Modeling and Simulations of Armor Ceramics: Atomistics to Mesoscale Microstructure

About the Research

Located at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is the Army's central laboratory. Its diverse assortment of unique facilities and dedicated workforce of government and private sector partners make up the largest source of world-class integrated research and analysis in the Army.

Interdisciplinary research opportunities exist in materials modeling at length scales ranging from atomistics to mesoscale microstructures to support discoveries relating ceramic processing-structure-property relationships. These simulations seek to uncover fundamental mechanisms controlling microstructure evolution and mechanical response of armor ceramics to provide insights for future material design and predict performance. Areas of research include (1) thermodynamic modeling of grain boundary complexions; (2) elucidating the role of defects and grain boundary character on grain growth and mechanics; (3) mesoscale modeling of microstructure evolution and mechanics; (4) bridging simulation scales by incorporating microstructure effects into continuum performance models; (5) integrating material simulations with experiments; (6) developing virtual materials characterization techniques; and (7) quantifying variability and uncertainty of models. Our research is performed in collaboration with other computational and experimental teams within ARL and academia.

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.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates should be US Citizens and have received their PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics.

Contact Information

ARL Advisor: Shawn Coleman
ARL Advisor Email: shawn.p.coleman8.civ@mail.mil