University of Arizona Engineering Team Wins $5M to Speed Defense Manufacturing

The University of Arizona Mach-X research team

The University of Arizona's Mach-X engineering team has been awarded a $5 million grant from the U.S. Army to develop an advanced alloy manufacturing process using 3additive manufacturing (AM) and machine learning. This initiative aims to produce critical components for aircraft capable of flying at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound.

The research team will focus on creating an efficient method for manufacturing high-tolerance aircraft parts while simultaneously reducing costs. "This grant underscores the University of Arizona’s expertise in hypersonics and materials science, enhancing our nation's defense capabilities," stated Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships.

Leading the Mach-X team is Sammy Tin, the Patrick R. Taylor Endowed Department Leadership Chair of Materials Science and Engineering and principal investigator for the grant. "We are pioneering metal 3D printing techniques and innovative alloys that will support the next generation of affordable hypersonic platforms," Tin said.

This grant marks the second award for the Mach-X team in 2025, following a $3.1 million grant received in March to develop refractory alloys. David W. Hahn, Dean of the College of Engineering, emphasized that these awards highlight the university's leadership in hypersonics research, fostering collaborations among academia, government, and industry.

The Mach-X team will collaborate with Raytheon, an RTX business, to create prototypes using nickel alloys capable of withstanding the extreme heat generated by hypersonic flight, requiring structures to endure temperatures above 1,100 °C.

To achieve these goals, the team will utilize machine learning and nonlinear acoustic detection to refine the manufacturing process. "This allows us to assess part quality in real-time and make immediate adjustments," said Krishna Muralidharan, a faculty member involved in the project.

The innovative project aims to streamline the discovery-to-deployment cycle of advanced materials, positioning the University of Arizona at the forefront of defense manufacturing technology. "We will have unique, end-to-end capabilities on campus that few institutions possess," Tin concluded.