Project Grant 2543134

Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Case Western Reserve University received a $550,000 CAREER (Faculty Early Career Development) award from the National Science Foundation's Directorate for Engineering, Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems (CFDA 47.041) for the period August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2031. The award funds the development of physics-based predictive modeling frameworks for multiphase particulate suspensions—systems where particles are dispersed in liquid carriers commonly found in food, pharmaceutical, and construction applications. The research addresses three core scientific challenges: understanding how viscoelastic carrier fluids affect particle migration and rearrangement under flow conditions; determining how particle size variations and particle-fluid interfacial chemistry influence flow dynamics; and establishing data-driven models to reverse-engineer particle and fluid properties that produce targeted material responses.

The project deliverables include a multiscale modeling framework providing first-principles understanding of real-world suspension flow behavior, empirically validated design rules for selecting particle and liquid properties to achieve desired material characteristics, and predictive tools that reduce industrial reliance on trial-and-error processing. Educational components include development of virtual, mixed, and augmented reality modules enabling students and educators to interact with realistic particle-based material models, promoting STEM workforce development through exposure to computational and data-driven research methods. The work directly supports industrial efficiency by enabling faster product development cycles and reducing material and energy waste in suspension-based manufacturing processes.