Auburn University leads U.S. Army’s $50 million advanced manufacturing project

Auburn University has been awarded a major research contract worth 50 million US dollars. It will support the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center in advanced manufacturing such as 3D printing.

The project, entitled “Lightweight and Advanced Manufacturing of Metallic, Polymeric and Composite Structures for Aerospace and Missile Systems”, is being coordinated by the Auburn University Applied Research Institute (AUARI) in Huntsville. The expertise and research of the National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME) and the Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (ICAMS) at Auburn University play a key role.

“Our main objective is to enable the Army to incorporate advanced manufacturing materials and methods into existing and future aviation and missile systems,” said Robert Dowling, AUARI director of research development. “To do that, we’ll develop prototype advanced manufacturing processes required to analyze, design, develop, test, integrate and sustain qualified components for existing and future aviation and missile systems. The advanced manufacturing materials we’re considering include alloys, polymers and composites. The methods will include everything from machine learning to material properties characterization.”

A specific focus is on 3D printing. The NCAME has already received $9.3 million of the budget to continue its industry-leading research in materials, parts and process qualification for the implementation of additive manufacturing in Army projects.

“While existing and future aviation and missile systems will be the direct beneficiaries of the project, successful results may be transferable to other government advanced manufacturing projects,” Dowling said. “A lot of effort has gone into developing this opportunity. We’re excited to get to work.”

The project not only has direct implications for aerospace and missile systems, but could also be transferable to other government projects in advanced manufacturing. This emphasizes the strategic importance of the project far beyond the military sector.

“It goes without saying, but this is a significant accomplishment for Auburn’s research enterprise and our Applied Research Institute,” Taylor said. “But it also speaks volumes about how our Army partners in Huntsville, and beyond, are placing significant value on Auburn’s work in advanced manufacturing, which is a key research focus area for our Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. To say it’s paying off is an understatement.”

“With this award, we’ve demonstrated the significant opportunities that can be created for faculty and students when we combine our core research expertise with customer proximity and knowledge,” Dowling said. “AUARI’s proximity to Redstone Arsenal and familiarity with Army customers and missions enabled the AUARI team to develop a highly responsive proposal representing a broad spectrum of Auburn’s research capabilities both on-campus and in Huntsville.”

This project is a prime example of how research expertise and customer intimacy can lead to innovative solutions that are of great benefit to both the university and the military.

“President Roberts’ vision for Auburn is built around dreaming bigger, being bolder and pushing our research endeavors to the next level,” Taylor said. “This historic award does exactly that.”