High-Throughput Structural Alloy Development

The Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) offers research opportunities in high-throughput structural alloy development integrating computational and experimental techniques across length-scales from atomistic to macroscale. The program promotes tiered research using low-cost techniques broadly applied initially, followed by down-selection of compositions and/or processing conditions for higher value tests and characterization. This is achieved through integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) approaches combining experimental and computational tools. Research involves computational methods including high throughput density functional theory (DFT) for novel phase discovery and CALPHAD for thermodynamic phase stability prediction. Experimental methods include metal alloy synthesis and processing, mechanical testing, and characterization of phases and microstructures. Materials systems of interest include steel, aluminum, titanium, cermets, and multiprinciple element alloys (MPEAs)/high entropy alloys (HEAs). The program is designed to increase involvement of creative and highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in scientific and technical areas relevant to the Army. Applicants are sought for a range of projects with experience levels from current B.S. students to senior researchers, with project duration determined on a case-by-case basis.