NIST Microstructural Modeling of Additively Manufactured Materials
NIST is funding microstructural modeling of 3D-printed materials to predict their properties by simulating phase evolution, grain size, stress, and integrating with experiments.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 (closed) | August 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: $82,764 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; typical appointment duration 2 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship at NIST for microstructural modeling of additively manufactured materials to predict phase evolution, grain size, residual stresses, and integrate with experimental characterization.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a doctoral degree; requires contacting research advisers prior to applying; NIST participates in February and August review cycles only.
Description
This fellowship opportunity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on advanced microstructural modeling of materials produced by Additive Manufacturing (3D printing). Additive manufacturing enables near-net-shape parts with complex geometries that are difficult to achieve by traditional casting or machining. However, the materials experience extreme thermal cycling and mechanical deformation during the build process, resulting in unique microstructures and significant residual stresses at multiple scales.
The research aims to develop and apply microstructural modeling techniques—including phase field, phase field crystal, and level set methods—to understand the evolution of phase distributions, grain sizes, texture, and residual stresses in both as-built and heat-treated materials. These models will be integrated with macroscale thermomechanical finite element models, CALPHAD-based thermodynamics, crystal plasticity, and simulations at powder and atomic scales. The project emphasizes collaboration with experimentalists who use synchrotron-based x-ray and cold neutron diffraction, electron and optical microscopy, and mechanical and electrochemical testing to characterize microstructures and properties.
Key research themes include predicting ultimate material properties such as strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, and fatigue life, which are challenging to design around due to the complex microstructures formed during additive manufacturing.
