Mechanics of Materials

The MoM program supports fundamental research in interdisciplinary solid mechanics. Emphasis is placed on fundamental understanding that i) advances theory, experimental, and/or computational methods in MoM, and/or ii) uses contemporary MoM methods to address modern challenges in material and device mechanics and physics. Proposed research can focus on existing or emerging material systems across time and length scales; especially of interest are contemporary materials including complex solids, phononic/elastic metamaterials, soft materials, and active materials. Research is welcome in emerging areas of multiscale methods, nanomechanics, manufacturing mechanics, and areas that incorporate fundamental understanding of physics and chemistry into the continuum-level understanding of solids. Intellectual merit typically includes advances in deformation, fracture, fatigue, constitutive modeling, multiphysics, nonlinear mechanics, computational methods, or experimental techniques. Broader impacts are welcome that may include, but are not limited to i) advancing the relevant application of solid mechanics to important problems in new technological domains, ii) increasing awareness of the importance and role of solid mechanics in other scientific communities as well as society in general, iii) impacting graduate education in solid mechanics across the US, iv) impacting engineering practice, v) strengthening undergraduate and K-12 education in and exposure to solid mechanics, and vii) engaging and encouraging the participation of groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields. Proposers should strive to make deep and lasting impacts via their proposed activities. Potentially transformative research is sought, as well as research that systematically advances the state-of-the-art in important ways. Additional Information for the MoM Program We recognize that it can be difficult to determine the best programmatic fit for a proposal and that often there is some overlap across programs (this helps facilitate interdisciplinary efforts). To help researchers determine if the MoM program is appropriate, the following guidelines may be helpful: Research that addresses important issues in materials processing or manufacturing using contemporary techniques in solid mechanics are welcome, and will likely be jointly reviewed with the Materials Processing and Manufacturing or Nanomanufacturing programs.Research that addresses optimization in mechanics is welcome but may be jointly reviewed with the Engineering Design and Innovation Program or the Design of Engineering Materials Systems Program, as appropriate.Research in nanomechanics is welcome. If the approach solely involves atomistic/quantum simulations it may be appropriate for the Surface and Materials Engineering Program in CMMI or the Condensed Matter Theory program in DMR.Research that focuses on fundamental materials science issues should be submitted to the Materials and Surface Engineering Program. Research that includes significant components of materials science and solid mechanics may be jointly reviewed between these programs.Research that focuses on structural mechanics or the mechanics of materials for building, construction, and infrastructure should be submitted to the Structural Mechanics and Materials program. They will potentially be co-reviewed with the MoM program.Research that includes an important mechanics component but addresses biological questions should be submitted to the Biomechanics and Mechanobiology Program.· Research that is focused on design methodologies and principles for the discovery and deployment of materials should be submitted to the Design of Engineering Materials Systems (DEMS) Program. Proposers who are unsure if their proposed research fits in the MoM program should discuss it with the Program Director after sending him a one-page white paper by email.