Aaron S Thornton
Data Acquisition and Instrumentation Engineer
Bio
Aaron Thornton is a technical professional engineer in the building sciences section. He is a data acquisition and instrumentation engineer in the multifunctional equipment group. In this role, he specializes in helping researchers set up their equipment for testing, but especially focuses on the setup of instrumentation and data acquisition equipment.
Aaron's research specialty is in large scale additive manufacturing of metals, and small scale additive manufacturing of ceramics. Aaron's graduate school work was on the additive manufacturing of various ceramics via Freeze Form Extrusion Fabrication, then sintering to full density. His metal additive manufacturing experience focused on large scale printing of titanium alloys for aerospace applications.
Aaron received his Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in 2011. He received his Master's of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in 2015.
Professional Experience
Large scale additive manufacturing: Aaron worked for an ORNL industry partner, GKN Aerospace, for 8 years helping to develop a one-of-a-kind large scale additive manufacturing process called Laser Metal Deposition with Wire (LMD-w). From his experience developing LMD-w, he has experience programming and working with high power lasers and industrial robot arms.
National Instruments software and hardware: Aaron has been setting up NI hardware and programming in Labview since 2009. He has used these tools in most of his professional roles as an engineer.
Education
Missouri University of Science and Technology
B.S. Mechanical Engineering - 2011
M.S. Mechanical Engineering - 2015
Professional Affiliations
ASME - Member
Specialized Equipment
National Instruments hardware
Emerson brand sensors: flow meters, pressure sensors, ProLink
Other sensors: thermocouples, RTD's, strain gauges, load cells,
Robotics: programming and setup of industrial robot arms, especially with KUKA brand
High power lasers: up to 20 kW diode lasers, fiber delivered