# CAREER: Harnessing the Dynamic Functions of Irregular Structural Patterns

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Washington (WA) · $668,788

## Abstract

The Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) grant supports research that advances fundamental knowledge of the dynamics of segmented structural designs with irregular patterns, thereby promoting the progress of science, and advancing prosperity and welfare. Current bio-inspired engineering primarily emphasizes optimizing regular geometric patterns that are ordered, periodic, and repeated, overlooking the intrinsic geometric irregularities found in nature. This approach misses the opportunities presented by the ubiquitous and intrinsic geometric irregularities of living organisms. This project will attempt to address this critical gap by developing the required engineering models for identifying and applying distinctive irregular patterns to design structures to match the range of functions and energy- and material-efficiency of biological systems. Potential applications include energy harvesting, intelligent actuation and control in vehicles, smart shock absorption, vibration damping, and acoustic attenuation. Drawing inspiration from the musculoskeletal patterns in diving seabirds and stingrays, the new findings plan to yield transformative technological solutions to achieve efficient multifunctional structures. Additionally, the project will develop a user-friendly, open-source application to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and make these concepts accessible to scientists, engineers, and the public. This app will help translate insights from biological 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2440838
- **Awardee organization:** University of Washington (WA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HD1WMN6945W6
- **PI:** Ed Habtour
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Dynamical systems, CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev
- **Estimated total:** $668,788
- **Funds obligated:** $668,788
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/15/2025 → 05/31/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2440838

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2440838, CAREER: Harnessing the Dynamic Functions of Irregular Structural Patterns. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-09 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2440838. Licensed CC0.

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