Plasma Activated Sintering--A Novel Rapid Consolidation Manufacturing Process

等离子体活化烧结（PAS）新工艺 各种陶瓷、金属间化合物和 电子材料将被调查，重点是 开发PAS制造技术的潜力 包括材料处理问题、系统控制、过程 自动化和技术转移到美国工业。 研究 是一个跨学科的努力，涉及材料加工， 制造和自动化。 PAS处理的具体研究 Nb-Al和NiAl金属间化合物和AlN的快速凝固将 以创建科学和工程基础， 这种新的和强大的处理方法，并开发最佳的 工艺控制参数 基于对PAS作用机理的基本认识， 合并后，将制定一个流程模型。 评价 将使用现代 微结构分析技术（为了确定相的形成， 晶粒尺寸和晶界结构）与 密度和机械性能测量。 架构和 与未来先进PAS技术相关的功能 也将作为研究的一部分， PAS工艺实现智能制造的潜力， 最终将这项有前途的技术转移到美国工业。

A new plasma activated sintering (PAS) process for consolidation of a variety of ceramic, intermetallic, and electronic materials will be investigated with a focus on the potential for developing a PAS manufacturing technology encompassing materials processing issues, system control, process automation, and technology transfer to US industry. The research is an interdisciplinary effort involving materials processing, manufacturing and automation. Specific research on PAS processing of Nb-Al and NiAl intermetallics and AIN rapid consolidation will be performed to create the scientific and engineering foundation of this new and powerful processing method and to develop optimal process control parameters. Based on the fundamental understanding of the mechanism of PAS consolidation, a process model will be developed. The evaluation of process parameters will be performed using modern microstructural analysis techniques (to determine phase formation, grain size, and grain boundary structure) in conjunction with density and mechanical properties measurements. Architectures and functions relevant to an advanced PAS technology for the future will also be designed as part of the research in anticipation of the potential for intelligent manufacturing by the PAS process and eventual transfer of this promising technology to US industry.