Our research is driven by the goal of understanding and engineering materials, structures, and processes for extreme environments and dynamic conditions. The group’s work is organized into three core thrusts: Impact-driven Manufacturing, Dynamic Mechanical Testing and Diagnostics, and Materials Design for Extreme Conditions.
Topic 1: Impact-driven Manufacturing
We focus on high-strain-rate, impact-driven manufacturing techniques, with a particular emphasis on Vaporizing Foil Actuator Welding (VFAW) and Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM).
VFAW is a unique solid-state impact welding method that enables the joining of dissimilar metals without melting, thereby minimizing the formation of brittle intermetallic phases. This technique is especially promising for high-integrity bonding, part repair, and the additive integration of metallic disks or small features. The resulting joints exhibit superior quality and mechanical performance, making VFAW a valuable approach for advanced manufacturing and structural repair in critical applications.
Process–Microstructure–Property Relationships in Advanced Metals Joined via VFAW.
Ref.: [1] Li, J., Panton, B., Liang, S., Vivek, A. and Daehn, G., 2020. High strength welding of NiTi and stainless steel by impact: process, structure and properties. Materials Today Communications, 25, p.101306.
[2] Li, J., Panton, B., Mao, Y., Vivek, A. and Daehn, G., 2020. High strength impact welding of NiTi and stainless steel wires. Smart Materials and Structures, 29(10), p.105023.
Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM).
Cold spray additive manufacturing is a solid-state process that utilizes kinetic energy to induce adiabatic shear instabilities, resulting in strong bonding. This technique is particularly valuable for repairing components without altering the original microstructure of either the powder feedstock or the substrate. It has found widespread application in both military and industrial settings.
Topic 2: Dynamic Mechanical Testing and Diagnostics
Mechanical Testing and Measurement of Signals under Dynamic Loading and Other Extreme Conditions.
Topic 3: Materials Design For Extreme Conditions
Mechanical alloying/cryomilling, combined with SPS and extrusion to make HEAs for the applications in extreme conditions.
