).  He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from California State University of Long Beach in 2016. He worked as a process engineer for a medical company in California before coming to Columbus, Ohio to pursue a M.S. degree in Welding Engineering at OSU. His interests outside of research include 3D printing, Muay Thai, cycling and various other outdoor activities.

Graduate Research

Louie’s graduate research focuses on evaluating the solidification cracking susceptibility of various nickel-base filler metals used in high temperature/corrosive environments of nuclear applications. Through the use of computational thermodynamic modeling (Thermo-Calc Software), experimental weldability testing (Cast pin tear test, Varestraint test) and image analysis (MIPAR Software) he aims to obtain a better understanding of the effects that interstitial elements, in particular nitrogen, have on the weld cracking susceptibility of these alloys. Ultimately, his research will facilitate to develop improved specifications for these filler metals to prevent solidification cracking in repair welds of nuclear components. Louie’s project is sponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).

Schematic of the cast pin tear test (CPTT), and cast pin sample with solidification cracking (picture in Cu-mold, and SEM image).

Thermodynamic modeling of Scheil solidification (Thermo-Calc Software) at different level of nitrogen additions to a nickel-base filler metal.