The Radioactive Materials Processing Center (RAMP-C) will be led by Boise State University (BSU) and Utah State University (USU).  Research activities are focused on the development of unique fabrication solutions for radioactive elements and their isotopes and for hard-to-process materials in functionally-optimized structures that include ceramics, metals, and their composites. 

RAMP-C research program addresses critical path challenges faced by U.S. industrialists who produce for the energy, health-care, and aerospace markets.  For example, new classes of validated materials and material joining and fabrication technologies are needed for extreme environments characterized by very high temperatures (1000 to 3000 K), corrosiveness, and radiation.  In addition, multi-functional structures which operate in a radioactive environment are needed, including radiation-hardened electro-mechanical systems and structures with integrated sensors for operation in a radioactive environment or in nuclear medicine applications.  The RAMP-C regional partnership collaborates to develop solutions to these challenges as it combines world-class fabrication tools housed in USU’s Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department, state-of-the-art research tools housed in BSU’s Advanced Materials Lab and, through the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES), with access to the Idaho National Lab (INL) analytical chemistry labs and radiological materials handling facilities including the Advanced Test Reactor National Scientific User Facility. The mission of RAMP-C is to advance the capabilities of industries engaged in all phases of the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear medicine, and aerospace, as well as renewable energy generation and storage.