Prof. Richard Chromik
Surface engineering
Our research on surface engineering seeks to develop the next generation of protective coatings by various technologies, including cold spray, physical vapor deposition and electrodeposition. We also have active research on ‘duplex’ coating that make use of more than one coating technology to provide a single surface modification. Our research ranges from fundamentals of the coating processes to develop new understanding and new, innovative coatings to research on state-of-the-art coatings currently being used in industry.
Coating Tribology
We study the degradation mechanisms of coatings, including various modes of wear and corrosion. A particular focus is placed on in situ methods used to directly observe wear. Coupled with ex situ characterization, we seek to describe in detail wear mechanisms, third body flows and velocity accommodation modes that control friction and wear. Detailed structure-property relationships are developed to fully understand coating performance. This knowledge helps us when we engineer new coatings.
Recently awarded CFI grant for
As the world has entered the 21st century, it has become clear that natural resources are at a premium. Thus, expensive large scale
engineered structures (e.g. commercial airliners, satellites, spacecraft and lunar vehicles) are a commodity that
must be designed for maximum lifetime and reliability. Surface engineering plays a key role in meeting this requirement by providing
corrosion and wear resistance in the harsh environments found in aerospace. At the same time that we wish to protect our airliners
and space vehicles, they are being asked to meet even more demanding requirements. For commercial aviation, environmental regulations
and the desire for more efficient aeroengines has placed significant demands for the design of engines that burn hotter and use coatings
to protect them that are better performing and more environmentally friendly. For space exploration there is a clear roadmap laid out by
the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) for a return to the moon and eventual sustained capability for manned
missions to Mars. The roadmap calls for mining by rovers and/or humans at established bases. This puts more demands to withstand extended
use during long missions and resistance to the abrasion of lunar and Martian dust. Surface engineering will play a critical role in overcoming the challenges and protecting the enormous investments made in aerospace products and space exploration.
Our research theme includes five research themes:
Theme1 Coatig to resist abrasion from lunar and Martian regolith
Theme2 Solid lubricant coatings for space vehicles
Theme3 Coating for next-generation gas turbine engines
Theme4 Hybrid coatings for helicopter blades and aircraft repair
Theme5 Smart coating for sensing and healthy monitoring
News . . .
- Jessa succesfully finished her seminar. (15-04-2016)
- Congratulation to Yinyin Zhang on receiving the best achievement award
- Congratulation to Sara Hamidizadeh on finishing her Master studies.
- Congratulation to Dr. Armin Rajabzadeh. He is leaving us for his new position in Pratt & Whitney.
- Dr. Chromik recieved 10 Mln dollars CFI fund.
- New 3D profiler will be installed in our lab.
- We are design a world class space simulator chamber.
- Lisa nailed her presentation during her seminar.