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RAP opportunity at Air Force Research Laboratory     AFRL

Advanced Processing of Ceramic and Ceramic Matrix Composite Structures

Location

Materials & Manufacturing, RX/Composites

opportunity location
13.25.07.C0216 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 454337817

Advisers

name email phone
Lisa Mae Rueschhoff lisa.rueschhoff.1@us.af.mil 937-815-4105

Description

New and/or advanced materials and processing techniques are required to enable the development of next generation Air Force propulsion and hypersonic components. Our focus is on fundamental structure-property-processing relationships for ceramics and ceramic matrix composites across all length scales. Areas of interest include: novel processing and characterization of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials, preceramic polymer processing (AM, fiber design, etc.), nanostructure control, and additive manufacturing. CMCs have been a large area of focus in our Ceramic Materials and Processing Team due to their enhanced toughness and durability. While they have been employed successfully in commercial applications, composite design and constituent engineering and improvements are ongoing. Preceramic polymers, organic moieties that convert to inorganic materials upon thermal treatment, are a key aspect in forming CMC matrices through infiltration and pyrolysis cycles. Their polymeric properties also afford rheology control and allow for more complex processing techniques to be used. As such, characterization and design of existing or new polymer systems is key. New CMC processing methods, improved constituents (fibers, matrix, coatings, etc.), and novel process optimization and modeling all offer potential benefits in the industry. Additive manufacturing methods such as direct ink writing, fused deposition modeling, and stereolithography are all tools of interest for creating more complex shaped ceramic and ceramic composites with designed microstructures. Furthermore, the control of micro and nanostructure within additive manufacturing offers hierarchical structure control for enhanced mechanical behavior. Candidates should have strong written and communications skills demonstrated through oral presentations and peer-reviewed publications, as well as enthusiasm for working in an interdisciplinary environment.

key words
Additive Manufacturing; Composite; Ceramic; Polymer; Processing; Fiber; Coating; Rheology

Eligibility

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens
Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants

Stipend

Base Stipend Travel Allotment Supplementation
$80,000.00 $5,000.00

$3,000 Supplement for Doctorates in Engineering & Computer Science

Experience Supplement:
Postdoctoral and Senior Associates will receive an appropriately higher stipend based on the number of years of experience past their PhD.

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