University Center of Excellence High Rate Deformation Physics of Heterogeneous Materials | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a special Broad Agency Announcement (BAA AFOSR 2011-06) released by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) to solicit research proposals supporting an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) University Center of Excellence focused on the high rate deformation physics of heterogeneous materials.

What research topic is AFOSR seeking?

The program seeks fundamental, cutting-edge science that explains how complex, non-uniform (heterogeneous) materials behave when they are deformed extremely quickly, such as under impact, blast, or other rapid loading conditions. The focus is on understanding deformation, damage, and failure processes at high strain rates.

What does "high rate deformation physics of heterogeneous materials" mean in practical terms?

In practical terms, it refers to the underlying physics governing how materials with non-uniform microstructures or mixed constituents respond when subjected to very rapid, intense mechanical events. Examples include scenarios where strain rates are high and the material response can involve rapid damage initiation, crack growth, fragmentation, phase changes, or other fast-evolving mechanisms.

Is the program oriented toward basic research or applied engineering development?

The announcement emphasizes basic scientific problems rather than incremental engineering development. Proposals are expected to push the state of the art in understanding, not simply optimize an existing design or perform routine engineering maturation.

How is AFRL involved in this effort?

The effort is being pursued in collaboration with the AFRL Munitions Directorate at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. This indicates strong interest in scientific advances that improve understanding relevant to munitions, survivability, and other defense applications involving fast, intense mechanical loading of materials.

What kinds of applications motivate this research?

The motivating context includes defense-relevant environments where materials experience very fast, intense mechanical events, such as impact and blast. The collaboration with AFRL's Munitions Directorate highlights relevance to munitions-related and survivability-related material response.

What type of research approach is expected?

The opportunity emphasizes interdisciplinary research. Depending on the proposed approach, this may involve experiments, theory, modeling, computation, and/or high-speed diagnostics, with the goal of addressing core scientific questions in high-rate deformation and failure of heterogeneous materials.

Which disciplines are relevant to this BAA?

The announcement highlights expertise areas including solid mechanics, materials science, physics, chemistry, applied mathematics, and high-speed diagnostics or computation. Proposals may combine multiple disciplines to address the complexity of high-rate material behavior.

Are multi-investigator teams required?

No. Teams with multiple investigators are encouraged because the technical challenges span experiments, theory, and modeling. However, single-investigator proposals are allowed if they can credibly address the core research problems.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. All responsible applicants from academia and industry may submit proposals.

Does AFOSR give any special encouragement to certain applicant groups?

Yes. AFOSR encourages participation from small businesses, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), minority institutions, and minority researchers. However, the announcement states there is no set-aside restricting awards to those groups.

What is the funding category for this opportunity?

The announcement falls under the Science and Technology / Research and Development category.

What award instruments may be used?

Awards may be made using grants, cooperative agreements, procurement contracts, or a combination of these, depending on the nature of the work and the level of government involvement anticipated.

How many awards does AFOSR anticipate making?

The anticipated number of awards listed is 250.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling listed is $1,000,000.

Is there a minimum award amount?

No minimum award amount is stated. The announcement lists an award floor of $0, suggesting a potentially wide range of award sizes and project scopes.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. Cost sharing or matching is not required. It is described as encouraged, meaning applicants may include cost share to strengthen the proposal, but it is not mandatory for eligibility or consideration.

What is the CFDA number for this program?

The CFDA number associated with the program is 12.800, the Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program.

When was the announcement posted?

The posted date is May 27, 2011.

What is the proposal closing date?

The closing date is August 31, 2011.

When is the archive date for this announcement?

The archive date is September 30, 2011.

What does it mean that this is a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)?

Based on the information provided, this opportunity is issued as a BAA, which is used to solicit research proposals for scientific study and experimentation. The emphasis in this announcement is on fundamental, interdisciplinary research that advances understanding of high-rate deformation physics in heterogeneous materials.

If an applicant cannot access the full announcement electronically, what should they do?

The notice provides a point of contact through a procurement analyst for applicants who cannot access the full announcement electronically.

What is the main goal of the program overall?

The main goal is to build and advance the foundational science needed to predict and control how heterogeneous materials respond under extreme, rapid deformation, with AFOSR and AFRL seeking innovative research approaches and strong technical performers capable of addressing complex, defense-relevant physics problems.