Additive Manufacturing Internship

The Air Force Institute of Technology, or AFIT, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the Air Force’s graduate school of engineering and management as well as its institution for technical professional continuing education. A component of Air University and Air Education and Training Command, AFIT is committed to providing defense-focused graduate and professional continuing education and research to sustain the technological supremacy of America’s air, space and cyber forces.

The project involves additive manufacturing of refractory metal alloys by the laser powder bed fusion process, which is also called selective laser melting. Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participants will gain experience operating different additive manufacturing machines, characterizing printed materials, and studying novel alloy compositions. In addition, participants will utilize data collection methods on a variety of materials and analyze the effects of alloying on printability, mechanical properties, and oxidation behavior.

The research experience may include the following materials characterization techniques based upon the needs of the project: metallographic preparation, electron and optical microscopy, elemental analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), microstructure analysis by various optical and electron techniques, and mechanical testing.

Participants will be expected to collaborate, develop their technical writing skills, and present project results publicly at technical conferences.

This appointment is a 12-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by AFIT. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.