Benjamin Hirt
By Benjamin Hirt
(B.S. Physics, Class of 2018)
My research in Dr. Arthur Smith’s lab in Physics & Astronomy was about finding out if substances would stretch when put under a permanent magnetic field. To achieve a high magnetic field, we arranged the magnets in a Halbach array to maximize the strength of the field where we would place the sample. We then used X-ray diffraction (XRD) to measure if the samples had stretched under the magnetic field.
It was a challenge to design a brace that could force the magnets to stay in place while at the same time not getting in the way of the XRD machine scanning the samples. We created multiple prototypes for testing using 3D printing. The limitation with 3D printing is that the machine was not precise enough to have the sample aligned correctly. To correct for this, we had to use pieces of tape to get the sample to the exact height we needed.
My favorite part of my internship was learning how to use solid works for designing different magnetic holders for the 3D printer. While it was frustrating to have so many designs fail and have to be changed, it was really fun when it actually worked.
Benjamin Hirt – 2015 Intern with Dr. Arthur Smith – sophomore at Ohio University – College of Arts & Sciences – physics major
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