Mechanics of Advanced Materials Systems (MAMS)

Supports fundamental research on deformation and failure in engineered and biological materials or materials systems.

The Mechanics of Advanced Materials Systems (MAMS) program supports fundamental research on how materials change in shape or size under internal and external forces. Advances can impact energy, health, quantum information science, nuclear technology, biotechnology, and other areas.

The MAMS program seeks to transform understanding of deformation and failure in materials or materials systems. The program scope includes engineered and biological materials, but not geomaterials. Research may involve experiments, theory, and/or computations. It can be informed by methods and techniques in artificial intelligence. Projects should contribute fundamental ideas to solid mechanics, biomechanics, and/or mechanobiology.

The MAMS program supports research related to material response, including contact, fracture, and fatigue. MAMS also supports research related to structural element response, such as nonlinear deformation, instability, and stress wave propagation.

MAMS projects on biological materials must have clear biological and mechanics components. They also must improve understanding of the mechanical behavior of a living system. Research may address mechanical behavior across multiple domains, from molecules and cells to tissues and living systems.

Partnerships: To speed discovery and innovation, NSF partners with federal agencies, industry, international groups, and others. Current opportunities are at NSF ENG Partnerships.

This program advances NSF’s mission as given in the NSF organic statute (42 U.S.C. 1861, et seq.).