Participating Lab: Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

Aircrew Biomechanics and Digital Human Modeling

Research Opportunity Location:
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
The Advanced Research in Musculoskeletal Modeling for Operational Readiness (ARMMOR) group is dedicated to quantifying and mitigating musculoskeletal injury risks for warfighters through advanced biomechanical sensing and modeling capabilities. The ARMMOR research portfolio has three main pillars: quantitative in-field surveillance, musculoskeletal modeling, and clinical modalities for musculoskeletal injury assessment.

AFRL 711th Human Performance Wing Research Projects

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) leads the development, integration, and delivery of Airman and Guardian-centric research, education, and consultation enabling the Air Force to achieve responsive and effective global vigilance, global reach, and global power now and in the future. The Wing’s multidisciplinary workforce is comprised of more than seventy occupational specialties across science, technology, and aerospace medicine. Leveraging a convergent sciences approach and supported by state-of the-art research facilities and classrooms, the Wing provides the Air Force with unparalleled expertise to maximize Airman availability, enhance Airman performance, and ensure resource efficiency. This opportunity will support a variety of human-centric research and development projects within the Wing.

High Performance Polymers

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
Researcher will engage in the synthesis and characterization of thermally robust, chiral, achiral, and topologically unique molecules and monomers. Polymers will be produced from the molecules and monomers and the resulting macromolecule properties will be investigated. 

Composite Performance Research

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
Develop algorithms and approaches to characterize and model the performance of continuous fiber reinforced composites. Algorithms will incorporate state-of-the-art high-performance algorithms and approaches for large scale simulation of behavior. Work may include use of new novel artificial intelligence and machine learning based approached to accelerate performance prediction and provided for ways to distill high degree of freedom data and identify the key relationships. In addition, will assist with data collection using experimental tools such as mechanical testing equipment or optical, electron or x-ray imaging systems. Work will be documented through presentations and reports and regularly reviewed by the other members of the research team.

Synthesis of Ultralow Temperature Polymers for Extreme Environments

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
Materials that can withstand the extreme environments such as the arctic and space, require resilient properties for longevity and survivability. For polymeric materials, one primary requirement is to maintain viscoelastic properties at extremely low temperatures (<-100 °C). As such, the exploration of new materials beyond polyolefins and perfluoronated hydrocarbons. Noting the chemistry inherent to polysiloxanes has enabled low-temperature polymer development, we seek to explore functional siloxane scaffolds as a model to deconvolute polymer brittle behavior and the glass transition temperature. This internship will involve the synthesis of functional siloxane monomers and subsequent polymerization and mechanical characterization. Interns will have hands on experience at relevant chemistry techniques for a STEM career especially pertaining to the Air Force. Furthermore, interns will have the opportunity to learn and carry out engineering and apply mechanical techniques to the polymers they have synthesized and develop new characterization techniques to understand the brittle behavior of polymers at ultralow temperatures. Other polymer behavior may be inherent to these structures including stimuli-responsiveness and self-healing capabilities that have thus far gone unstudied and will be of interest to the broader DAF community.

Crystal Growth and Characterization of Novel Functional Low Dimensional Materials for Optoelectronic, Nanoelectronic, and Magnetic Applications

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
The Photonic Materials Branch of AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (RX) is interested in developing novel functional materials including those exhibiting non-linear optical properties, ferroelectricity, magnetism, and topological properties. This particular research focuses on crystal growth and characterization of a wide swath of novel materials. Materials synthesis, the optimization of crystal growth conditions, and detailed structural analysis (particularly with respect to associated ferroic transitions) would be the main focus of research efforts to further USAF dominance in communications, computing, sensing, and frequency conversion and limiting applications. Our long-term efforts also include a program of pairing our crystal growth efforts with machine learning to create closed-loop parameter optimization. The successful applicant will have some knowledge of optical characterization so as to effectively work with collaborators for specialized measurements. The Air Force Crystal Growth Center serves as a synthesis center for not only the photonics branch of the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate but also other research branches both within RX and in other directorates such as Sensors (RY) and Aerospace Systems (RQ) so the successful candidate will be able to interface with researchers in multiple technical areas and to meaningfully contribute to these different technical areas. The apparatus on site for bulk crystal growth is centered on Czochralski, Bridgman, flux, and vapor transport. Two PPMS systems for thermal, electrical, and magnetic characterization are also available, as is an MPMS-SQUID system. AFRL also owns various XRD systems equipped with both low and high temperature stages as well as micro-Raman systems with low-temperature and high pressure accessories. AFRL has dedicated facilities for advanced optical characterization of materials at various energies and temperatures. AFRL facilities also include a fabrication cleanroom for nanoscale applications.

Materials and Process Development for Wide Bandgap Devices

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
Are you interested in learning about microelectronics and working in a cutting-edge cleanroom facility? AFRL is looking for motivated students to perform process optimization on dry etch and atomic layer deposition tools for applications in wide bandgap microelectronic devices. No background in microelectronics is needed.

Development of Multiscale Simulation Methods and Workflows for the Design of Performance-Optimized Composite Material Architectures

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
The concurrent design of structures and material architectures at multiple intermediate length scales promises to enable transformative capabilities for the Air Force of tomorrow, ranging from integrated structural antennae to materials capable of sensing damage in real-time to performant joints for vehicles composed of complex components made of dissimilar materials. However, key challenges stand as a barrier this future. This research opportunity focuses on developing enabling techniques and computational tools in the fields of mesh generation, processing modeling, multiscale simulation, and high-performance computing.

Depending on the skillset of potential candidates, summer projects will focus on

1) developing scientific software and novel algorithms that target heterogeneous computing,

2) developing high-level scripts and engineering tools to enable productive physics-based simulations, or

3) using a variety of finite element software packages to solve engineering problems while developing guidelines.

