Capability Summary
Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers are exploring innovative approaches to create and understand new materials, including thermomagnetic processing. This technology employs large bore superconducting magnets to generate high, static magnetic field environments (up to nine tesla) and induction coil inserts for generating radiofrequency, or RF, heating. In high magnetic fields, many classes of materials exhibit differing thermodynamic and kinetic effects. Understanding these effects allows for the development of unique material properties, microstructures, and improved process efficiency. This is particularly true in steels and aluminum alloys, whose heat treatment sectors account for significant energy consumption.
Equipment
Manipulating materials with magnetic fields
Rapid heating capabilities
Improving process efficiency
Three warm-bore, nine tesla superconducting magnets (two 5″ and one 8″ bore)
Induction power supplies, including 2, 10, and 200 KW
Custom extreme-temperature induction inserts (>1700C)
In-situ thermal analysis
Contact
Dr. Michael S. Kesler is an R&D Staff member at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the Alloy Behavior and Design Group, specializing in thermomagnetic processing, advanced characterization, and alloy development. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical and Mechanical Metallurgy from the University of Florida in 2011. Dr. Kesler has been recognized for his extensive work in materials characterization and advanced processing. His areas of interest include custom experimental design, processing-microstructure-property relationships, and alloy development across various materials systems, such as aluminum, titanium aluminides, magnetic materials, and shape memory alloys. He is an active member of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and serves on its Magnetic Materials and Aluminum Committees. For information on collaborations, contact Dr. Kesler at [email protected].