Fundamental measurements of the metal additive manufacturing process
This project will develop tools to measure laser behavior and material cooling during metal 3D printing to improve process models.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: Stipend approximately $82,764 per year plus $3,000 travel allowance; typical appointment duration 2 years.
Summary: Fellowship to develop experimental tools for measuring laser propagation and material cooling in metal additive manufacturing to validate and improve process models.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a doctoral degree; postdoctoral level; requires contacting a research adviser prior to application.
Description
This fellowship opportunity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on fundamental measurements in metal additive manufacturing, particularly laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). LPBF is a promising technology for producing complex, highly customized metal parts. Over the past 15+ years, its capabilities have significantly advanced.
The research aims to develop high-quality experimental tools to measure laser propagation, material cooling rates, and related phenomena during the additive manufacturing process. Techniques include high-speed micro-videography, radiometry, and thermo-fluid contact measurements. These measurements are critical for validating high-fidelity multiphysics models that predict melt pool properties, cooling rates, grain structure, and mechanical properties of printed parts.
Ideal candidates will have experience in experimental research, mechanical design (preferably with SolidWorks), LabVIEW virtual instrument development, and data/image processing (MATLAB preferred).
