Agile Metals Additive Manufacturing Research I

About the Research

CCDC ARL Center for Agile Materials Manufacturing Science (CAMMS, https://www.arl.army.mil/opencampus/?q=centers/camms) additive manufacturing (AM) laboratory is conducting state of the art transformative agile manufacturing, which includes but not limited to additive manufacturing (AM) also know as 3D printing and advanced manufacturing,  research for developing Army relevant metallics, polymerics, and hybrid materials based AM feedstocks; and integrating the AM feedstocks to various advanced digital manufacturing processes in support of the Army Modernization Priorities (https://www.army.mil/standto/2018-01-16).  Advances in additive and digital manufacturing create new sets of opportunities in expediting very complex designs to on-demand at the point of need manufacturing while presenting the unique challenges associated with the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary researches require to solve the problems linked with the Army Modernization Priorities.

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is one of the most powerful digital manufacturing tools for accelerating traditionally long new-design and re-design to manufacturing lead-time.  AM has pervasive implication to the wide ranges of Army Modernization Priorities (MPs) related applications, such as application specific lightweighting, fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfers, and reaction dynamics.  One of the most common AM research requirement applicable to Army specific applications, including Army MPs related applications, is establishing and expanding high fidelity pre-build, in-situ, ex-situ, and post-build modular AM digital tools and integrating them under the artificial intelligent (AI) based deep machining learning (ML) platform to increase the real time closed loop predictability and manufacturability.  An integrated AI/ML tools platform would increase the Army AM certification and qualification readiness and ultimately enable at (or near) the point of need expeditionary agile manufacturing. 

The Materials and Manufacturing Sciences Division of CCDC Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking an internship candidate with strong academic backgrounds in computer aided design (CAD), metals additive manufacturing, computer programming and scripting languages, and analytical or computational skills to conduct applied research in metals AM Army specific applications by coupling the other generalized engineering and scientific tools and techniques.  The candidate will be scientifically assessing the effects of metals AM processing independently and will work with ARL personnel to build baselines and build optimized metallic prints to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the benefits.  The candidate must have good verbal skills in order to disseminate findings within ARL.  The candidate must be willing and able to work in a team environment.  Working towards a degree in science or engineering is required, with a preference for general/computer engineering, although other related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are also be considered.  In all cases, the mentor(s) will be working with the candidate on a regular basis at a frequency dependent on the candidate’s experience.

ARL Advisor: Brandon McWilliams

ARL Advisor Email: brandon.a.mcwilliams.civ@army.mil

About WMRD

The goals of the Weapons and Materials Research Directorate (WMRD) are to enhance the lethality and survivability of weapons systems, and to meet the soldier’s technology needs for advanced weaponry and protection. Research is pursued in energetic materials dynamics, propulsion/flight physics, projectile warhead mechanics, terminal effects phenomena, armor/survivability technologies, environmental chemistry, and advanced materials (energetic, metals, ceramics, polymers, composite/hybrids, and mechanics) for armor, armament, missiles, ground vehicles, helicopters, and individual soldier applications necessary for maintaining and ensuring supremacy in future land warfare.

About ARL-RAP

The Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) is designed to significantly increase the involvement of creative and highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in scientific and technical areas of interest and relevance to the Army. Scientists and Engineers at the CCDC Army Research Laboratory (ARL) help shape and execute the Army's program for meeting the challenge of developing technologies that will support Army forces in meeting future operational needs by pursuing scientific research and technological developments in diverse fields such as: applied mathematics, atmospheric characterization, simulation and human modeling, digital/optical signal processing, nanotechnology, material science and technology, multifunctional technology, combustion processes, propulsion and flight physics, communication and networking, and computational and information sciences. 

A complete application includes:

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Three References Forms
  • An email with a link to the reference form will be available in Zintellect to the applicant upon completion of the on-line application. Please send this email to persons you have selected to complete a reference.
  • References should be from persons familiar with your educational and professional qualifications (include your thesis or dissertation advisor, if applicable)
• Transcripts
  • Transcript verifying receipt of degree must be submitted with the application. Student/unofficial copy is acceptable

If selected by an advisor the participant will also be required to write a research proposal to submit to the ARL-RAP review panel for :

• Research topic should relate to a specific opportunity at ARL (see Research Areas)
• The objective of the research topic should be clear and have a defined outcome
• Explain the direction you plan to pursue
• Include expected period for completing the study
• Include a brief background such as preparation and motivation for the research
• References of published efforts may be used to improve the proposal

A link to upload the proposal will be provided to the applicant once the advisor has made their selection.

Questions about this opportunity? Please email ARLFellowship@orau.org