S. M. Russ, C. Woodward, D. M. Dimiduk, J. Simmons, M. Uchic, AFRL/MLLMD, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
The USAF depends upon the timely development and transition of structural materials to deliver technically advanced systems. However, conventional materials development is a time consuming and evolutionary process. Even when known materials systems are modified slightly, certification for use on aerospace platforms can take a decade or longer. New materials require an even longer development and certification process. Thus, a challenge for the aerospace industry is to shorten the materials development and maturation time, and as a result accelerate transition of new, more capable alloys.
This presentation will attempt to describe the puzzle commonly referred to as multi-scale modeling of materials and will outline a template for realizing aspects of accelerating the exploration and development of materials. It will highlight progress on certain technologies and describe challenges being worked within the Metals Branch of the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory. Lastly, it will challenge industry to begin (or continue) to use these methods as they develop the next generation of high temperature metals required for future USAF capabilities.
