M. L. Young, S.M. Aouadi, and A. Voevodin
University of North Texas, Texas, United States
Keywords: Shape morphing, High temperature ceramics, High temperature alloys, High temperature composites, X-ray diffraction
A new Center for Extreme Environment Materials for Shape Morphing (CEEM-SM) is being established at the University of North Texas. The initial funding for CEEM-SM is supported by Army Research Office and focused on advancing flexible ultra-high temperature ceramics, structural alloys, shape memory alloys, and composite structures capable of shape morphing for hypersonic and aerospace applications. CEEM-SM contains a custom-made X-ray diffraction system with extreme temperature thermomechanical testing capabilities, consisting of a (1) high temperature X-ray diffraction machine (HTXRD), (2) low temperature X-ray diffraction machine (LTXRD), (3) thin film X-ray diffraction machine (TFXRD), and (4) tabletop X-ray diffraction machine (TTXRD). HTXRD, LTXRD, and TFXRD all come equipped with a state-of-the-art 2D Area Detector and 9kW High Brilliance X-ray Source which allows for fast acquisition of phase evolution during in-situ experimentation. The HTXRD incorporates a laser coupled with flexural bending which allows for heating above 2300°C (up to 4,000°C) during mechanical loading, providing insight into phase stability in these conditions. The LTXRD incorporates a DSC, which allows for low temperature evaluation from -260°C (12K) to 350°C of thermal reactions coupled with phase transformations. The TFXRD and TTXRD allow for combinatorial high throughput and rapid initial evaluation of samples.