Turbine Power Sciences and High Temperature Propulsion Materials Research

The DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory is seeking scientists and engineers to conduct Vertical Takeoff Lift (VTOL) Turbine Power Research through the Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP). This research opportunity focuses on developing disruptive advanced materials and turbomachinery concepts/technologies for highly improved power-density, durability and efficiency for advanced VTOL gas turbine propulsion systems. The program addresses power demand, speed, range and low-cost sustainment gaps in Army aviation systems. The research encompasses four main thrust areas: Advanced Ceramic Composite Systems, Ultra High Temperature Ceramics for Propulsion, Advanced Thermo-Fluid Models in Pressure Gain Combustor Environments, and Advanced Gas Generator Turbine Concepts. The objective is discovery and operationalization of advanced material systems, multi-physics high-fidelity computational methods and advanced turbomachinery concepts for future Army VTOL propulsion. Target metrics include durable turbine material systems providing 30% increased life, next-generation ultra-high temperature ceramics enabling 50% improved efficiency/power-density, high-fidelity computational methods for predictive designs, and advanced turbomachinery concepts achieving 50% improved efficiency/power-density and 30% improved durability. Knowledge products include increased understanding of processing-structure-property relationships for technical ceramics, advanced low-k refractory ceramic materials with high fracture toughness, high-accuracy fluid-structure interaction models, and advanced turbomachinery concepts for responsive propulsion systems. The ARL-RAP program is designed to significantly increase the involvement of creative and highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in scientific and technical areas of interest and relevance to the Army. Selected participants work with ARL advisors on cutting-edge research that supports Army forces in meeting future operational needs.