image: The University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science is developing a novel electromagnetic levitation system designed to operate in extreme conditions and enable researchers to study ultra-high-temperature ceramics in their solid and molten states.
Credit: University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science
The University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science is set to revolutionize materials science with the development of a state-of-the-art electromagnetic levitation (EML) system, funded by a competitive Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) grant. Designed to operate in extreme conditions, the system enables researchers to study ultra-high-temperature ceramics (UHTCs) in their solid and molten states — unlocking new possibilities for aerospace, defense and industrial applications.
Rethinking High-Temperature Research
Traditional methods of studying UHTCs are limited by the challenges of chemical contamination at extreme temperatures. The EML system’s container-less design, which combines induction and laser heating, avoids this pitfall, offering unparalleled precision. This novel system can simulate environments from a vacuum to high-pressure atmospheres while heating materials above 2,000 degrees Celsius — essential for characterizing UHTCs like carbides, borides and nitrides.
By understanding properties such as melting points, thermal expansion and surface tension, the system will accelerate the design of materials capable of withstanding the unforgiving conditions of hypersonic flight and high-temperature manufacturing.
A Game-Changer for U.S. Research
Currently, no advanced electromagnetic levitation systems are operational in the U.S., giving this project a unique edge. Other EML facilities in Germany and Japan validated the feasibility of such systems, but these facilities lacked the capability to achieve complete melting of UHTCs afforded by supplemental laser heating. UVA’s EML system bridges this gap, empowering researchers to gather high-precision data that was previously out of reach.
“The EML system represents a paradigm shift in our ability to study and engineer materials for extreme environments,” said Elizabeth Opila, the project’s principal investigator, the Rolls Royce Commonwealth Professor of Engineering and chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. “This technology will not only advance the field but also train the next generation of materials scientists for critical applications.”
Broader Impacts
The system’s modular design ensures flexibility for future innovations, including integration with the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. This capability enables advanced studies such as in situ X-ray diffraction and high-temperature oxidation measurements, essential for aerospace and energy industries.
Beyond its scientific contributions, the EML system will provide hands-on training for graduate students and researchers, equipping them with the skills to drive future innovations. “This is more than just a novel piece of equipment,” Opila added. “It’s a platform for discovery and education that will shape the future of materials science.”
Opila, an expert in high-temperature materials, is a former research scientist at NASA Glen Research Center and has led numerous Department of Defense-funded projects advancing refractory materials.
About the Grant
The EML system is funded through a Defense University Research Instrumentation Program grant, awarded by the Army Research Office. The $318,190 grant will cover the base instrument, including two radio frequency power supplies, a high-vacuum to atmospheric pressure chamber, non-contact temperature measurement tools and high-speed imaging equipment. This phase will also include initial levitation and heating tests, paving the way for advanced diagnostics and modular upgrades to high pressure conditions in subsequent phases.