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Current Projects
Southern Regional Center for Lighweight Innovative Design - Budget Period 2...
$1,980,000.00 Awarded for continuation of the Southern Regional Center for Lightweight Innovative Design (SRCLID) Budget Period 2
Tungsten-Polymer Formulations
At CAVS in the Materials Processing Lab, a research project sponsored by ATI Alldyne in Huntsville, AL is ongoing to formulate different feedstocks and composites using various polymers and tungsten powders. The composites formulated thus far have been tungsten putties, tape-cast flexible sheets/conformable cloths, and abrasives. Powder-polymer feedstocks are also being researched to produce extrudable rods and adhesive pastes. Polymers being used are thermoplastic elastomers (SEBS), thermoplastics like polyethylene and waxes, and thermoset phenolic resins. Solvents, plasticizers, surface-active agents, and stabilizers are also being used to customize material properties. Since the inception of this project, the process and testing capabilities of the lab have evolved to include equipment and instrumentation like an Arburg injection molding machine, TGA/DSC/MS/FTIR, DMA, capillary rheometer, and extrusion apparatuses. The MP lab is currently increasing its abilities to process and test these composite polymer materials for continued research in the PIM and other composite related fields.More...
Materials Modeling in P/M
Material modeling and corresponding parameters are very critical for accurate simulation. CAVS developed several models for powder materials for sintering and debinding processes in powder metallurgy (P/M) based on time integration of thermal work. As for the sintering process, we developed the master sintering curves (MSCs) for densification, grain growth, and distortion behaviors. As for the thermal debinding process, we developed the master decomposition curve (MDC) for the thermal decomposition. Furthermore, we also developed the model to predict grain size from coercivity, one of magnetic properties, for nano-crystalline tungsten carbide (WC) powders. We developed all these material models with practical and economic goals so field engineer to use them for solving real problems.More...
Powder Metalurgy Performance Modeling
Computer and mathematical based modeling of the thermo-mechanical behavior of metal powders during compaction and sintering densification processes is recognized as a significant contribution to improving efficiency, quality and cost of current production and to generating new business opportunities for powder metallurgy industry. Here, we evaluate and develop numerical modeling techniques to predict mechanical properties throughout P/M component sections. The transition of current materials/design requirements to advanced structural P/M components has created a need to predict the properties of components in all sections of design. In addition, design processes should consider the least cost, lowest mass product designs and reduced development lead-time. We extend existing math-based frameworks with the abilities to predict P/M component structures and properties accurately throughout the compaction and sintering processes (section size, density variation, dimensional tolerances, potential for cracking), and with the input of alloys and process parameters (machine functions, tool and powder temperatures, friction and pressure). The history of a P/M part is captured through its pressing, sintering, and life-cycle performance using a developed multiscale methodology. The final goal is to determine quality control process factors (powder properties, press settings, tooling design, and furnace conditions) for P/M parts production in terms of design and performance optimization, and of their impact on process variations and quality improvement.More...
Run Flat (Morgan)
Program to determine the minimum design critiera and general specifications for run-flat devices for military vehicles. This effort is primarily focused on ridge internal devices to provide extended vehicle operations in the event of tire deflation.