ABSTRACT --- CTS-9309561 This proposal deals with the application of analytical and experimental techniques to Self Propagating High Temperature Synthesis (SHS) in the presence of external forces. Two types of modes of application of the force are proposed to be investigated: uniaxial and centrifugal pressing. The specific goals of this study include the understanding of simultaneous combustion and densification, phase separation and interfacial interactions. Analytical relationships are to be developed to describe the simultaneous effects of combustion and densification. A strategy is envisioned for the design and scale-up of the process to synthesize and densify simultaneously.
