IMPRESS: Intermetallic materials processing in relation to earth and space solidification

• Unité de recherche: PCRD EU
• Numéro de projet: 03.0035-1
• Titre du projet anglais: IMPRESS: Intermetallic materials processing in relation to earth and space solidification

Mots-clé (Anglais)

Gas turbines; intermetallic alloys; casting; computer simulation

Autre Numéro de projet (Anglais)

EU project number: 500635

Programme de recherche (Anglais)

EU-programme: 6. Frame Research Programme - 1.3 Telematic systems

Description succincte (Anglais)

See abstract

Résumé des résultats (Abstract) (Anglais)

Summary of the overall IMPRESS project
The objective of the IMPRESS Integrated Project is to understand the critical link between material processing, material structure and material properties of novel higher-performance intermetallic alloys. The new knowledge generated will lead to sustainable macro-scale products for extreme applications; namely turbine blades and catalytic devices. In turn, these products will address long-term energy and pollution issues. To achieve this, the project will bring together the critical mass of multidisciplinary academic expertise, technology and industry competence from across the enlarged European Union.
Intermetallic materials are defined as crystalline phases with two or more components, that have different crystal structures to the parent metals as a result of bonding and electronic properties. Intermetallics often possess remarkable properties which make them very attractive for extreme applications, where new functionalities and higher-performance are urgently needed - particularly for turbine blades and. catalytic devices. In these two niche areas, Europe's position is considered weak, vis-à-vis the US and Japan, according to the EC's Futures Project-Technology Map.
The IMPRESS Project will thus study, in a systematic across-the-board manner, the intimate relationship between materials processing, structure and mechanical, physical and chemical properties of selected intermetallics. The quantitative understanding of the complex coupling between the many physical phenomena that occur during intermetallic materials processing will be supported by both ground and space experimentation.
Objectives of the EPFL team
Two EPFL laboratories will contribute to the IMPRESS project: one on modelling of intermetallic solidification processing, the other on fracture toughness characterization at room and elevated temperature, in addition to coordination of Work Package 10.

Références bases de données (Anglais)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 03.0035-1