TEX-M https://texm.engr.tamu.edu Mon, 28 Sep 2026 19:48:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.7 Ultra-High Heat Flux Testing https://texm.engr.tamu.edu/2026/06/25/ultra-high-atmospheric-heat-flux-testing/ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:04:54 +0000 https://texm.engr.tamu.edu/?p=701

Facility Overview

We custom-designed and built a dedicated Ultra-High Heat Flux Testing Facility, housed in the Facility for Advanced Manufacturing on the Texas A&M RELLIS Campus. Commissioned Fall of 2025, this facility comprises two atmospheric hypervelocity combustion sources for simulating high-enthalpy, high mass flux material exposure with multiple fuels and oxidizing gases.

High velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF)

  • H2/NG fuel + O2
  • 400 MJ/hr (110 kW) combustion power
  • 10+ MJ/kg total enthalpy (~2.3 kinetic)
  • 2140 m/s gas velocity

High velocity air fuel (HVAF)

  • NG fuel, Air+O2 oxidizer
  • 375+ MJ/hr (100+ kW) combustion power
  • 4+ MJ/kg total enthalpy
  • 1400 m/s gas velocity
  • Tad ~1940C (Air) to ~2185C (Air+O2)
  • Heat flux test range from ~0.5 to >5 MW/m2

Balance of Plant

  • 85kW air compressor (0.6 lbs/s; 459 SCFM @ 125psi)
  • Refrigerated cycling 490 SCFM compressed-air drier with a pressure dew point of 4°C
  • Natural gas booster (150 psig)
  • NIR and LWIR cameras, pyrometers and 8-channel thermocouple probe
  • Gardon gauge heat flux probes
  • Coming soon: transpiration/film cooling, dust dosing, and high-speed Schlieren imaging

]]> Processing https://texm.engr.tamu.edu/2026/06/25/processing/ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:03:35 +0000 https://texm.engr.tamu.edu/?p=700

Facility Overview

We have invested in a suite of equipment that supports processing from powders and slurries to pressed, printed, cast, and sintered shapes. We can process in environments ranging from air to vacuum to ultra-pure argon, at temperatures up to 2400°C, with distinctive capabilities in combustion synthesis and ultrafast high-temperature sintering.

Processing Capabilities

 

  • Hyrel 3D Engine SR additive manufacturing printer with heated bed, custom-designed SuperTorque head for high-viscosity inks, and UV curing capability
  • Vigor customized four-glove box with dedicated 12-ton Carver press for reactive powder handling and pellet pressing under <1ppm oxygen and <1ppm water
  • ADT 7124 dicing saw for preparation of ceramic and intermetallic test specimens
  • Across International GCF1700.6.6.6 1700°C controlled-atmosphere muffle furnace with  150mm cube working volume for continuous operating temperature to 1600°C
  • Across International VTF1700.80 1700°C vertical split tube furnace with an 80mm 𝜙 x 1m H tube, controlled atmosphere, and continuous operating temperature to 1600°C
  • Across International VCTF-25 2400°C vacuum carbon tube sintering furnace with 90mm 𝜙 x 120mm H working volume and custom insulation package to allow continuous operation to 2300°C
  • Across International AT09 0.9 CF 250°C vacuum drying/curing oven with 1.5L Ai 2nd Gen -40C T40 cold trap
  • Custom-built vacuum system for combustion synthesis (including SHS) processing
  • Custom-built Ultra-fast High Temperature Sintering (UHS) system with turbo-pumped vacuum chamber, 15kW programmable DC power supply and ports for radiometry from UV to 14𝜇m
  • Thinky ARE-310 planetary centrifugal mixer
  • Shimpo dual-jar rolling jar mill
  • Carver 25-ton manual hydraulic press Sieves, mass balances, 1200C ovens and tube furnaces, and other basic powder processing equipment
]]> Characterization https://texm.engr.tamu.edu/2026/02/16/characterization/ Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:04:51 +0000 https://texm.engr.tamu.edu/?p=587

Characterization Facility Overview

We have invested in research equipment that supports our unique needs to characterize high-temperature physical properties, rapid transients, and small dimensional changes. For physical property measurements, we have partnered with Dr. Patrick Shamberger to co-locate capabilities to precisely measure dilatometric (thermal expansion), calorimetric (heat capacity, mass change), and thermal transport (diffusivity) responses of materials up to 1600°C.

