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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 area | Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Materials > Computational Materials |
| Program | Space Technology Research Grants (STRG) |
| Lead organization | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Start date | 2019-08-28 |
| End date | 2023-07-28 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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