Particulate and Multiphase Processes

The Particulate and Multiphase Processes program supports fundamental and applied research on mechanisms and phenomena governing particulate and multiphase processes, including granular and granular-fluid flows, particle/bubble/droplet interactions, aerosol science and technology, suspensions, micro- and nano-structured fluids, self- and directed-assembly of nanostructures involving particulates, and related instrumentation and diagnostics. Innovative research is sought that contributes to improving the basic understanding, design, predictability, efficiency, and control of particulate and multiphase processes with particular emphasis on: new frontiers in nanotechnology, novel manufacturing techniques, nano-metrology, multiphase transport in biological systems, environmental sustainability, critical infrastructure systems, and complex engineering systems. Collaborative and interdisciplinary proposals are encouraged; proposals that include a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches are more likely to receive funding than solely theoretically or experimentally oriented work. Highly reviewed projects generally demonstrate a strong scientific basis together with clear practical applications.Unsolicited proposals in the above and related areas are encouraged. Investigators are also encouraged to find industrial partnerships and make GOALI submissions.Current research focus areas include: * Multiphase flow phenomena (particle/bubble/droplet dynamics), structured fluids (colloids, ferro-fluids), and self and directed assembly of particles into functional devices * Particle science and technology (aerosols, production of particles with engineered properties, assembly of particles into functional materials and devices, environmental issues, nanotoxicology) * Multi-scale models of multiphase systems (emphasis on novel approaches connecting micro- and nano-scale phenomena and properties with process-level variables) * Multiphase transport in biological systems (emphasis on applications of functionalized nanostructures in clinical diagnostics and therapeutics)The duration of unsolicited awards is generally one to three years. The average annual award size for the program is $100,000. Small equipment proposals of less than $100,000 will also be considered and may be submitted during these windows. Any proposal received outside the announced dates will be returned without review.The duration of CAREER awards is five years. The submission deadline for Engineering CAREER proposals is in July every year. Please see the following URL for more information: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08051/nsf08051.jsp.Proposals for Conferences, Workshops, and Supplements may be submitted at any time, but must be discussed with the program director before submission.Grants for Rapid Response Research (RAPID) and EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) replace the SGER program. Please note that proposals of these types must be discussed with the program director before submission. Further details are available in the PAPPG download, available below. Please refer to the Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG), January 2009, (NSF 09-1) when you prepare your proposal.