Ronald E. McNair Program

Alex Pierre McClarty

Name: Alex P. McClarty
School: The University of Mississippi
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Mentor: Dr. J.P. Sharma
Expected Graduation Date: May 2010
Organizations & Honors:

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated
Luckyday Scholar
Luckyday Mentor/Peer Leader
IMAGE Scholar
American Society for Mechanical Engineers Member
Black Student Union Member
Sam Walton Scholar
EADS (European Aerospace and Defense) Scholar
Member of National Society of Black Engineers
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
NAACP Member
Committee member of The James Meredith Scholarship Gala
Ronald E. McNair Scholar

E-MAIL: Apmcclar@olemiss.edu

ABSTRACT

Smart Material Coating and Energy Harvesting from Vibration

Smart materials have the ability to adapt to their environment when subjected to a certain temperature or stress. Piezoelectric materials, a special type of smart materials, have the ability to generate an electric voltage when exposed to a certain degree of load. The ability to covert mechanical energy to electrical has thousands of applications. One of these abilities includes converting the vibration from automobiles/transportations systems in to electrical power to charge car batteries. With further research, piezoelectric material could be used as an alternative means of powering transportation systems compared to burning fossil fuels.