Netzsch DIL 402 Expedis

The NETZSCH DIL 402 Expedis is a high-resolution pushrod dilatometer for measuring dimensional changes in materials as a function of temperature, enabling determination of thermal expansion and characterization of phase transformations and sintering/shrinkage behavior. Our dual-sample SiC furnace configuration operates from room temperature to 1600°C and can perform measurements under inert, oxidizing, or vacuum atmospheres with displacement resolution down to 0.1 nm.

Netzsch STA 449 Jupiter

The NETZSCH STA 449 Jupiter is a simultaneous thermal analyzer that measures thermogravimetric (TGA) and calorimetric (DSC/DTA) responses concurrently, enabling characterization of mass changes, phase transformations, reactions, oxidation, and decomposition as a function of temperature and atmosphere. Our dual-furnace configuration uses interchangeable SiC (1600°C) and Rh (1650°C) furnaces and is coupled to a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) for identification and quantification of gases evolved during thermal analysis.

Netzsch LFA 427

The NETZSCH LFA 427 is a laser-flash analyzer that measures thermal diffusivity by applying a short laser pulse to one face of a specimen and monitoring the transient temperature response on the opposite face; thermal conductivity can be calculated using measured diffusivity, density, and specific heat. Our SiC-furnace configuration operates from room temperature to 1575°C and permits high-temperature measurements under controlled atmospheres or vacuum.

Keyence VR-6000

The KEYENCE VR-6000 is a non-contact, wide-area 3D optical profilometer that rapidly captures full-surface topography for quantitative measurements of height, profile, roughness, flatness, warpage, area, and volume. It provides 0.1 µm height resolution and, with automated stitching, can characterize areas up to 300 × 150 mm, making it useful for dimensional and surface characterization of both small features and relatively large components.

]]> Introducing the inaugural Engineering Excellence Initiative recipients https://texm.engr.tamu.edu/news/2025/10/31/introducing-the-inaugural-engineering-excellence-initiative-recipients/ Fri, 31 Oct 2025 03:23:00 +0000 https://texm.engr.tamu.edu/?post_type=news&p=640 Professorships and chairs, as supported through the new initiative, are an investment to help Aggie engineering students learn more and reach their goals while supporting groundbreaking research.

The Engineering Excellence Initiative is celebrating its inaugural awards, recognizing eight faculty members. This new initiative is built to fuel innovation and open doors for Texas A&M University engineering students.

Credit: Danielle Benavides/Texas A&M Engineering

Understanding the power of faculty titles and their impact on students

Have you ever wondered what those distinguished titles following a faculty member’s name mean? They are far more than honorary distinctions — they represent a significant investment in academic excellence, student success and impactful research.

One of the most impactful ways to support faculty — and, by extension, students — is often through establishing an endowed faculty fund, such as a chair, professorship, or fellowship. These funds provide long-term, stable support by generating annual income from the original gift. These resources often fund undergraduate or graduate research positions and real-world projects, giving students access to experiences that set them apart in their field. However, building an endowment takes time. Sometimes, students and faculty have more immediate needs.

To address these pressing needs, Vice Chancellor and Dean of Engineering Dr. Robert Bishop established the Engineering Excellence Initiative — a new approach to faculty funding. Rather than waiting for endowed funds to grow, these non-endowed gifts provide an immediate injection of flexible support to outstanding faculty for three years. This allows professors to create new hands-on opportunities for students right away.

The Engineering Excellence Initiative allows donors to provide timely support for faculty committed to student engagement and innovation. With each award, professors are empowered to involve more students in groundbreaking research, launch new project-based learning in their classrooms and mentor the next generation of engineers. Immediate funding means professors can invite undergraduates and graduate students into their laboratories, provide internships, and develop initiatives that give students valuable experience and career insight.

