Research Organization

Since the effective research in the field of materials demands close interaction among disciplines, CAAM faculty are drawn from several institutes and departments, and a large proportion of CAAM research is cooperative in character. Laboratory layout, operating arrangement, and administrative philosophy are specifically designed to enhance interaction. CAAM is currently composed of 24 faculty members from 13 institutes.

Its scope is subdivided into four categories as shown below : light weight materials, high temperature high strength materials, composite materials, and process development characterization.

Management Committee

Kim, Nack Joon (Director, Pohang University of Science and Technology)

Chang, Young Won (Pohang University of Science and Technology)

Cho, Hyun Kee (Kyungpook University)

Hwang, Sun Keun (Inha University)

Kim, Kyoo Young (Pohang University of Science and Technology)i

Maeng, Sun Che (Hanyang University)

Nam, Soo Woo (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

Shin, Kwang Seon (Seoul Natinal University)

Light Weight Materials

Development of light weight materials is crucial for aerospace industries seeking the high performance, low density, structural materials for the replacement of conventional Al alloys. These new materials offer the large weight savings over conventional alloys and Al-Li alloys, in particular, can be utilized with no significant modification of aerospace vehicle design concepts. Mg alloys can offer even greater weight savings than Al-Li alloys. Their application, however, has been impeded mainly due to their low ductility and toughness and poor corrosion resistance. Improvement of these properties will ensure the application of Mg alloys for aerospace structures. Current research activities at CAAM include

(i) near-net shape forming of Al and Al-Li alloys,

(ii) the improvement of formability of Al alloys for applications as automobile sheet material,

(iii) development of high strength, weldable Al alloy for anti-ballistic application,

(iv) development of high performance Mg alloys, and

(v) studies on the fabrication of Mg alloy automobile parts. Preliminary studies on the development of thin strip of Be and Mg alloys for honeycomb-structure applications are also in progress.

High Temperature High Strength Materials

Advanced high temperature high strength materials are in growing demand as aerospace vehicles with speeds greater than Mach 3.0 are soon to be realized. In addition to the advances needed in structural materials, high temperature-resistant components such as jet-engines are also of considerable importance because weight reduction in conjunction with increased high temperature performance can increase engine efficiency, thereby achieving a higher thrust-to-weight ratio. Activities for high temperature high strength materials at CAAM include

(i) the development of high temperature aluminum alloys with service temperatures up to 400กษ,

(ii) the development of Ti alloys with service temperatures greater than those of currently available Ti alloys,

(iii) the enhancement of ductility and toughness of intermetallics,

(iv) the improvement of oxidation resistance of superalloys and

(v) the development of ultra-high temperature refractory alloys.

Composite Materials

Composite materials offer unique mechanical and physical properties which cannot be achieved in monolithic materials. By incorporating the reinforcements with high modulus and strength, composite materials can have excellent specific strength and stiffness and much improved high temperature capabilities. Major emphases at CAAM are placed on

(i) the development of metal matrix composites using powder metallurgy, compocasting and squeeze casting techniques,

(ii) the characterization of mechanical and fracture behavior of metal matrix and ceramic matrix composites,

(iii) the identification of suitable matrix and reinforcement systems for specific applications and

(iv) the development of functional gradient composites.

Process Development Characterization

For the successful development and application of advanced aerospace materials, it is of utmost importance to develop the techniques involved in the processing of materials. Development of advanced aerospace materials requires the tight control of chemistry using techniques such as improved ingot casting practices and powder metallurgy. Special techniques should be developed for the production of more demanding composite materials. Fabrication of these new materials into the final products is not a trivial matter, and it involves the conventional rolling/extrusion/forging, superplastic forming, diffusion and adhesive bonding, and advanced joining techniques, Also, coating technologies should be developed to improve the related environmental resistance of materials. Current research activities at CAAM are

(i) the development of superplastic forming technologies for Al- and Ti-based alloys and composite materials,

(ii) powder metallurgy processing of light weight and high temperature materials,

(iii) the development of coating technologies for environment-sensitive applications,

(iv) the prediction of fatigue life for aerospace structures and

(v) the development of dynamic fracture testing methods for the evaluation of ballistic performance of armor materials.