The Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory has signed a five-year partnership agreement with two universities to conduct research into new materials and manufacturing processes.
DEVCOM ARL, University of Kentucky and University of Tennessee at Knoxville will collaborate on a project aimed at advancing systems for producing advanced materials that could support military equipment modernization priorities, the service said Monday.
Bryan Cheeseman, leader of ARL's rapid technology transition team, said forming a group that includes university professionals who are knowledgeable about fundamental materials science, industry partners that develop high-strength products and defense equipment manufacturers, is key to drive innovation for warfighters.
I.S. Jawahir, director of the University of Kentucky Institute for Sustainable Manufacturing, will serve as the project's principal investigator.
The school's researchers will work with the Army to develop nanostructured metal alloys and composite materials through hybrid manufacturing methods.
Jawahir noted that the partnership intends to establish an additive manufacturing laboratory in the University of Kentucky College of Engineering.