FRG: Integrated Computational and Experimental Methods for the Accelerated Maturation of Materials

该重点研究小组（FRG）资助的目标是为与金属合金设计过程相关的所有步骤创建一个集成模型。该方法是六所大学和四个国家实验室计算和实验材料科学的综合结合。选择镍基合金和α / β Ti合金作为合金设计的重点是基于一个完善的镍基合金数据库的可用性，这使得镍合金比α / β Ti基合金有更坚实的基础。这允许在模拟两种合金系统的能力之间进行有用的比较。所要求的资金几乎全部用于支持参与大学的学生，从而提供了极好的教育价值。业界已经认可了这一努力，并获得了8家公司每年3万美元的额外支持（预计还会有更多的公司参与）。俄亥俄州将在国家科学基金会支持的基础上为第一年增加50万美元的资金。美国国家科学基金会的资金主要来自材料研究部，工程理事会的土木和机械系统部也参与其中。这项研究工作的最终目标是生产一套集成的计算工具，用于开发和优化新材料和现有材料，其应用将取代昂贵的实验测试计划的需要。这将允许在降低成本和时间的框架内采用具有适当成熟度的新材料。

The goal of this focussed research group (FRG) grant is to create an integrated model for all of the steps associated with the metal alloy design process. The approach is an integrated combination of computational and experimental materials science among six universities and four national laboratories. The selection of Ni-base alloys and alpha/beta Ti alloys as focal points for the alloy design is based on the availability of a well developed Ni-base alloy data bank that places nickel alloys on a much firmer footing than alpha/beta Ti-base alloys. This allows a useful comparison between the ability to model the two alloy systems. The funds requested go almost entirely to student support at the participating universities, thereby providing superb educational value. Industry has endorsed the effort with additional support from eight companies at $30K/year (and more participation is expected). The State of Ohio will add $500,000 for the first year's funding based on the NSF support. NSF funding is primarily from the Division of Materials Research with participation from the Division of Civil and Mechanical Systems in the Engineering Directorate. %%%The ultimate goal of this research effort is to produce an integrated set of computational tools for the development and optimization of new and existing materials to such a degree that its application will replace the need for costly experimental testing schedules. This will permit the introduction of new materials that are characterized by an appropriate degree of maturity within a framework of reduced cost and time.