Corral Discusses 3D Printing in the World of Hypersonics

MSE associate professor Erica Corral recently spoke with Texas A&M University about how additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, can enhance the production of hypersonic engines as part of a "nationwide initiative to empower a secure U.S. defense industrial base."

“Additive metallic manufacturing has the potential to address the critical need to create high-temperature parts with complex internal flow paths supporting the acceleration of propulsion engine design and technology,” said Corral, who is a member of the governance board for the Texas A&M University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics. “Additionally, new opportunities for additive manufacturing of complex shape parts creates demand for research and development of reliable mechanical and thermal properties in these non-cast parts that are typically unique to their build and process.”