Defense Development and Applied Research Center
At the University of Tennessee, the spirit of the Volunteers runs deep—rooted in a legacy of service dating back to Tennessee’s crucial role in the War of 1812. Today, we continue that tradition by launching the Defense Development and Applied Research Center, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to revolutionizing research for the Department of War.
DARC focuses on advanced materials, manufacturing, and operational energy solutions, integrating AI automation and human-machine teaming to enhance operational readiness. Through collaboration with military leaders, industry experts, and UT researchers, this center will accelerate innovation, ensuring life-saving advancements reach those who serve.
Our Mission
The mission of the DARC is:
- To integrate basic research, applied research, and technology development with an approach that revolutionizes DoW research endeavors.
- To deliver innovative solutions through research and warfighter training with a streamlined and accelerated path to deployment, enabling rapid and effective responses to emerging needs.
- To sustain long-term impact, we will continuously adapt by refining our focus areas, reassessing them regularly, and supporting all branches of the armed services while advancing the most relevant and effective technologies.
Capabilities
- Large and small scale prototyping using various additive, subtractive, and hybrid (additive and subtractive) manufacturing technologies in metallic, composite, polymeric, and ceramic materials
- Advanced testing and characterization of metallic, composite, polymeric, and ceramic materials using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma torch testing, arc-jet testing, and more.
- High-throughput metal alloy, composite material, ceramic material, and polymer development
- Physics-informed machining
- Neuromorphic computing applied to sensing and continuous feedback control of manufacturing systems and UAS/C-UAS
- Next generation energy storage for defense applications
- Development and optimization of distributed power sources (batteries, small nuclear reactors, microgrids, etc.)