B. Eng. (2007)
MASc. (Expected 2009)
Francesco joined the Centre for Near-net-shape Processing of Materials in
September 2006. As part of his undergraduate research, Francesco studied hot
tearing of AZ91D magnesium alloy during permanent mold casting.
While currently in his second year of MASc, his research is geared towards
studying the influence of grain refinement on hot tearing in B206 Al-Cu alloy
and A319 Al-Si-Cu alloy. These alloys are two of the most common aluminum
casting alloys. However, their high susceptibility to hot tear formation has
hindered their use in industrial applications. Grain refinement has been shown
in the past to minimize the severity of hot tearing in aluminum alloys. As a
result, the goal of his research is to understand the underlying mechanisms
involved with grain refinement and hot tearing.