What is a faculty endowment?

Dr. Darren Hartl, associate professor of aerospace engineering, shares how faculty awards do more than recognize research—they transform the student experience. Addressing two common misconceptions, Dr. Hartl explains that faculty awards are not raises. Instead, they provide critical funding for student research and academic development. These honors are also not vanity titles; they are a meaningful way for the university to show appreciation for faculty contributions and to reinforce that Aggieland is where top talent belongs. “A faculty award says we believe in you, and we want you and your students to thrive here.” Supporting faculty means supporting students—and that’s a mission every Aggie can stand behind. Learn how you can make a difference in enhancing engineering education by emailing us at: givetoengineering@txamfoundation.com — Learn more about the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University: https://engineering.tamu.edu/

Credit: Texas A&M Engineering

Faculty members selected for the Engineering Excellence Initiative are recognized for their dedication to advancing research, fostering collaboration, and enhancing student opportunities. These educators will use the award to directly involve Aggie engineers in challenging, cutting-edge work — empowering students to innovate, explore and apply classroom knowledge in real-life settings.

“The Engineering Excellence Initiative Awards offer discretionary funding to world-renowned professors who inspire undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students to innovate, explore, and conduct groundbreaking research,” Bishop said. “These awards allow our faculty to offer new experiences that students simply wouldn’t have otherwise.”

These awards also help Texas A&M recruit and retain top educators passionate about student growth. Faculty use this support to fund research projects, internships, conferences and hands-on learning that students benefit from directly. 

Supporting faculty strengthens the fabric that makes Texas A&M a leader in engineering innovation and practice, giving students an atmosphere in which to succeed. These awards don’t just recognize the hard work of our faculty; they pave the way for opportunities and success for every Aggie engineer.

The College of Engineering thanks and recognizes those who support our faculty and, in doing so, help shape the next generation of innovative Aggie engineers. Each contribution ensures student opportunities, success, and growth remain at the heart of the college’s mission.

Inaugural Engineering Excellence Professorship and Chair Award Donors:

  • Margaret G. ’85 and Graham W. Bacon ’85
  • William ’86 and Sharon Bullock ’86
  • David Dunlap ’83
  • Curtis Feeny ’79
  • Bettye and Darryl Heath ’84
  • George Hickox, Jr. ’80
  • Stephen Horn ’79
  • Janeen Judah ’81
  • Bridget Lauderdale ’88
  • Rita and Mark Puckett ’73
  • James D. Slaughter ’96 Family

Engineering Excellence Chair Appointments

Bill ’86 and Sharon Bullock ’86 Engineering Excellence Chair

Stephen Horn ’79 Engineering Excellence Chair

Engineering Excellence Professorship Appointments

Margaret ’85 and Graham Bacon ’85 Engineering Excellence Professorship in Chemical Engineering

Anne and David Dunlap ’83 Engineering Excellence Professorship

Bettye and Darryl Heath ’84 Engineering Excellence Professorship

George Hickox, Jr. ’80 Engineering Excellence Professorship

Janeen Judah ’81 Engineering Excellence Professorship

Slaughter Family Engineering Excellence Professorship

Contributions to excellence funds allow our department to have a direct and immediate impact on the program and student experience. Excellence fund earnings are directed at the department head’s discretion to projects such as equipment acquisition, facility improvements, awards for teaching and research, student-driven professional development activities and more. If you are interested in supporting the Engineering Excellence Professorship Award or would like more information on how you can give, please contact Austin Schilling.

