Currently, traditional fiber-reinforced, polymer matrix composites are used for many Air Force structural systems. However, there is still a significant opportunity to more fully exploit the mechanical, electrical/EM, thermal, and responsive properties of lightweight structural materials systems through the multiscale and hierarchical incorporation of disparate phases and active mechanisms to achieve hybrid materials with unprecedented structural efficiency and response. This opportunity considers fundamental understanding of nano-tailoring of polymer-reinforcement interfaces with surface-grown nanomaterials, the mechanics of nanotube arrays under compression, shape memory material fabrication and characterization, materials and design strategies for structurally embedded actuation, and material systems that are responsive to large EM or thermal fluencies.

Comprehensive mechanical testing as a function of morphology, processing/fabrication method, temperature, rate, and stimuli are the focus of this opportunity. Characterization tools such as TEM, SEM, in-situ mechanical testing, nanoindentation, and interfacial mechanical testing methods are employed to elucidate the underlying structure-property relationships.

 

References

Maschmann MR, et al: Applied Materials and Interfaces: 648, 2011

Phillips DM, Pierce MR, Baur JW: Composites: Part A 42: 1609, 2011

 

key words

Composite; Hybrid materials; Thermal; EM; Mechanical properties; Hierarchical; Nanomaterials;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants