FURI | Spring 2021

Establishing a Testing Method for Axially Continuous Graphene-Coated Copper Wire in High Power Transmission Applications

Electrical power systems in the modern era are being utilized in sectors like transportation, aerospace, and communication for purposes which demand increasing miniaturization capability, current carrying capacity, and environmental stability. New materials which can replace traditional metal wires like copper and aluminum are poised to fill that growing demand. Axially continuous graphene layers synthesized on microscale-diameter Cu wires have the potential to demonstrate improved surface heat dissipation and electrical conductivity. To characterize the electrical priorities of these new wires, the research team will create an integrated instrumentation and LabView setup to test the wires to their current density failure point.