Directional freeze-casting is an ICE-templating technique that can be utilized to fabricate a wide variety of materials. In this process, aqueous suspensions are subjected to a thermal gradient,…

This federal contract award, NNX16AI78A, was granted to Northwestern University, a private research institution, by a U.S. government civilian agency. The $198,608.39 cooperative agreement supports research to improve computational modeling of the freeze-casting process, an ice-templating technique for fabricating advanced materials. The work will utilize a CubeSat platform to obtain experimental data necessary for this purpose. The award also includes a training and mentoring plan to provide students with technical, scientific, and leadership development. This contract is not a set-aside and is part of the agency's "CONVECTIVE EFFECTS ON SOLID/LIQUID INTERFACE DYNAMICS IN THE FREEZE-CASTING PROCESS" major program. Northwestern University has a strong track record of federal contract and grant awards, demonstrating its expertise in materials science, aerospace engineering, and other technical fields.

Directional freeze-casting is an ICE-templating technique that can be utilized to fabricate a wide variety of materials. In this process, aqueous suspensions are subjected to a thermal gradient, causing ICE dendrites to grow unidirectionally. As the solidification front advances, suspended particles are rejected, subsequently self-assembling within interdendritic space. ICE dendrites are later removed, leaving elongated, aligned pores. This technique has the potential to offer a high degree of microstructural control, provided solidification conditions are well-controlled. However, the underlying principles that govern solidification behavior in this complex system are not well understood. Indeed, the limited accuracy of computational models, containing inevitable simplifications, makes a priori predictions impossible. This work serves to utilize a cubesat platform to obtain the experimental data necessary to improve computational modeling. The proposed training and mentoring plan expands upon traditional mentoring programs by incorporating mentors at varying levels of career and academic advancement. Inherently, this approach empowers students to take on leadership roles at varying levels of responsibility. Students will receive extensive technical, scientific, and leadership training throughout the program.