Exascale driven topology optimization of nonlinear metamaterial systems DER impact, enabled by ML accelerated meshfree modeling methods - a psaap focused investigatory center (FIC): to develop a…

The University of California, San Diego received a $1.56 million Cooperative Agreement from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) under the Predictive Science Academic Alliance Program (PSAAP IV, CFDA 81.124) awarded September 22, 2025, with a five-year performance period through September 21, 2030. The award funds development of a parallel computing system framework for topology optimization of mesostructured metamaterial systems designed to mitigate impacts across strain rates ranging from 102 to 105 per second. The research addresses complex multiscale modeling challenges involving five nonlinearities—geometric nonlinearity, contact, fracture, plasticity, and equation of state interactions—that can manipulate mechanical wave propagation under high-strain-rate impact conditions. The deliverables include machine learning-accelerated meshfree modeling methods to manage material uncertainties and computational intractability inherent in multiscale simulations.

The project is structured as a Focused Investigatory Center (FIC) with the Trustees of the Colorado School of Mines serving as a sub-awardee. This cooperative agreement aligns with PSAAP IV's emphasis on artificial intelligence and machine learning applications to enhance quantified predictive capabilities for exascale computing environments. The work will be performed in La Jolla, San Diego, California, with expected collaboration between UC San Diego's research team and scientists at Department of Energy national laboratories (Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia), supporting workforce development for the NNSA laboratory complex.

Exascale driven topology optimization of nonlinear metamaterial systems DER impact, enabled by ML accelerated meshfree modeling methods - a psaap focused investigatory center (FIC): to develop a parallel computing system framework for topology optimization of mesostructured metamaterial systems specifically tailored to mitigate impacts resulting in strain rates.