Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3-D printing, has advanced beyond rapid prototyping to the manufacturing of structural and functional components. AM enables a new design space to realize increased capabilities. However, unlike conventional materials, there are highly coupled and complex design, structure, process and performance relationships for AM parts. While the general use of AM for prototyping to advance science and technology is well noted, ONR is exploring new and novel approaches in developing and understanding AM materials and manufacturing processes for naval applications.
Advancements in computational modeling and simulation, digital design, and digital manufacturing is a rich and evolving landscape. At this intersection with AM, ONR believes that fundamental science can be explored to reduce current AM manufacturing and implementation costs for optimized AM materials and processes. While AM is being utilized in a wide range of disciplines and applications, the Materials & Processes for Additive Manufacturing program funds research projects to advance fundamental understanding and exploration into nascent materials and process development.
The Materials & Processes for Additive Manufacturing program is dynamic and changes over time. Currently, the program consists of five main thrusts: (i) rapid qualification frameworks; (ii) tailored AM materials and processes; (iii) large scale AM; (iv) additive repair and (v) AM and digital logistics.
Research Concentration Areas
The Materials & Processes for Additive Manufacturing program does not focus on a single class of material or additive manufacturing process. Current projects include structural metals, high strength polymers and development of new AM processes. This program often co-funds research projects with other program officers at ONR.
Research Challenges and Opportunities
- Develop and validate computational approaches for AM materials and processes for engineering applications
- Create and develop AM materials and processes for naval applications
- Develop large-scale AM processes for naval materials of interest
How to Submit
For detailed application and submission information for this research topic, please refer to our broad agency announcement (BAA) No. N0001425SB001.
Contracts: All white papers and full proposals for contracts must be submitted through FedConnect; instructions are included in the BAA.
Grants: All white papers for grants must be submitted through FedConnect, and full proposals for grants must be submitted through grants.gov; instructions are included in the BAA.