Request of a Top Loading High Temperature Furnace for Education and Research in Polymer Derived Ultr
Abstract
This proposal is to acquire a top loading furnace, MRF model T-4X8-GG-3000-VM-G, that can conduct a wide range of high temperature, material research and pyrolyze polymer precursors up to 3000C in different atmospheres to obtain ultrahigh temperature ceramics t,hat are of vital importance to ONR, AFOSR, and ARO. The MRF high temperature furnace is composed of a direct top loading configura,ite radiation shields for up to 3000C, and a graphite work support plate. It has a work space of 3.5 diameter (89 mm) x 6 high (,152 mm).This high temperature capability will support Virginia Tech researchers from at least 9 departments including Materials Sc,ience and Engineering (MSE), Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Systems and Engineering, Engineering Education, Chemical Engineerin,g, among others. The research activities range from ultrahigh temperature composites, to advanced manufacturing, and to harsh envi,ronment systems, etc. It will also serve a vital role in students education and training in ultrahigh temperature materials and en,able new lecture course contents and lab modules. The requested furnace will serve to educate students of diverse backgrounds in s,cience and engineering, as well as attract diverse stud,pportunities to at least 30 senior researchers, 20 post-docs, 80 graduate students (60 in MSE and 20 outside MSE), and 120 undergra,duate students (100 in MSEand 20 outside MSE) on an annual basis. The research activities to be supported are in the area of high, importance to DoD. Examples include ONR Materials for Thermal & Chemical Extremes, Propulsion Materials, Nanoengineered Materials,, Subsurface Platform Science & Technology, and High-Temperature Technologies for Naval Applications; AFOSR Dynamic Materials and In,teractions, Low Density Materials; and ARO Materials Science. Several ongoing single-PI and multiple-PI projects in high temperatu,re materials will be facilitated. Future research enabled by this furnace will contribute to the following critical DoD areas: ther,mal protection systems and other components for hypersonic aerospace vehicles, gas turbine engines, rocket nozzles, power systems,, etc. The materials to be created will possess high oxidation resistance, high thermal shock properties, and low creep. For exampl,e, it will support the following research and education activities that are closely aligned with the DoD needs: polymer derived SiC,-TiC, polymer-derived SiC-TiC-TiB2, and multiprincipal component (high entropy) ceramic systems. In the long run, this high temperat,ure furnace capability will enable creation of new materials, discovery of new scientific phenomena, expansion of our knowledge ba,se, and enriched training and educational activities in ultrahigh temperature systems in order to serve a wide range of DoD needs., The proposed ultrahigh temperature furnace will interface with the equipment in the departmental labs of Materials Science and En,gineering and our campus-wide microscopy and characterization facility. It will complement our wide range of facilities for harsh e,nvironment materials development, processing, manufacturing, testing, characterization, and modelling; build on our existing stren,gth and activities in polymer derived materials; establish our leadership position in ultrahigh temperature systems; and continue o,ur long-term service to DoD missions.Set-up, training, and scheduling of the furnace operation will be provided by the PI and the,MSE technical staff by offering access and training to the broad scientific community on- and off campus. The estimated life for thi,s furnace is 20 years.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212011
Entities
People
- Kathy Lu
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Virginia Tech