What is your thesis topic?
Using laser directed energy deposition additive manufacturing of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) FeCrAl under a reactive atmosphere.
How is materials processing involved in your research?
Conventional powder metallurgy manufacturing techniques are used to produce ODS alloys. These techniques are energy intensive and time consuming. Here I use a novel approach combining additive manufacturing and a reactive atmosphere (oxygen-rich) to reduce the number of manufacturing steps, allow for increased geometric complexity of parts, and potentially improve microstructural control.
Provide an example of where the material, process, or properties you are studying might find an application.
ODS FeCrAl has been shown to have excellent corrosion resistance and high-temperature, strength making it an ideal candidate for heat exchangers. Coupled with the improved radiation tolerance provided by the oxide precipitates, ODS FeCrAl could serve as a promising nuclear fuel cladding material in current generation nuclear reactors or structural support materials in advanced nuclear fission and fusion reactor designs.