Research Collaboration - IMPRESS
The European Space Agency (ESA), the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) have joined forces in January 2008, in order to perform key material science experiments for the benefit of the IMPRESS Integrated Project. For the first time, unique experiments in space will be combined with ground-based experiments using an extremely intense neutron source and an equally powerful synchrotron light source. This will create a European research capability unparalleled in the world.
IMPRESS is a €41 million, 5-year project within the European Commission’s 6th Framework Programme (FP6), which is being coordinated by ESA. This material science project investigates a new class of materials, known as intermetallics, which have an attractive variety of mechanical and chemical properties. Industrial applications of these materials include lightweight TiAl alloys and catalytic NiAl powders - the former can be used in high-temperature aero-engines and gas turbines, while the latter are of major use in hydrogenation chemistry and hydrogen fuel cells.
By performing benchmark experiments in the unique microgravity environment of space, the IMPRESS team aims to understand the way in which these materials form during solidification processes, like investment casting and gas atomisation. This cutting-edge research has a particular focus on understanding the role of gravity during industrial processes on Earth and validating computer models. Other space experiments being carried out in the project, which cannot be performed on ground, include the precise measurement of liquid alloy properties and the production of nano-particle agglomerates.
All of these space experiments require an extensive and complementary ground-based campaign of activities - ultimately improving the scientific output. Encouraging the use of such high-performance facilities as ESRF and ILL is deemed strategically necessary for the advancement of this field of research. The ESRF and ILL experiments planned include the surface and bulk characterisation of catalytic powders by X-ray and neutron diffraction, as well as 3D micro-tomography.
Within the framework of this collaboration, two Research Fellows have recently been employed and located at ESRF and ILL in Grenoble, France, to perform IMPRESS experiments over the next two years. Dr. Gail Iles, formerly from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, has a research background in the characterisation of nano-particles including work using synchrotron radiation sources. Dr. Guillaume Reinhart, formerly from L2MP in Marseilles, France, has a track record of research in real-time X-ray imaging of alloy solidification processes.
With the recruitment of two talented post-doctoral fellows and the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding, the EIROforum members confirm their commitment to transnational and multidisciplinary cooperation in material science.
IMPRESS PROJECT
Project Manager: Dr. David Jarvis
Organisation: European Space Agency
Address: Keplerlaan 1, PO Box 299, 2200 AG Noordwijk ZH,
The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 71 565 4621