 Composite Materials Research (CMR)
Collaborative Program
Established in 1996, the CMR Program comprises collaborative research,
scientific exchange, and facilities sharing between the University
of Delaware Center for Composite Materials
and the Army Research Laboratory.
The open-lab environment of the CMR Program represents a new
paradigm for university/government collaboration.
Mission
The mission of the program is to provide America's soldiers
a technology edge through scientific research in multifunctional
hybrid composites and transitioning of composites technology
for Army systems, thereby assuring supremacy in future land warfare
for the "Army After Next."
Basic research conducted
under the ARL/CCM CMR Program is transitioned into Army systems
through composites technology assessment combined with assessment
of customer needs.
Program Structure
The program management structure of the collaborative program
was designed with a high level of responsiveness, accountability,
and flexibility. A joint management structure has been created
so that the two organizations are working together at every stage--identifying
research needs and milestones to meet them, conducting research,
and advising students. The overall goal is to promote coordination
and integration of UD and ARL programs and thereby maximize research
productivity and benefits to the Army.
CMR Research
The initial focus of the program is on multifunctional hybrid
composites for integral armor. The research is aimed at optimizing
hybrid materials and processes for the special requirements of
armor--ballistic protection, damage tolerance, weight reduction,
signature management, and flexibility--while maintaining structural
integrity.
The research program is currently organized into four theme areas:
- processing science
- microstructure and bonding
- mechanics and durability
- composite materials assessment
However, the program content is reassessed annually by the
Army jointly with CCM and revised if needed to meet future requirements.
All projects include ARL and UD co-investigators.
Army scientists in residence, students, and CCM faculty and staff collaborate on composite
materials research.
Personnel Exchange
- Army scientists in residence at CCM
- summer internships for students at UD and/or ARL
- co-advisorship of students by UD and ARL participants
Facilities Sharing
 The facilities exchange component of the program is aimed at minimizing
facilities duplication and promoting synergy, coordination, and integration
of research projects. ARL scientists in residence have full access to
CCM facilities and equipment,
while the Army's new laboratories at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., are
available to UD student, staff, and faculty researchers. In addition,
the Army has located some of its own equipment--including a direct current
sensing system and equipment for X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)--
at CCM to support collaborative research.
Educational Opportunities
- annual workshops and symposia
- joint seminars at both sites
- University continuing education programs, including Engineering
Outreach and the FOCUS distance learning program.
ARL Contact:
Dr. STEVEN H. McKnight
phone: 410-306-0671
fax: 410-306-0676
e-mail: shm@arl.army.mil
Army Research Laboratory
Attn: AMSRL-WM-M
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
21005-5069
CCM Contact:
Prof. John W. Gillespie, Jr.
phone: 302-831-8702
fax: 302-831-8525
e-mail: gillespie@ccm.udel.edu
Center for Composite Materials
201 Composites Mfg. Science Lab
University of Delaware
Newark, DE 19716-3144
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