Research is conducted to develop material-behavior and process-modeling tools in order to exploit the full potential of conventional metals and emerging new materials such as intermetallics, ceramics, and composites using advanced ingot metallurgy, powder, vapor, and solidification-process technology. Specifically, we develop and validate advanced capabilities for relating the fundamental laws that govern processes to the evolution of microstructure/texture and the resulting mechanical properties. We emphasize the following: (1) mathematical analyses of unit processes such as extrusion, forging, rolling, and casting; (2) development of numerical models for process simulation on computers; (3) material modeling to understand the material behavior response to process conditions (e.g., phase transformation, texture evolution, fracture behavior); (4) development of constitutive equations for use in numerical models; (5) physical modeling for verification of analytical models; (6) interface-property modeling to represent friction and heat transfer as a function of process variables; (7) evolution of controlled microstructures during processing; and (8) development of novel processes.

Special emphasis is also placed on the development of advanced models, such as those based on crystal plasticity, cellular automata, Monte-Carlo, and phase-field techniques, for the prediction of microstructure and texture evolution during processing.

 

Keywords:

Solidification processes; Metallic materials; Intermetallic materials; Composite materials; Microstructure and texture evolution models; Deformation processes;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants