The institute for ultra-strong composites by computational design (US-comp) will be focused on the modeling-driven design of a new class of ultra-high-strength-lightweight (uhsl) materials for…

Michigan Technological University received a $17.0 million research grant from a civilian federal agency to establish the Institute for Ultra-Strong Composites by Computational Design (US-COMP), awarded on June 15, 2017, with completion targeted for February 28, 2025. The institute will focus on modeling-driven design of ultra-high-strength-lightweight materials based on carbon nanotubes for future manned Mars missions, with performance objectives exceeding current state-of-the-art carbon-fiber composites. The award carries no set-aside designation and represents an unrestricted competition opportunity for the public research institution.

The project encompasses four principal objectives: establishing a computationally-driven material design paradigm integrating topological optimization, atomistic modeling, molecular modeling, mesoscale modeling, and continuum-based computational mechanics; developing novel ultra-high-strength-lightweight structural materials for deep space exploration with panel-level testing to achieve Technical Readiness Level 4; creating novel modeling, processing, and testing tools and methods for carbon nanotube-based composite materials; and developing a skilled workforce pool of engineers and scientists through interdisciplinary collaboration among academia, industry, and national laboratories. The research will advance innovations in materials synthesis and manufacturing techniques to support aerospace-quality fabrication and testing, positioning the United States for continued leadership in critical lightweight structural materials essential to space exploration missions.

The institute for ultra-strong composites by computational design (US-comp) will be focused on the modeling-driven design of a new class of ultra-high-strength-lightweight (uhsl) materials for future manned mars missions. These materials will meet the required mechanical performance goals set forth by NASA and exceed those exhibited by current state-of-the-art carbon-fiber composites. US-comp s vision is to serve as a focal point for partnerships between NASA, other agencies, industry, and academia to: (1) enable computationally-driven development of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based uhsl structural materials and (2) expand the resource of highly skilled engineers, scientists and technologists in this emerging field to enhance the U.S. Leadership in critical lightweight structural materials. This vision will be achieved through the four principle objectives: establish a new computationally-driven material design paradigm for rapid material development and deployment develop a novel uhsl structural material for use in deep space exploration. The panel-level tests and demonstration of the novel materials will be carried out to move the developed technology to a technical readiness level (TRL) of 4. Develop novel modeling, processing, and testing tools and methods for CNT-based composite materials establish a pool of highly skilled engineers and scientists to contribute to the materials development workforce. An interdisciplinary and diverse team of researchers from academia, industry, and national labs will participate in the project. The computational design of the material will be driven by a modeling effort to integrate topological optimization, atomistic modeling, molecular modeling, mesoscale modeling, and continuum-based computational mechanics. Innovations in materials synthesis and manufacturing techniques will ensure the performance and scale-up fabrication of aerospace-quality test samples and panels. Multiscale testing and characterization capabilities will be established and integrated to validate the modeling and manufacturing efforts and to complete the proof-of-concept cycle. Participation of the industrial partners will provide and ensure the scalability and aerospace-grade quality of the developed composite material. The developed materials and materials development methods will have a major impact on the aerospace community. First, uhsl materials will be developed with the rigorous strength, modulus, and fracture toughness properties necessary for manned mars missions. Second, a new computationally-driven materials design paradigm will be established to develop the uhsl material of interest and for future rapid materials design and development efforts. Third, a fundamental understanding of load transfer and multiscale failure mechanisms of CNT-based composite materials will be established to achieve their theoretical performance. Fourth, a reproducible engineering performance data from aerospace-quality and scale-up panel test results building upon aerospace-grade resin systems and high-quality commercially available CNT materials to ensure scalability to conduct astm standard tests. Another important emphasis of the institute will be in workforce development. Students will be trained for developing and utilizing advanced computational and experimental approaches for lightweight materials. Funds will be reserved for the students to have extended visits to NASA facilities during summer months for direct mentorship by NASA researchers. These activities will strengthen the partnerships between the institute members and NASA. With the help of the hbcu participant (florida a & m university), the institute will establish a diverse group of both researchers and graduate students.