Dr. Paul Rottmann —Assistant Professor of Materials Engineering Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Kentucky 

“Multiscale Characterization and Design of Next-Generation Aerospace Structural Materials” 

Abstract: Understanding complex process-structure-property (PSP) relationships is the foundation of materials engineering and is essential for efficiently tailoring the properties of a material for any given application. Modern engineering challenges often demand that multiple properties be simultaneously optimized to meet performance requirements, all while incorporating sustainability concerns regarding fabrication, end-of-life recycling, and disposal. This is especially true for aerospace structural applications, where designing materials that can reliably withstand extreme temperatures and stresses in life-critical systems is a major challenge. My research group focuses on developing advanced characterization and multiscale mechanical testing techniques to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms that give rise to currently poorly understood PSP relationships. We then use this knowledge to design and fabricate structural materials more efficiently and with enhanced properties. In this presentation, I will detail the results from three ongoing research projects. First, I will present the influence of part geometry on the microstructure and properties of additively manufactured Ni (IN718) and steel (17-4PH) alloys, with a focus on the fundamental reasons why IN718 is significantly more geometry-sensitive than 17-4PH when thin-walled sections are necessary. Second, I will discuss recent developments in utilizing an applied magnetic field to accelerate the development of strengthening precipitates in 7000 series aluminum alloys, substantially reducing the annealing time required to reach desired strength levels. Third, I will present novel in situ methodologies we are developing to characterize the 3D deformation of carbon-based thermal protection and structural materials for space applications. 

Biography: Dr. Paul Rottmann has been an assistant professor of materials engineering at the University of Kentucky (UK) since 2019. He received his B.S. in materials engineering from UK and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in materials engineering from Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on combining multiscale mechanical testing and advanced characterization techniques to design structural materials for extreme environments. He is PI on multiple NASA and co-I on several collaborative grants sponsored by the Department of Energy and the Army Research Laboratory.