Fabrication and Characterization of Additively Manufactured Materials

AFIT's mission is to help build America's airpower, by educating military and civilian Airmen to innovatively accomplish the Air Force's core missions, in support of joint operations, more effectively, efficiently, sustainably and affordably. We provide unique defense-focused, research-enabled, multi-disciplinary advanced academic education, as well as globally delivering career-long, action-based, functional professional continuing education, over a continuum of learning, on-command and on-demand. Our success is measured by the career-long contributions of our graduates, faculty and staff. AFIT accomplishes this mission through four schools: the Graduate School of Engineering and Management, the School of Systems and Logistics, the Civil Engineer School, and the School of Strategic Force Studies. This opportunity is located in Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. To learn more about the research performed at AFIT, please visit www.afit.edu.

The Additive Manufacturing Lab (AML) at AFIT researches all aspects of polymer and metal additive manufacturing. This research includes optimization of printing parameters for fully dense materials, analysis of the printing process to improve material properties, post-processing of printed parts to assess print quality, and development of novel designs for engineering applications. The AML utilizes multiple polymer printers and 2 Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) machines with 200W and 400W laser systems. These machines are used to manufacture different metal alloys for specific aerospace research applications.

The AML uses optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with electron backscatter detectors (EBSD) and energy dispersive x-rayspectroscopy (EDS) to characterize micro-structural characteristics of printed specimens. The participant will gain knowledge and experience characterizing material properties of additively manufactured materials with a wide range of techniques. The participant will also be encouraged to pursue independent investigations within the scope of the research portfolio to support their career development goals. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will have opportunities to present their research at technical conferences and in scholarly archival journals.

This appointment is a twelve month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by USAFIT. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

The candidate should have a bachelor's degree in any STEM discipline, as well as strong writing and public speaking skills, attention to detail, and desire to conduct research.