Optimizing Surface Texturing for YSZ Thermal-Barrier-Coating on Inconel 718 Substrate to Mitigate High Stresses/Strains; A Titan in Moral Responsibility: Deep Dive into the Titan Submersible Implosion

For the past two semesters, I have worked simultaneously on my STS research paper, which examines moral responsibility in the Titan submersible implosion, and my capstone project, which studies the effect of surface texturing on thermal barrier coating performance. These projects are related in their mutual connection to material performance in extreme environments. The Titan submersible operated in extreme pressures demanded by deep sea exploration, while thermal barrier coatings are used in high temperature turbine engines for aerospace applications. The projects differ in their level of application maturity; my STS research focuses on the effects of improper use of materials and their aftermath, while my capstone research focuses on early-stage development of new processing methods for materials.
My technical project addressed performance of thermal barrier coatings in high temperature turbine engines. Using ultra-short pulsed laser technology, my team designed three different surface topologies to be used before thermal barrier coating application. These surface topologies were designed to induce desirable cracks that enhance thermal performance. Coating adhesion and high temperature performance were tested to evaluate the effectiveness of the textures. Our work recommends combining a grid pattern surface topologywith a plasma grown texture in order to produce a coating system with high adhesion and improved thermal cycling lifetime. These results will be considered by Rolls-Royce for future designs increasing the efficiencies of their aerospace engines.
My STS research paper addressed improper material selection for high pressure environments, looking specifically at the distribution of moral responsibility of these choices in the case of the Titan submersible. Utilizing Van de Poel and Royakkers’ theory of moral responsibility, I claim that OceanGate CEO, Stockton Rush, is the sole morally responsible individual for the implosion of the Titan. This claim is substantiated by the analysis of OceanGate employee testimony and physical evidence retrieved from the site of the implosion. Analysis is also aided by literature discussing the engineer’s duty to public safety. This research served to analyze the consequences of insufficiently considering design constraints and ignoring safety regulations and recommendations.
Concurrently working on my technical and STS projects was immensely helpful in understanding my duty to public safety in my designs throughout my career as an engineer. By analyzing poor decision making and materials selection in my STS project, I was forced to look closer at my decisions in my capstone project, ensuring that my recommendations were made in the best interests of public safety. It was a valuable experience to learn that even though materials are a small part of design, their impact is astronomical, and this must be considered and upheld throughout my career.

School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Materials Science & Engineering
Technical Advisor: James Fitz-Gerald
STS Advisor: Benjamin Laugelli
Technical Team Members: Iris Boateng, Nicolas Fonseca Alva, Lara S. Ojha, Christopher Recupero