]]> news Bagnato, Bowersox and Lipkin elected to the National Academy of Engineering https://texm.engr.tamu.edu/news/2025/02/13/bagnato-bowersox-and-lipkin-elected-to-the-national-academy-of-engineering/ Thu, 13 Feb 2025 03:25:00 +0000 https://texm.engr.tamu.edu/?post_type=news&p=641

Drs. Vanderlei Bagnato, Rodney Bowersox and Don Lipkin from Texas A&M University’s College of Engineering have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Class of 2025, joining 128 new members and 22 international members. This is one of the highest professional honors for engineers. “Congratulations to Drs. Bagnato, Bowersox and Lipkin for achieving this recognition. This prestigious honor reflects their groundbreaking contributions to engineering and underscores the exceptional talent within our faculty,” said Dr. Robert H. Bishop, vice chancellor and dean of Texas A&M Engineering. “Their dedication to innovation, research and education continues to inspire the next generation of engineers. This level of excellence is what makes Texas A&M Engineering one of the top-ranked programs in the country.” NAE membership recognizes significant contributions in engineering practice, research, education, pioneering new technologies, or leading major projects. Members are distinguished engineers from business, academia, and government. Founded in 1964, the NAE provides independent analysis and advice to the nation. Members are elected by their peers, with the final vote in January.

Credit: Texas A&M Engineering

College of Engineering increases National Academy of Engineering members to 38.

 

Their dedication to innovation, research and education continues to inspire the next generation of engineers. This level of excellence is what makes Texas A&M Engineering one of the top-ranked programs in the country.”

Dr. Robert H. Bishop
Vice chancellor and dean
Texas A&M Engineering

 

Dr. Vanderlei Bagnato

Bagnato, a professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering is elected as an international member for contributions to metrology, optical sensing, bioengineering, technology transfer, and engineering education.  Bagnato is a member of the National Academy of Science and a Hagler Faculty Fellow, Class of 2018-19.

“Being at Texas A&M and having connections with Brazil puts me in a situation of broader responsibility, which is good, since we are looking to advance techniques for treating cancer and infectious diseases that do not respond to antibiotics, and this is relevant across borders; it is of global interest,” said Bagnato. “And we are all interested in improving the world with our science. Being elected to the NAE is a great honor for me. The great importance of this goes beyond the honor; it forces me to have even more responsibility with my students, with my institution and with the United States, which has been believing in my ideas, my science and development. I am very happy to be a member of the NAE and I thank all that indicated me for that.”

Dr. Rodney Bowersox

Bowersox, a professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, is elected for leadership and contributions in hypersonic aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics through the development of experimental facilities and diagnostic techniques. He also serves as senior associate dean for research for the College of Engineering and the deputy director of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station.

“This is truly a humbling honor, and I am intensely grateful to the NAE and my personal and professional families, without which this recognition would not have been possible,” said Bowersox. “I am also grateful for the financial support from the U.S. government and industry that has enabled our research. Finally, I’ve been very fortunate to be able to leverage the research and education ecosystem within aerospace engineering at Texas A&M University, which is carefully tuned to prepare our graduates to lead across many fronts.”

Dr. Don Lipkin

Lipkin, a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, is elected for innovations of coatings and rhenium recovery that contributed to higher efficiency and sustainability of jet engines and gas turbines.

“I am deeply humbled by this recognition,” said Lipkin.  “Everything of lasting value I’ve contributed through the years was enabled by my incredible collaborators. Joining the NAE is a special honor as so many of its members have inspired and mentored me throughout my career. I’m especially grateful for the support and friendship I’ve received from my A&M family. Couldn’t be prouder to say gig ‘em, engineers!”

Former Students

Two former students were also elected to the NAE. Dr. Hanspeter Schaub, distinguished professor in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, was elected for contributions to the control of satellite formations and relative orientations utilizing natural forces, including the use of electrostatics. John Vassberg, chief design officer at JetZero, was elected for advancing aircraft capabilities and efficiency through inventions, developments, and applications of aerodynamic technologies, computational methods, and experimental validations. Both are members of the Distinguished Aerospace Engineering Alumni Academy of Texas A&M University.

NAE members are part of the broader National Academies structure, which also includes the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, and the National Research Council. The National Academies bring together the nation’s top engineers, scientists, health professionals, and other experts who volunteer their time to guide the development of federal laws and regulations, enhance government programs, shape research directions, and inform public knowledge and dialogue on critical issues.

The new class will be formally inducted at the NAE’s annual meeting on October 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

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