Daniel Oropeza

Prof. Oropeza's research focuses on the impact of manufacturing processes on material microstructure and performance, aiming to optimize processes and develop new techniques for controlling material behavior. His interdisciplinary work bridges material science and mechanical engineering, covering material synthesis and characterization, machine and equipment design, and manufacturing process fundamentals. His current research includes powder synthesis of novel refractory and magnetic metal alloys, spatially-tailored deposition of functional ceramics via nanoparticle jetting, control of porosity in metals through powder bed fusion additive manufacturing, and processing of ultra-high temperature ceramics via binder jet additive manufacturing and pressure-assisted sintering. These advancements have applications in aircraft and spacecraft propulsion, prosthetics, energy conversion and storage, robotics, and hypersonics.