Mechanics of Materials and Structures | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NSF Mechanics of Materials and Structures program (PD 15-1630)?

The NSF Mechanics of Materials and Structures program (PD 15-1630) is a discretionary National Science Foundation grant opportunity that funds fundamental, mechanics-centered research on how deformable solid materials and the structures made from them behave under internal and external loads.

What kind of research is this program trying to support?

The program is explicitly aimed at pushing the frontiers of mechanics. It supports research that advances mechanics understanding and prediction, rather than projects that are mainly applied development work. NSF notes that the knowledge generated is expected to ultimately help assess existing engineered systems and enable future materials and structures with unusual or superior properties.

Does the program prefer theory, experiments, or computation?

The program emphasizes breadth across theory, experiments, and computation. Projects may focus on one area, but the program highlights advances that create or use strong mechanics tools across these modes.

What are the two main categories of projects NSF is looking for?

NSF indicates interest in projects that either: (1) create advances in mechanics itself (for example, new theoretical frameworks, experimental approaches, or computational methods), or (2) apply state-of-the-art mechanics tools to modern materials and structural challenges.

What materials and structures are within scope?

Proposals can address both established and emerging materials and structural systems. The program also supports studies spanning a wide range of length and time scales, from micro- and nano-scale phenomena up to structural-scale response, including multiscale and multiphysics settings.

What does "multiscale" and "multiphysics" mean in the context of this opportunity?

Within this program, multiscale work can include linking behavior across micro/nano scales through to structural scales. Multiphysics work can include multiple interacting physical processes that influence deformation and failure. The key point is that these approaches should advance mechanics-based understanding and predictive capability.

What materials-focused topics are appropriate for this program?

On the materials side, the program welcomes work that deepens fundamental understanding of deformation and damage processes (including fracture and fatigue), as well as contact and friction.

What methods or approaches are encouraged for materials mechanics research?

Appropriate approaches include constitutive modeling; multiscale spatial or temporal modeling; multiphysics analysis; new or improved computational mechanics methods; and innovative experimental techniques. The emphasis is on mechanics questions that reveal new governing mechanisms or predictive capabilities, not incremental improvements in material performance.

What structures-focused topics are appropriate for this program?

On the structures side, the program supports fundamental advances in understanding complex structural responses such as nonlinear deformation, instability, and collapse, particularly for regimes involving large deformations or wave propagation.

Are computational and experimental innovations relevant for structures proposals?

Yes. The program encourages computational and experimental innovations for structures research, as long as the central contribution advances mechanics-based understanding and prediction of structural behavior.

Are projects that integrate materials and structures encouraged?

Yes. Projects that integrate materials and structures are especially encouraged, including topics such as metamaterials, hierarchical or microarchitectured systems, and low-dimensional materials where geometry and architecture are inseparable from mechanical response.

What does the program mean by linking geometry and topology to mechanical response?

The program highlights interest in research that tightly links the geometry and topology of material distributions with length scales and with deformation or failure mechanisms. This includes work that challenges traditional boundaries between what is considered a "material" versus a "structure," because that reframing can enable new analysis and experimentation paths and reveal novel response characteristics.

Is the program focused on applied development or performance improvements?

No. While NSF expects eventual real-world impact, the stated emphasis is on fundamental, mechanics-centered advances. Projects aimed primarily at processing routes or mechanical performance enhancements are described as better aligned with a different NSF program (Materials Engineering and Processing, MEP).

Who is eligible to apply?

The opportunity is described as open to unrestricted applicant types, subject to any eligibility clarifications in the full announcement.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity states that it does not require cost sharing or matching.

What is the CFDA number and classification for this opportunity?

The opportunity is classified under CFDA 47.041 (Engineering Grants) and falls within science and technology research and development.

When were the proposal submission windows for this solicitation?

The solicitation listed multiple full proposal windows in 2015: February 1 to February 17, 2015 and September 1 to September 15, 2015. The current closing date shown is September 15, 2015.

If the closing date is in 2015, why is there an archive date extending to 2028?

The archive date extending to October 15, 2028 indicates the posting is maintained for reference even after the submission windows have passed.

Where should I submit a proposal if my work is about buildings and civil infrastructure systems?

NSF guidance in the announcement directs proposals focused on buildings and civil infrastructure systems to the Structural and Architectural Engineering (SAE) program within CMMI.

Where should I submit if my work emphasizes processing routes or mechanical performance enhancements?

Proposals emphasizing processing routes or mechanical performance enhancements are directed to the Materials Engineering and Processing (MEP) program.

Where should I submit if my work is centered on design methodologies to accelerate materials development and insertion?

Work centered on design methodologies and theory for accelerating materials development and insertion is suggested for the Design of Engineering Material Systems (DEMS) program.

What should I do if I am unsure whether my project fits this program?

NSF encourages early communication with program leadership. Prospective proposers are invited to email a one-page white paper and then discuss the project with the Program Directors.

Who do I contact for Grants.gov access or technical issues?

For access or technical issues with the announcement through Grants.gov, the listed support contact is grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.