ERI: Adaptive Multi-Fidelity Framework for Modeling Heterogeneous Materials Under Extreme Conditions

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $200,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Understanding material failure under extreme conditions is critical to improving the safety and reliability of infrastructure and engineered systems. This Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) project supports research that looks to develop a computational framework to simulate failure in advanced materials such as metal-ceramic composites. These materials contain complex internal structures where failure is often governed by interactions between embedded particles and the surrounding matrix—phenomena that traditional models struggle to capture accurately. As these materials play essential roles in transportation, energy, and defense sectors, developing robust, efficient methods to simulate damage and fracture is vital. This award will support research investigating the development of a multi-fidelity computational framework that applies high-resolution modeling in regions undergoing damage while using coarse-grained models elsewhere. The research looks to produce open-source simulation tools that can guide the design of safer, more resilient materials and structural components across a range of industries. By training undergraduate and graduate students, hosting workshops on high-performance computing, the project will foster a diverse, skilled workforce equipped to advance the mechanics of complex materials. The objective of this project is to establish a scalable framework for simulating elastic deformation and fracture in materials with rich mesoscale structures, such

Key facts

NSF award ID
2502279
Awardee
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SD)
SAM.gov UEI
CJAJYT2KW771
PI
Prashant K Jha
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
SOLID MECHANICS, MATERIALS DESIGN, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, RESEARCH INITIATION AWARD
Estimated total
$200,000
Funds obligated
$200,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
06/15/2025 → 05/31/2027