CAREER: Quantum-Inspired Dynamic Control in Composite Metastructures with Long-Range Coupling

NSF Award Search · 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $596,099 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award will support research to create innovative strategies for controlling vibrations in critical structures such as bridges, buildings, and aircraft, where uncontrolled vibrations can lead to severe damage, safety risks, and economic losses. Current approaches often fail to detect and manage these vibrations in time. This project will establish a novel system capable of both localizing vibrations to prevent their spread and measuring their intensity with high precision, enabling timely intervention. The system will use layered materials engineered to interact in unique ways, inspired by quantum wave propagation features observed in nanoscale heterostructures, to reveal how material differences and long-range interactions influence elastodynamic wave behavior. These new findings will advance fundamental knowledge of vibration control and drive innovations for safer infrastructure and aerospace technologies, promoting national health, prosperity, and security. The CAREER project also integrates education by mentoring students in applying quantum principles to engineering dynamic control solutions, developing a graduate course on quantum-inspired vibration manipulation, and engaging K–12 learners to inspire future engineers. Additionally, interactive vibration design tools will be created to involve the public and improve solutions through feedback, creating a self-reinforcing cycle where education and research advance together, breaking traditional barriers between fields. This research addresses fundamental challenges in dynamic control—specifically vibration mitigation, scattering-free waveguiding, and broadband edge states—by investigating elastodynamic wave propagation in composite metastructures composed of dissimilar layered materials with inter- and intralayer long-range couplings. By reinterpreting elastodynamic waves through the lens of quantum wave behavior and employing quantum-inspired analysis te

Key facts

NSF award ID
2542612
Awardee
University of Vermont & State Agricultural College (VT)
SAM.gov UEI
Z94KLERAG5V9
PI
Jihong A Ma
Primary program
01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
CONTROL SYSTEMS, Dynamical systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Control systems & applications, CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, Complex Systems, WOMEN, MINORITY, DISABLED, NEC, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
Estimated total
$596,099
Funds obligated
$596,099
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2026 → 08/31/2031