Accelerating Materials Discovery for Next-Gen Propulsion Devices
Rotating Detonation Engines (RDEs) utilize pressure gain combustion (PGC) to deliver superior thermodynamic efficiency and compact propulsion architectures compared to conventional deflagration-based systems. However, extreme thermal and pressure loads create an environment where traditional materials fail. This workshop brings together experts in detonation physics, additive manufacturing, and materials informatics to pioneer a closed-loop framework for materials discovery.
Workshop Themes
🚀 RDE Physics & Testing
Investigating detonation dynamics and establishing standardized protocols for RDE materials testing.
🔬 Materials Characterization & Forensics
Linking processing defects to failure modes through high-resolution microscopy and post-mortem damage analysis.
🏗️ Advanced Additive Manufacturing
Leveraging emerging DED and Cold Spray capabilities to process complex alloys with site-specific microstructural design.
🧠 Materials Modeling & Informatics
Integrating CALPHAD-based thermodynamics, AI agents, and reduced order models to guide the design of robust RDE materials.
Schedule
Click on a session to view details.
08:00 - 08:30
Registration & Breakfast
Check-in at the CALIT2 Lobby. Coffee and light pastries will be provided.
08:30 - 09:00
Opening Remarks
Speaker: Natasha Vermaak, Lehigh University
Introduction to the NSF DMREF project goals, partner introductions, and workshop objectives.
09:00 - 10:30
Panel #1: RDE Physics & Testing
Facilitator: Xian Shi, University of California Irvine
Panelists:
Jason Burr, Air Force Research Laboratory
John Bennewitz, The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Daniel Pineda, The University of Texas at San Antonio
10:45 - 12:15
Panel #2: Materials Characterization & Forensics
Facilitator: Dan Mumm, University of California Irvine
Panelists:
David Poerschke, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Ali Yousefiani, The Boeing Company
12:15 - 13:30
Lunch & Networking
Lunch will be provided at the CALIT2 Lobby.
13:30 - 15:00
Panel #3: Advanced Additive Manufacturing
Facilitator: Lorenzo Valdevit, University of California Irvine
Panelists:
Noah Philips, ATI Specialty Alloys and Components
Amy Clarke, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Todd Steyer, The Boeing Company
15:15 - 16:45
Panel #4: Materials Modeling & Informatics
Facilitators: Natasha Vermaak, Lehigh University; S. Mohadeseh Taheri-Mousavi, Carnegie Mellon University
Panelists:
Georgios Koutsakis, The University of New Mexico
Matt Begley, University of California Santa Barbara
Martin Harmer, Lehigh University
Lt. Edward Blaney, Air Force Institute of Technology
16:45 - 17:00
Final Remarks
17:00 - 19:00
Reception and Lab Tours
Wine & Cheese reception will be provided at the CALIT2 Lobby.
Several tours will be offered. Tour details will be announced during the final remarks.
Workshop Logistics
📍 Venue
CALIT2 Auditorium
CALIT2 Building
4100 E Peltason Dr
Irvine, CA 92697-2800
🚗 Parking
Anteater Parking Structure - Driving Direction.
✈️ Travel
John Wayne Airport (SNA) - 10 mins away.
Long Beach Airport (LGB) - 20-30 mins away.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - 45-60 mins away.
🏨 Accommodation
Local Hotels with UCI Rates - Hotel Directory.
Organizing Committee
- Natasha Vermaak (Lehigh)
- Xian Shi (UCI)
- Lorenzo Valdevit (UCI)
- Dan Mumm (UCI)
- S. Mohadeseh Taheri-Mousavi (CMU)
- Chris Kassner (AFRL)
- Jason Burr (AFRL)
Sponsors
Collaborators
