Projects

Characterisation of Thermal and Mechanical Performance of SIM Cryostat Straps

The project CRYostat Straps for Athena (CRYSA). The ATHENA mission is selected as the second Large-class mission of ESA’s Science Programme, with expected launch date in 2034. It will be a next-generation X-ray telescope with unprecedented resolution of spatially-resolved X-ray spectroscopy and wide-field X-ray spectral imaging. In order to reach this performance, the instrumentation will be accommodated in the Science Instruments Module (SIM), the centre of which needs to be cooled down to cryogenic temperatures of 2 K. This is achieved by the ATHENA SIM Cryostat. It is based on a Russian-doll configuration using a number of thermal shields in a suspension structure based on mechanical straps, in order to hold all the different shields at different temperatures from the room temperature down to 2 K. These straps must provide sufficient stiffness while minimizing the conductive heat loads between each stage. The main technical objectives of the proposed project are:

• To identify the best candidate materials for cryogenic straps, fulfilling both thermal and mechanical requirements (i.e., low thermal conductivity, high stiffness).
• To perform the thermal conductance measurement on samples of 2 selected materials, in the temperature range envisaged for ATHENA cryostat (from 300 K to 4 K).
• To perform mechanical properties characterization at room temperature on samples made of materials selected for thermal measurements above.

Tailoring ODS materials processing routes for additive manufacturing of high temperature devices for aggressive environments (topAM)

Europe’s industry is facing many challenges such as global competition and the big change towards energy and resource efficiency. topAM can contribute to these demands by development and application of novel processing routes for new oxide-dispersoid strengthened (ODS) alloys on FeCrAl, Ni and NiCu basis. Novel ODS materials offer a clear advantage for the process industry by manufacturing e.g. topology-optimized, sensor-integrated high temperature devices (gas burner heads, heat exchangers) that are exposed to aggressive environments. Alloy and process development will be targeted by an advanced integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) approach combining computational thermodynamics, microstructure and process simulation to contribute to save time, raw materials and increase the component’s lifetime. Physical alloy production will be realized by combining nanotechnologies to aggregate ODS composites with laser-powder bed fusion and post-processing. The ICME approach will be complemented by comprehensive materials characterization and intensive testing of components under industrially relevant in-service conditions. This strategy allows to gain a deeper understanding of the processmicrostructure- properties relationships and to quantify the improved functionalities, properties and life cycle assessment. This will promote cost reduction, improved energy efficiency and superior properties combined with a significant lifetime increase. The consortium consists of users, materials suppliers and research institutes that are world leading in the fields relevant for this proposal, which guarantees efficient, high-level, application-oriented execution of topAM. The industrial project partners, in particular the SMEs, will achieve higher competitiveness due to their strategic position in the value chain of materials processing, e.g. powder production, to strengthen Europe's leading position in the emerging technology field of AM in a unique combination with ICME.

Vlastnosti nanoprášků připravených pulzním elektronovým svazkem při nízkém tlaku plynu

The proposed project is focused on basic research with an impact on urgent biomedical applications. The development of new pharmaceutical products based on nanoparticles is a hot topic of current nanomaterial research. This effort is based on recent findings of serious toxicity of some agents currently used, and directed towards finding safer and more effective medical treatment using metal oxide nanoparticles, namely CeO2 for radiation oncology, Gd2O3 and MnO as contrast agents, ZnO and TiO2 as antitumor agents, Al2O3 and AgO as antibacterial agents, and Fe3O4/γFe2O3 for the hyperthermia treatment of cancer. The nanometric size and shape of nanoparticles are primarily responsible for their unique features; however, a surface quality (vacancies, defects) is equally important for the required properties. We suggest performing a fundamental experimental and theoretical study of the selected metal oxide nanopowders prepared using a unique physical method allowing for optimized nanopowder synthesis and modification of the surface for higher reactivity and increased biological activity.

Research and Development of Heat Treatment in Energy-saving Furnaces for Shape Stability of Bearing Components

The project is focused on the R&D heat treatment of bearing components in energy efficient furnaces to achieve the high shape stability of these bearing components.

Ultrasonic devices for gigacycle fatigue testing of materials

The project is focused on the development of device for testing materials in the field of gigacycle fatigue. The device will load material at a frequency of 20 kHz. Thus, it will be possible to measure the extreme lifetimes of materials typically up to 10 billion cycles. The device reaches this limit in 6 days. These tests are unique and in great demand in current basic research. Two variants of equipment prototypes will be created: (i) for loading with a fully reverse push-pull cycle and (ii) for loading with an added static tension load component with a capacity of 20 kN.

Research of resistance of casted radial wheels of turbochargers to thermomechanical stress and techniques of increasing mechanical values

The project addresses the issue of resistance of turbochargers' radial wheels against thermomechanical stress. To obtain this data, we initiate completely unique research, leading to the determination of the thermomechanical resistance interaction of the used nickel superalloys, in connection with the setting of the technological process of precision casting (the resulting structure, the mechanical properties of the casting).

Energy-saving ÚFM AV ČR, v.v.i., especially workshop buildings and electron microscopy

At the Institute of Physics of Materials AV ČR, v. v. i., the realization of the project "Energy-saving IPM CAS, especially workshop buildings and electron microscopy " was began. As part of the implementation of the project, energy-saving measures will take place, in particular the insulation of the workshop building's perimeter shell and electron microscopy, replacement of hole fillers, installation of new air ducts and upgrading of lighting. The project also includes the construction of the solar power plant on the main building.