A Framework for Microstructural Design Using Bayesian Classifiers

这项研究项目的目标是建立一个框架，并推进相关理论，在微观结构层面上进行材料设计。这项拟议的工作意义重大，因为它将使材料科学家能够推导出远远超出统计指标的微结构特征。此外，通过将计算学习理论融入决策理论环境中，材料科学和微观力学观点的知识可以有效地融入材料设计过程。这种设计方法的理论基础是一般的，可以很好地应用于不直接涉及微结构的设计问题。贝叶斯分类器主要是为图像分析问题开发的，将用于评估候选微结构的微观机械响应，而不需要进行耗时的高保真力学分析。通过将分类过程重塑到决策理论的框架中，我们将该技术从纯粹的评估性技术转变为可用于改进微结构设计的关键的设计优化方案的一部分。拟议的研究将加强材料科学和部件设计之间的联系，导致更高性能的材料使用更少的材料资源，以及更安全和更耐用的设计，直接造福于消费者。拟议的工作将为工程学研究生提供关于材料设计和分析的新策略的培训。通过巴尔的摩城市学校的创意项目，该项目还将为未被充分代表的高中生提供工程研究方面的经验。

The objective of this research project is to create a framework, and to advance the associated theory, for design of materials at the microstructural level. The proposed work is significant because it will enable materials scientists to derive characterizations of microstructure that go substantially beyond statistical measures. Furthermore, by incorporating computational learning theory into a decision-theoretic setting, knowledge from the materials science and micromechanics viewpoints can be effectively incorporated into the materials design process. The theoretical foundation of the design method is general, and may well find application to design problems not directly involving microstructure. Bayesian classifiers, developed primarily for image analysis problems, will be used to evaluate the micromechanical response of candidate microstructures without time consuming, high fidelity mechanics analyses. By recasting the classification procedure into the framework of decision theory we transform the technique from one that is purely evaluative to one which can be used as part of the design optimization scheme critical to improved microstructural design. The proposed research will strengthen the link between materials science and component design, leading to higher performing materials using less materials resources, and safer and more durable designs with direct benefits for the consumer.The proposed work will provide training for engineering graduate students in novel strategies for design and analysis of materials. Through the Ingenuity Project of the Baltimore City Schools the project will also provide experience in engineering research to under-represented high school students.