# Collaborative Research: Developing Predictive Models for Dissipation and Actuation in  Polydomain Liquid Crystal Elastomers by Bridging Scales

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of California-Berkeley (CA) · $455,140

## Abstract

Liquid crystal elastomers are soft, rubber-like materials that contain special molecules called mesogens. Mesogens have unique properties that allow them to be manipulated with external forces, independently from the host polymer. Being able to directly manipulate mesogens gives rise to materials that are supersoft, can dissipate large amounts of energy, and can even function as actuators. Potential applications include biomedical implants with programmable dissipation, architected vibration isolators, helmet liners for football players, motorcycle riders and war fighters, and actuators for soft robotics. To date, most work on liquid crystal elastomers has been performed on material systems whose manufacturing is difficult to scale to the industrial setting. This project proposes to experimentally probe the mesogen scale processes that occur in liquid crystal elastomers, which will be made via economical and scalable batch mixing and cross-linking processes. The plan includes testing materials in several complex states of deformation and developing testable mathematical models for the material’s behavior. All data and numerical implementations of these models will be made findable, shareable, and publicly available through data repositories and code hosting platforms, allowing for the effective design of engineering products that leverage the unique properties of liquid crystal elastomers. Lastly, the project will integrate undergraduate and high-school students in various as

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2437162
- **Awardee organization:** University of California-Berkeley (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GS3YEVSS12N6
- **PI:** Sanjay Govindjee
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** SOLID MECHANICS
- **Estimated total:** $455,140
- **Funds obligated:** $455,140
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2437162

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2437162, Collaborative Research: Developing Predictive Models for Dissipation and Actuation in  Polydomain Liquid Crystal Elastomers by Bridging Scales. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2437162. Licensed CC0.

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