The National Science Foundation Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation awarded the University of Georgia Research Foundation $267,969 on October 1, 2025, under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) to conduct fundamental research on wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) of molybdenum-based alloys for high-temperature applications.
The research addresses processing defects inherent to additive manufacturing of refractory molybdenum alloys, specifically investigating residual stresses, porosity generation, and ductile-to-brittle transition behavior in titanium-zirconium-molybdenum structures. The work aims to elucidate root causes of defects and their effects on thermomechanical performance, with potential applications including improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint in land-based power plant turbine blades.
The project includes educational and outreach components: enhancement of manufacturing curricula with data analytics, undergraduate and graduate student internship opportunities at national laboratories, and hands-on manufacturing experiences for K-12 students, with emphasis on fostering inclusion of underrepresented groups in advanced manufacturing STEM fields.
Performance occurs at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, with a period of performance from October 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027. This is a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award, which integrates research and educational development for early-career faculty members.