ERI: Harnessing Chaotic Dynamics for Remote Morphing of Magnetic Metamaterials

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $199,927 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) grant will fund research that looks to develop a new class of shape-changing materials that respond to alternating magnetic fields. These materials, known as mechanical metamaterials, are designed to change shape in a controlled and efficient manner, enabling innovations in fields that require adaptable and low-energy structures. Existing shape-morphing technologies often rely on continuous power input, which limits their practicality in many real-world applications. This project will explore how oscillating magnetic fields can drive shape transformation with minimal energy consumption, potentially paving the way for advancements in flexible medical devices, deployable aerospace structures, and smart infrastructure. The broader impacts of this project include outreach through K-12 workshops, mentoring and training undergraduate and graduate students in mechanical metamaterials design, computational modeling, and experimental research, and expanding opportunities for students to engage in STEM fields. This research aims to harness chaotic dynamics and multistability to enable energy-efficient shape morphing in soft magnetic spherical multistable mechanical metamaterials. Unlike existing shape-morphing strategies that require continuous high-energy input, this work explores alternating magnetic fields as a low-energy actuation method. By leveraging the switching and reverting behaviors of multistable systems, this research will look

Key facts

NSF award ID
2502227
Awardee
Montana Technological University (MT)
SAM.gov UEI
JJKGF97BMBE1
PI
Md Nahid Hasan
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Dynamical systems, STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, RESEARCH INITIATION AWARD
Estimated total
$199,927
Funds obligated
$199,927
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
07/01/2025 → 06/30/2027