UNT will gain a one-of-a-kind X-ray diffraction system for its aerospace materials research thanks to a multi-million-dollar grant. Marcus Young, associate professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, is leading the project to create a new X-ray diffraction system capable of measuring phase changes during mechanical deformation at extreme temperatures, which are relevant to hypersonic applications.

“Right now, the highest temperature we can achieve with a furnace is about 2,300 degrees Celsius. This system could theoretically let us go up to 4,000 degrees Celsius locally with the use of a laser,” says Young, who is investigating the behavior of shape morphing materials from room temperature to ultra-high temperatures for use in future hypersonic aircraft.

Read the full article on UNT Research and Innovation website.