Department of Materials Science & Engineering — UC Berkeley
The McCormack Lab explores the composition space of entropy, high-temperature, actinide materials to chart experimental phase diagrams and uncover atomic structures. We address the materials barriers to transportation, propulsion, and ultimately sustained operation in space.
We experimentally constrain stability fields and phase relationships in composition spaces where configurational complexity and entropic contributions challenge predictive approaches.
Read more →High temperature modeling is hindered by anharmonic effects and limited thermodynamic data. We map borides, carbides, refractory metals, and related systems directly at the temperatures where they must function in new aerospace systems.
Read more →We produce experimentally derived phase stability maps and structural models for actinide-containing systems with limited datasets and complex 5f electron behavior so next-gen nuclear fuels and propulsion systems can be implemented safely.
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