Central OC Times

Pratt & Whitney, a leading company in aviation propulsion systems, has partnered with the University of California, Irvine to establish a center of excellence for solidification and materials science. This new initiative will be located within The Henry Samueli School of Engineering.

The center will be led by Diran Apelian, UC Irvine Distinguished Professor of materials science and engineering. It aims to address metal and material processing challenges in manufacturing critical jet engine components like single-crystal turbine blades. Apelian stated that the center would promote partnerships between participants and other academic researchers across the nation with similar interests.

Magnus Egerstedt, Stacey Nicholas Dean of Engineering at UC Irvine, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration. “As someone who is a big supporter of industrial engagements, I am highly enthusiastic about this collaboration with Pratt & Whitney,” he said. He also highlighted the potential for significant research outcomes in material processing and viewed this partnership as an ideal model for university-industry collaborations.

The projects at the center will range from fundamental solidification science to exploring interactions between metals and molds, developing the "factory of the future," and integrating data science with material processing. The center will provide hands-on learning opportunities at Pratt & Whitney facilities and internships for students and researchers from the university.

Frank Preli, vice president of propulsion and materials technology at Pratt & Whitney, emphasized their contribution to the partnership. “Pratt & Whitney brings 100 years of engineering excellence to this collaboration,” he said. He added that combining their expertise with UC Irvine’s leadership in solidification science would enable more complex castings' production, resulting in higher efficiency, lower emissions, and improved quality of engine components.

The team joining Apelian at UC Irvine's Pratt & Whitney Center includes Carl Soderhjelm (assistant researcher), Andrew Zang (postdoctoral scholar), Dan Mumm (professor), Lorenzo Valdevit (professor and chair), and Julian Rimoli (professor and chair).

UC Irvine launched its Brilliant Future campaign on October 4, 2019, aiming to engage 75,000 alumni and secure $2 billion in philanthropic investment. The campaign seeks to enhance student success, health and wellness, research capabilities, among other areas. More information can be found on their website.

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is part of the Association of American Universities and ranks among the top public universities in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report. With over 36,000 students enrolled across 224-degree programs under Chancellor Howard Gillman’s leadership, it is Orange County’s second-largest employer.

Radio programs may use an on-campus studio for interviews with faculty members upon approval from UC Irvine. Additional resources are available on their media resource webpage.