Shielded magnetic small-angle neutron scattering for characterization of radioactive samples
Journal of Applied Crystallography
Materials Processing, Microstructure & Extreme Environments
Materials processing, microstructure & mechanical performance
We connect advanced manufacturing, multiscale characterization, and deformation science to understand and design structural materials for demanding environments.
Research approach
Processing, microstructure & mechanical behavior
We combine materials processing, microscopy, mechanical testing, and mechanistic modeling to understand structural materials across scales.
Principal investigator
Dalong Zhang
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering · Baylor University
Professor Zhang’s research centers on powder metallurgy, friction- and severe-plastic-deformation-based manufacturing, deformation mechanisms, and structural materials for extreme environments.
Research directions
Solid-phase processing & structural materials
Our current work spans oxide-dispersion-strengthened magnesium for space, additive friction surfacing of large steel components, and nanoparticle-strengthened ferritic and vanadium alloys for fusion.
01
All research areas →Solid-Phase & Friction-Based Manufacturing
Shape materials through heat, shear, and pressure—without melting the whole feedstock.
02Powder Metallurgy & Dispersion-Strengthened Materials
Turn engineered powders into dense, stable structural materials.
03Nuclear & Fusion Structural Materials
Connect microstructural stability with performance under heat and irradiation.
04Magnesium & Lightweight Alloys
Resolve the deformation mechanisms that govern lightweight metals.
Projects
Three current programs in advanced structural materials
Oxide Dispersion During Friction-Based Magnesium Manufacturing
A U.S.–U.K. program to understand and control oxide-particle formation and dispersion during solid-state manufacturing of magnesium alloys for space.
Additive Friction Surfacing for Large Steel Components
An ARPA-E program developing solid-phase additive friction surfacing for large steel components with shorter lead times and improved service performance.
Ferritic and Vanadium Alloys with Nanoparticle Strengthening for Fusion
The ARPA-E FAVA-NSF program develops nanoparticle-strengthened ferritic and vanadium alloys for stronger, more irradiation-resistant fusion structures.
Selected publications
Recent papers in materials science & manufacturing
Professor Zhang’s full publication record →↗
A concise review of Ti64 nanoindentation and CPFEM modelling approaches
Journal of Materials Research
Grain growth stagnation at 525 °C by nanoparticles in a solid-state additively manufactured Mg-4Y-3RE alloy
Journal of Magnesium and Alloys
Manufacturing Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) steel plate via cold spray and friction stir processing
Journal of Nuclear Materials
Dec 2025Dec 2024
Aug 2024
Baylor-affiliated review examines Ti64 nanoindentation and CPFEM
A review in the Journal of Materials Research surveys nanoindentation and crystal-plasticity finite-element modeling approaches for Ti–6Al–4V.
Read article →Dec 2024Nanoparticles stabilize grains in solid-state additively manufactured Mg alloy
A Journal of Magnesium and Alloys paper reports grain-growth stagnation in a solid-state additively manufactured Mg-4Y-3RE alloy.
Read article →Aug 2024Cold spray and friction stir processing form ODS steel plate
A Journal of Nuclear Materials paper demonstrates an alternative route to ODS steel plate using GARS powder, cold spray, and friction stir processing.
Read article →
Baylor University · Waco, Texas
Materials research at Baylor University
The group is based in Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science and works across materials science, manufacturing, and extreme-environment applications.
Campus photograph: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0.Source ↗Work with us
Student research & collaboration opportunities
Prospective students are welcome to learn about the group’s research. Specific openings will be posted here when confirmed.
Joining the group