Modeling and Simulation of Polymer Materials

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
Novel polymer materials are constantly being developed and applied to various technologies ranging from plastics and coatings, to batteries and nanoelectronics, to biomaterials and medicine. Polymer processing techniques requires a fundamental understanding of the polymer physics and dynamics in both solution and melt states depending on the design method. For instance, additive manufacturing methods often extrude a polymer melt through a nozzle before depositing on a substrate. Solution processing (e.g., spin-coating) requires knowledge of the solvent quality and polymer dynamics in solution during a phase transition. This opportunity seeks motivated candidates with an interest in computational soft materials for investigating the structure-property relationships and dynamics in novel polymer materials including networks/gels, nanocomposites, and other polymer macromolecules in equilibrium and non-equilibrium processing conditions (e.g. flow, solution casting, etc.). The researcher will employ well known physics-based (consitutive equations, MD, etc.) and data-driven (ML) modeling techniques, as well as develop theory, to solve complex problems associated with polymer processing for next-generation materials.

Combinatorial Thin Film Materials Growth and Characterization of Transparent Conductive Oxides

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
Thin Film materials can be deposited with magnetron sputtering (MS) or pulsed laser deposition (PLD) while monitoring the optical properties using in situ ellipsometry (SE). When rotating a sample, uniform films are deposited having specific optical properties of n, k, and thickness; when not rotating a range of properties are achieved which can be characterized ex situ using SE. These combinatorial thin film properties can be down selected and further characterized such as with quantification of optical response with optical characterization techniques such as second harmonic generation (SHG) for potential use in infrared detection.

Physical Deposition Growth of Multiferroic thin films

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
The Department of the Air Force (DAF) invites Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) to engage in a groundbreaking research opportunity aimed at advancing tunable RF devices for resilient Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Communications (Comms) systems. This initiative directly supports the DAF’s mission to develop cutting-edge technologies that enhance operational capabilities in complex and contested electromagnetic environments. The focus of this research will be on the physical deposition and growth of multiferroic thin films, using advanced techniques such as RF sputtering and pulsed laser deposition (PLD). These films will be fabricated from materials like yttrium iron garnet (YIG), barium hexaferrite (BaM), and samarium nickelate (SmNiO₃), which possess unique magnetic and electric properties crucial for next-generation RF devices.

By leveraging these advanced materials, the project seeks to create tunable RF devices such as phase shifters, filters, and oscillators, supporting the DAF’s need for adaptable, high-performance systems. YIG provides low-loss magnetic performance, BaM offers high magnetic anisotropy, and SmNiO₃ delivers tunable electrical conductivity, making these materials ideal for meeting the DAF’s operational demands. Magnetic measurements, including Ferromagnetic Resonance (FMR), Magneto-Optic Kerr Effect (MOKE), and Quantum Interference Device (QUID), will be employed to analyze and optimize the magnetic properties of the films. Additionally, structural and morphological characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) will ensure that the films meet the stringent performance requirements for military-grade RF systems.

This research provides an exceptional opportunity for collaboration between HBCUs/MIs and the DAF to drive innovations in RF technology that directly enhance national defense capabilities. The outcomes of this project will contribute to the development of resilient, tunable RF systems critical to the DAF’s ISR and Comms missions, ensuring operational superiority in evolving electromagnetic environments.

On Orbit Maneuvering

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
Current and future satellites require fuel efficient propulsion systems and the capability to maneuver while on orbit to adjust to rapidly changing mission requirements. The US Space Force organizational structure already includes the movement and support of military equipment and personnel into the space domain, from the space domain back to Earth, and through the space domain. For the purposes of this program, the Air Force Research Lab at Wright Patterson Air Force Base seeks a motivated student who shows promise for conducting basic structural materials research to advance, and accelerate defense technology, and learn with scientists and engineers in interdisciplinary areas.

Molecular dynamics of atomically thin origami

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
Origami metamaterials have exhibited unprecedented properties that can be reprogrammed via folding. Meanwhile, it has recently been shown that 2D materials (e.g. graphene) can be folded like paper. This project proposes to use molecular dynamics to study the unique properties of origami at the nanoscale where van der Waals and entropic interactions become significant.

Machine-learning Driven Inverse Design of Optical Metasurfaces

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
The next generation of optical materials will achieve novel performance by utilizing wavelength-scale geometric features to manipulate light in ways beyond the capability of traditional bulk optical materials. However, advanced optimization strategies coupled with computational electromagnetic simulation must be employed to accelerate the design process due to the near-infinite design space for such optical metamaterials. Machine learning approaches have demonstrated the potential to overcome the limitations of ansatz and/or iterative approaches by inverting the design process, delivering optical metamaterial designs with desired properties. This opportunity will allow for the investigation and creation of machine learning models capable of designing optical metasurfaces to achieve the desired performance.

Advanced statistical methodological research for assessing the risk and reliability of nondestructive inspection (NDI) methods.

Research Opportunity Location:
Dayton, OH

Research Opportunity Description:
The Air Force assesses the reliability of a nondestructive inspection system so that we know how often we need to re-inspect that critical part (typically aircraft structure but also applies to space and missiles). Too frequent inspections lead to unavailability of an aircraft for its mission, but infrequent inspections can compromise safety. There is a military handbook (MILK-HDBK-1823a) which describes the standard process, but more complex materials (like additively manufactured parts), more advanced sensing systems (like embedded sensing and multi-output sensing needing data fusion), and general real-world data complexity (some of which is caused by human inspectors) have spurred opportunities for new applied statistics research in order to advance the mathematical models used to validate these systems.