Durability Testing of Additively Manufactured High Power
Abstract
University of Michigan Grant #: FA9451-16-1-0050 “Durability Testing of Additively Manufactured High Power Microwave Structures” Abstract Additive manufacturing techniques have the potential to provide a number of benefits to Air Force systems, including reductions in size and weight, or the fabrication of extremely complex shapes. Within high power microwave (HPM) systems, replacing solid metal with a 3-D printed structure coated with a conducting metal layer could offer similar benefits. Given the extreme current, voltage, and power present within HPM sources, the robustness and durability of these structures is a significant concern. In the Plasma Physics, Pulsed Power, and Microwave Lab at the University of Michigan, we propose to investigate the viability of anode blocks printed with a stereolithography process and either electroplated or thermal sprayed with copper. A planar diode, repetitively pulsed with a high duty-cycle Marx generator at 300 kV, will be used to research the robustness of these structures. In situ diagnostics will monitor for changes in material or electrical characteristics, and additional materials analysis will be performed after the test samples have been subjected to 1000s of pulses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 19, 2016
- Source ID
- FA94511610050
Entities
People
- Nicholas Jordan
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory
- United States Air Force
- University of Michigan