The objective of this research was to characterize and exploit effects of energetic fields (microwave, magnetic, etc.) on microstructural development of materials to formulate a physical explanation of the fundamental mechanisms dictating material interactions during processing. This strategy was used to develop processing methods and computational modeling capabilities for synthesizing transparent noncubic alumina (Al2O3) through magnetic alignment of particles during forming and heat treatment, microwave-enhanced densification, and high-energy field microstructure and crystalline phase transformation control. The influence of dopant addition on phase formation, grain alignment, and enhancement of material response to applied fields was also assessed. These interactions were explored by utilizing external fields to initiate simultaneous grain size reduction and crystallographic texturing enhancement.
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