Materials Research
Research to Meet any Materials Requirement
UDRI conducts comprehensive research and development in the full spectrum of materials. Since 1957, our work in material types, materials characterization, materials phenomena, and materials processing has helped customers in government and industry satisfy their mission requirements. UDRI is number one among all colleges/universities in the nation for sponsored research and development in materials engineering according to the National Science Foundation.
Top: Same material annealed (heated, followed by slow cooling, in order to soften the material, regenerate overheated structures, or remove internal tensions) at two different temperatures. Image credit: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
UDRI Materials & Structures Sector Overview (PDF, 296KB)
Advanced Composites Manufacturing, Modeling & Characterization
UDRI researchers provide comprehensive capabilities in design, modeling, fabrication and processing development, and characterization of responsive, multifunctional, composite, and hybrid materials.
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Advanced High-Temperature Materials
UDRI researchers perform materials development, materials fabrication and life prediction, analytical modeling, and testing of brittle materials. We can analyze materials in different temperatures and environments for strength, fracture, fatigue, and creep behavior.
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Advanced Materials Characterization
UDRI develops technology to define damage growth in structural materials. We conduct thermal mechanical fatigue tests to simulate service environments typically experienced by materials and develop life prediction models of high-temperature aerospace materials.
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Aerospace Materials Sustainment
UDRI develops technologies in multiple types of polymeric materials and processes in order to improve sustainability and affordability for aerospace applications. We work with a variety of customers within the government and aerospace industry.
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Coatings, Corrosion, and Erosion
UDRI evaluates coatings and solves paint problems for government and industry. We also characterize organic coatings and microbial influenced corrosion and degradation of coating systems in aircraft. Our researchers specialize in aerospace coatings and corrosion-related process management and material development, evaluation, integration, and sustainment.
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Dynamic Material Characterization
UDRI performs dynamic material response analysis on metals, plastics, foams, composites and even bullets at strain rates ranging from 200 to greater than 5,000/sec in our Dynamic Material Characterization Laboratory. We can perform testing over a wide range of temperatures, and we can test, evaluate and validate materials to meet your most challenging requirements.
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Fluids and Lubricants
UDRI's research includes oil and fuel analysis; alternative and recycled refrigerants; aging aircraft issues; new fluid and lubricant R&D; testing of fluids, lubricants, coolants, solvents, and de-icers; ASTM and FTM qualification testing and failure analysis; lubricant performance measurement; tribological fluids evaluation; and lubricant and lubrication systems monitoring.
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Materials Characterization and Analysis
UDRI has extensive facilities and personnel devoted to materials analysis, testing, and evaluation. Our lab work includes materialography analytics; microanalytics; surface analysis; chemical analysis; and interrogation, characterization, and manipulation of materials at the nanoscale.
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Multifunctional Structures and Materials
UDRI has comprehensive capabilities for developing and integrating new and conventional materials into multifunctional structures and materials to reduce size, weight, power consumption, and manufacturing complexity and to increase performance, ruggedness, and survivability.
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Nanoelectronic Materials, Processes, and Devices
UDRI researches nanoelectronic materials synthesis, characterization, and device fabrication and performance. We investigate electron and phonon transport, grow and characterize nanoelectronic materials, and investigate electronic materials and device reliability using modeling and experimentation.
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Nondestructive Evaluation
UDRI develops, enhances, and tests nondestructive methods to characterize aerospace material properties and component integrity for engines and structures in aerospace and related fields.
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Particle Erosion Testing
UDRI conducts particle (sand and dust) erosion testing on aerospace materials for both Air Force and commercial customers. This work takes place at the Particle Erosion Test Facility at Wright-Patterson AFB.
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Rain Erosion Testing
UDRI conducts rain erosion testing on aerospace materials for both Air Force and commercial customers. This unique, specialized work takes place at the Air Force's Rain Erosion Test Facility at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
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Sealant and Elastomeric Materials
UDRI develops and analyzes fuel tank sealants, fuel cell bladders, potting compounds, hydraulic packings and seals, hose materials, gaskets, and specialized elastomeric sheet materials for use in military applications.
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