Materials Under Extreme Lubricating Conditions
About the Research
Many Army ground and unmanned aerial vehicles are powered by internal combustion engines designed for diesel fuel, but these engines are often operated on fuels that lack the lubricating ability of diesel. This results in premature failure of fuel components due to insufficient lubrication, leading to material damage. Research under this fellowship aims to understand the physical, chemical, and tribological processes involved in material damage under fuel-lubricating conditions, identify robust materials and treatments, and determine the properties and chemical interactions that allow these materials to withstand such conditions.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research on the tribological processes affecting fuel-lubricated mechanical components
- Develop and analyze materials and treatments that enhance durability under low viscosity and lubricity liquid conditions
- Collaborate with ARL engineers and scientists to explore solutions for robust and flexible Army propulsion systems
Requirements
- A foundational understanding of a physical science or engineering discipline
- Experimental or computational analytic/modeling skills related to tribology, material mechanics, and surface chemistry
Qualifications
- Strong academic record
- Experience in relevant scientific or engineering fields
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Skills
- Tribology
- Material mechanics
- Surface chemistry
- Computational modeling
Benefits
- Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in Army propulsion systems
- Collaborative environment with ARL engineers and scientists
- Challenging and rewarding research projects
Pay
- Competitive stipend and benefits package
Schedule
- Full-time position
- Flexible schedule within standard working hours
About ARL-RAP
The Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) is designed to engage highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in critical scientific and technical areas relevant to the Army. Researchers at ARL help shape and execute programs to meet future operational needs through diverse fields including 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.
Contact Information
To apply, please submit:
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Three Reference Forms (email with link to form)
- Transcripts (student/unofficial copy)
Research Proposal
If selected by an advisor, participants will be required to submit a research proposal detailing:
- The research topic (related to ARL opportunities)
- The objective and expected outcome
- Your research direction and timeline
- A background and motivation for the research
Questions
For questions about this opportunity, please email ARLFellowship@orau.org.
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