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Integrated Computational Design of Graded Alloys Made with Additive Manufacturing

Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

Graded alloys give optimized local material properties that can increase performance compared to standard materials. The ability to tailor material properties at any location in a single piece additive manufactured component for different functions will enable an engineer to design components that utilize the properties of multiple exotic materials. Development of a computational modeling framework for the design of graded alloys made with additive manufacturing is possible using modern computational techniques such as CALPHAD-based ICME combined experimental validation. The proposed research will advance the field of computationally designed materials which is a key part of the NASA mission directorate. Research into the fundamental relationships that drive the design of high-performance alloys made with additive manufacturing will be central to the proposed research. This research will advance the understanding of additive manufacturing technology, thus allowing additive manufacturing to play a more important role in advanced component design for future NASA missions. Ultimately, the materials modeling framework will be used to develop a high-performance graded alloy made with additive manufacturing for use in the future design of advanced components for space technology.

Benefits

Graded alloys give optimized local material properties that can increase performance compared to standard materials. The ability to tailor material properties at any location in a single piece additive manufactured component for different functions will enable an engineer to design components that utilize the properties of multiple exotic materials.

Details

Technology areaMaterials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Materials > Computational Materials
ProgramSpace Technology Research Grants (STRG)
Lead organizationUniversity of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, Pittsburgh, PA
Start date2019-08-28
End date2023-07-28

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