Thermal Imaging Infrared Camera for Research on Aerospace Materials and Devices for Extreme Environments
Abstract
The aim of this proposal is the acquisition of a scientific thermal IR camera to augment existing capabilities in Advanced Photonic Materials and Extreme Environments Materials Laboratories at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and to enhance the quality of research and research-oriented education currently funded by AFOSR. The thermal IR camera can capture thousands of points of high-speed thermal measurement, showing exactly where heat is concentrated and how fast hot spots arise. These capabilities are critically important for the broad research effort jointly conducted by UTSA and Air Force Research Lab (AFRL). The first thrust area involves experimental realization of advanced microwave and mm-wave devices. Our unique approach (US patent pending) is based on photonic multilayer structures with phase-change components of various electromagnetic functionalities, triggered by temperature shift induced by photon absorption. An important goal is to develop effective power limiters and high-power magnet-free isolators to protect sensitive devices from damage caused by intense electromagnetic radiation. The IR camera will allow us to gain insight into the limiting/isolation process driven by increasing temperature, by capturing the dynamics in real time. This work is done in close collaboration with the Directed Energy Directorate and Sensors Directorate of AFRL. The second thrust area involves increasing the information available at fabrication for novel metallic alloy design and manufacturing Ð a capability that can decrease to time to discovery of high temperature materials, enabling advancements in the hypersonic material technology. Thermal imaging will be used to collect temperature data during the melt, near melt, and solidification of alloy fabrication. The experimental and data collection effort will be partnered with a computational investigation focused on the application of machine learning and computer vision to probe the melt fabrication and alloy solidification processes for signatures of phase segregation, amorphization, and inhomogeneity. The goal of this work is to quicken the discovery process for materials capable of surviving high temperature oxidation at temperatures in excess of 1200¡C while being robust under thermal shock; subsequently, we will develop a technology that can be readily employed in additive manufacturing processes where the melt pool is visualized. The University of Texas at San Antonio is a minority serving institution strongly committed to developing high quality research and research-oriented education in science and engineering. The IR camera will give students the opportunity to learn about heat and temperature in an interactive and engaging way. Many concepts that involve heat and heat transfer are very theoretical and not always easy for students to understand. Using the IR camera, difficult theory and equations come to life as colorful thermal images, making them easy for teachers/advisers to explain. The camera is a great tool to develop individual skills needed to do science, mathematics, and engineering, and those needed to use technology effectively. The IR camera will reinforce both the Physics Graduate program and the education and outreach programs inspiring minority students to attend college.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 02, 2022
- Source ID
- W911NF2210167
Entities
People
- A. A. Chabanov
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Texas at San Antonio