This project will study the fundamental behavior of manufacturing processes, including the gas-metal-arc welding process, the production of metal powders using applied magnetic fields, the radiation-induced curing of composite materials and the production of fiber and ply waviness in composites. The resulting physical understanding will be applied to the sensor-based control of these processes, to improve the consistency and reliability of the processes. It is expected that the resulting work will have significant application to improving the quality and productivity of the manufacturing industry.