Thermal Evaluation Readiness and Materials Analysis Laboratory (THERMAL)

The Thermal Evaluation Readiness Materials Analysis Lab (THERMAL) will provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-art ground test facility with an emphasis on materials science operation, specifically designed for supporting current and future military systems and platforms, including those operating in a hypersonic environment. THERMAL will provide vital testing and development to support efforts such as hypersonic applications, Laser/ materials interaction testing, space-based platforms, military-grade armor, radome materials, rocket nozzles for missiles, and high-power dielectrics. 

This future initiative creates a state-of-the-art facility that will create a robust plan for the next generation of military grade materials needed for weapon platforms, submarines, and rockets in the present and future. The main feature of the lab will include an Extreme Thermal Analysis Laser (ETHAL). ETHAL will be a high-energy laser facility with pulsed and continuous wave capability and with simultaneous high-heat, high-velocity wind exposure. ETHAL will expose materials to flight-representative scenarios of interest by producing high heat flux, high-velocity winds, and shear forces with a minimum velocity of MACH 5. 

THERMAL will have significant applications in industries such as aerospace, defense, and manufacturing as well as fields such as nanotechnology and space exploration where high-performance materials and precise geometries are essential.