Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
Reaching 10 Kelvin: Thermal Precision Metrology; The Rise of Data Centers in Northern Virginia and its Impact on Local Communities23 views
Author
Ahmadzai, Mohammad, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia
Advisors
Earle, Joshua, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Scott, Ethan, EN-Mech & Aero Engr Dept, University of Virginia
Abstract
The technical project investigates thermal conductivity measurement technique for materials used in quantum computing environments, where extreme low temperatures are required for stable operation. An effective experimental system is designed using a cryopump-based vacuum setup capable of reaching high vacuum conditions and temperatures as low as 10K. Thermal conductivity is measured using the 3-omega method, which determines temperature oscillations induced by Joule heating and relates them to material properties across a 10-300K range.
The STS research examines the rapid expansion of data centers in Northern Virginia through the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) framework. I analyze how policy incentives, infrastructure availability, and increasing demand from cloud computing and artificial intelligence have driven growth, while also highlighting environmental and social impacts such as increased energy consumption, water usage, and land competition.
Degree
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Keywords
Metrology ; Data Centers ; Northern Virginia (NOVA)
Language
English
Rights
All rights reserved by the author (no additional license for public reuse)
Ahmadzai, Mohammad. Reaching 10 Kelvin: Thermal Precision Metrology; The Rise of Data Centers in Northern Virginia and its Impact on Local Communities. University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2026-05-06, https://doi.org/10.18130/k9bc-8260.
