M.L. Young, S. Aouadi, A. Voevodin
University of North Texas,
United States
Keywords: extreme environments, structural metals and ceramics, shape memory alloys
Summary:
A new Center for Extreme Environment Materials for Shape Morphing (CEEM-SM) is being created at the University of North Texas. The initial funding for CEEM-SM is supported by Army Research Office and focused on advancing: Flexible ultra-high temperature ceramics, structural alloys, shape memory alloys, and composite structures. All capable of shape morphing for hypersonic and aerospace applications. CEEM-SM contains a one-of-a-kind custom-made X-ray diffraction system with extreme temperature thermomechanical testing capabilities, consisting of: (1) high temperature X-ray diffraction machine (HTXRD), (2) low temperature X-ray diffraction machine (LTXRD), (3) thin film X-ray diffraction machine (TFXRD), and (4) tabletop X-ray diffraction machine (TTXRD). HTXRD, LTXRD, and TFXRD all come equipped with a state-of-the-art 2D Area Detector and 9kW High Brilliance X-ray Source which allows for fast acquisition of phase evolution during in-situ experimentation. The HTXRD incorporates a laser coupled with flexural bending which allows for heating above 2,300°C (up to 4,000°C) during mechanical loading, providing insight into phase stability in these conditions. The LTXRD incorporates a DSC, which allows for low temperature evaluation from -260°C (12K) to 350°C of thermal reactions coupled with phase transformations. The TFXRD and TTXRD allow for combinatorial high throughput and rapid initial evaluation of samples. The Goals of CEEM-SM are as follows: (1) Provide and maintain a test center for aerospace industry and national laboratory partners with one-of-a-kind equipment for in situ X-ray evaluation of structural ceramics, refractory metals, and shape morphing materials during thermomechanical deformation in extreme temperatures: For deep space, the low temperature XRD system incorporates a DSC, which allows evaluation from -260°C (12K) to 350°C of thermal reactions coupled with phase transformations For space vehicle atmosphere re-entry and hypersonic environments, the high temperature XRD system incorporates a laser coupled with flexural bending which allows for heating above 2,300°C (up to 4,000°C) during mechanical loading (2) Train students on advanced characterization of materials for extreme environments through daily operations, workshops for K-12 students, employees of local companies, and seminars from industry