We are happy to work with industry, government, non-profits, and academic partners to help meet their research and development needs. The below are examples of how the AMIEE Lab can help. Please email Dr. Scott Thompson with an inqueries:

Nuclear Irradiation of Materials at MU's Research Reactor (MURR)

MURR’s powerful, innovative reactor design enables us to provide an extensive variety of irradiation services. MURR features over 25 different irradiation facilities covering a spectrum of neutron fluxes and geometries. Our convenient weekly operating cycle and reliability makes MURR a world leader in irradiation services. The reactor is at full-power operation 52 weeks per year.

MU Research Reactor

Pamphlet

“Reactive Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Borated Aluminum Alloy 6061 for Nuclear Applications,” Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); Period of Performance: 10/2024 – 09/2027, Scott Thompson (PI), John Gahl (Co-PI). Award # 31310024M0053.

We are working with Auburn University and Tuskegee University,

Research focuses on determining the impact of finely-dispersed boron on the structural and shielding capabilities of additively manufactured (AMed) aluminum alloy 6061 (AA-6061) in nuclear environments. Employing Reactive Additive Manufacturing (RAM) through laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), this project aims to overcome the hot cracking challenges associated with AM of AA-6061 by introducing ceramic elements for enhanced manufacturability and grain refinement. Comprehensive testing including Vickers microhardness, tensile strength at room and high temperatures, and advanced microscopy (SEM, EBSD, TEM) will be conducted on both irradiated and non-irradiated samples to analyze radiation-induced damage and neutron attenuation. Ultimately, this project aims to facilitate the safer, more efficient incorporation of AA-6061 in advanced nuclear reactor designs, targeting applications where superior strength-to-weight and costs are important.

Thompson receives NSF Future Manufacturing grant

10/01/2023

Thompson has received a nearly $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to innovate a technique for additively manufacturing raw earth materials sustainably and in any location. The cross-disciplinary, two-year project, "Off-grid construction via sustainable compression curing of vegetable oil-impregnated sediments," includes co-principal investigators at Kansas State University and Georgia Southern University.

Awarded through the NSF's Future Manufacturing program, the project aims to use solar-powered compression and curing techniques to 3D-print building materials made of tung oil and local terrain for sustainable, raw earth construction. In addition, the team will develop an alternate means for building remotely in any condition or location, even the surface of the moon.

Thompson receives funding from the DOE

10/01/2020

Thompson has received funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) to study the effects of neutron irradiation on additive-manufactured part degradation. The project, which involves the collaboration with the University of Missouri's Research Reactor and Auburn University, is entitled: "Determining the Effects of Neutron Irradiation on the Structural Integrity of Additively Manufactured Heat Exchangers for Very Small Modular Reactor Applications". The project aims to determine how to best use laser-powder bed fusion additive manufacturing methods for generating radiation-resistant channel/pore-embedded structures from Inconel (alloy 625 or 718) nickel-based superalloys for special purpose reactor (i.e. very small modular reactor) heat exchangers.

DOE awarded more than $28.5 million through its Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) to support 40 university-led nuclear energy research and development projects in 23 states. NEUP seeks to maintain U.S. leadership in nuclear research across the country by providing top science and engineering faculty and their students with opportunities to develop innovative technologies and solutions for civil nuclear capabilities.