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

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Vermont & State Agricultural College (VT) · $596,099

## 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 organization:** 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

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2542612

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2542612, CAREER: Quantum-Inspired Dynamic Control in Composite Metastructures with Long-Range Coupling. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-18 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2542612. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*