{"id":350,"date":"2023-01-13T12:31:45","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T17:31:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/iamm\/?page_id=350"},"modified":"2026-05-06T14:28:05","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T18:28:05","slug":"materials-for-extremes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/iamm\/research-areas\/materials-for-extremes\/","title":{"rendered":"Materials for Extremes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n

Materials for Extremes<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Meeting the challenge: advancing alloys, ceramics, and their composites for technologies deployed in the world\u2019s harshest conditions<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Two<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Nuclear<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"Orange<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

From the chemically corrosive environments experienced by sea-going vessels, medical implants, and nuclear reactors to the high temperatures and mechanical shock exposures affecting hypersonic flight vehicles, materials developed to operate in extreme conditions have far-reaching implications for the economy, national security, and human health. Our researchers work across traditional metallic and ceramic material systems to uncover and advance how extreme environments impact the function of materials and how those extremes can be leveraged to form novel or enhanced performance materials.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Green<\/span>
\n

<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

UT’s Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our researchers combine high-throughput computational and experimental techniques with state-of-the-art ion irradiation, neutron scattering, and multi-scale materials modeling capabilities to interactively design, synthesize, and test next-generation materials intended for operation in extreme conditions, tackling problems far outside of what is considered the norm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By examining the paradigms of hierarchical microstructure and compositional complexity, we explore strategies to enhance material performance and survivability. We collaborate broadly to advance and apply state-of-the-art neutron, electron, and theoretical probes at UT and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to study and advance material behaviors under ion irradiation\/high temperature\/high pressure exposures, high mechanical strain rates, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our distinguished faculty and high-profile research platform attract a diverse group of students expertly trained in the materials for extremes design cycle and prepared to meet the material challenges of tomorrow. UT is actively recruiting undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to work in this exciting area.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"Portrait<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Photo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"High<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Tungsten<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"UT<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Hypersonics at UTSI<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The UT Space Institute in Tullahoma is at the forefront of hypersonic flight research and is leading a multi-university team to develop the essential educational curricula for the future hypersonic workforce.

Learn about the hypersonics initiative.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"The<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

UT Awarded $5 Million from Office of Naval Research to Develop Next Generation of Military Steel<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Multidisciplinary faculty teams at UT are using a $5 million award to apply their expertise in advanced manufacturing, metallurgy and welding to create new steels for the United States Navy.

Learn more about the impact of their work.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\"Nuclear<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Radiation-Resistant Materials<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A group of UT and ORNL researchers have developed a breakthrough material using high-entropy alloys, which uses different combinations of elements to fine-tune chemical complexity at the level of both electrons and atoms, and produces alloys more tolerant to radiation, giving them a longer life in terms of their use in nuclear power production.

Read more about the material.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Milky<\/span>
\n

<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Facilities & Initiatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

UT is home to a world-leading research facility for neutron scattering and fundamental physics, and is a member of the second largest IUCRC in the nation. On-campus labs offer capabilities for ion beam analysis, materials modification, ion-solid interactions, and neutron experimentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n