NIST Finite Element and Crystal Plasticity Modeling for the Development of Lightweighting Materials

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Description

This postdoctoral fellowship opportunity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on advancing the use of lightweight materials in vehicle manufacturing to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The automotive industry currently lacks sufficient data and validated material models to reliably produce vehicle components from these substitute materials.

The research involves:

• Developing and validating constitutive models using traditional finite element methods (FEM) for materials under uniaxial and biaxial loading.
• Employing crystal plasticity-finite element method (CP-FEM) modeling to create constitutive laws based on crystallographic texture and uniaxial stress-strain data.
• Predicting the evolution of the yield surface in multi-axial tensile space for real specimens.
• Validating computed models by comparing predictions with experimental measurements.

The validated models will enable U.S. automakers to incorporate advanced lightweighting materials with varying crystallographic textures into vehicle components without incurring high costs from die tryouts or new model development.

Keywords

Auto industry, Lightweighting materials, Finite elements, Crystal plasticity modeling, Constitutive models, Yield surface, Crystallographic texture.

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Due Dates

• February 1, 2025 (NIST February Review)
• May 1, 2025 (RAP opportunity at NIST)
• August 1, 2025 (NIST August Review)

Note: If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to the next business day.

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Funding Amount

• Base stipend: $82,764 per year
• Travel allowance: $3,000 annually
• Typical appointment duration: 2 years

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Eligibility

• Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens only.
• Education: Applicants must have earned a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or an equivalent research doctorate before beginning tenure.
• Career stage: Open to postdoctoral applicants who have held their doctorate for less than five years as of the application deadline.
• Prior affiliation: Applicants with current or recent prior affiliation with NIST (e.g., current employment or previous NIST postdoctoral fellowship) may be ineligible.
• Applicants must contact the proposed NIST Research Adviser before applying.

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Application Process

Steps to Apply

1. Review eligibility on the NRC RAP website and confirm with NIST if uncertain.
2. Identify the Research Opportunity (Opportunity number: 50.64.21.B8037).
3. Contact the Research Adviser (Dilip Kumar Banerjee, dilip.banerjee@nist.gov, 301-975-3538) to discuss research interests and funding availability.
4. Prepare application materials including:
   • Research proposal (max 10 pages) with sections on problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance.
   • Curriculum vitae and transcripts (postdoctoral applicants must upload transcripts from all post-secondary institutions).
   • Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser).
5. Register and submit application via the NRC RAP online portal: Apply Now.
6. Notify letter writers to upload their letters by the application deadline.

Application Requirements

• Research proposal must be original, innovative, and feasible within 2-3 years.
• Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers via the online system by the deadline.
• Applicants must ensure all materials are complete and submitted before the deadline.

Review Process

• Applications are reviewed by expert panels in engineering and materials science.
• The proposed Research Adviser and NIST program representatives review and endorse applications before panel review.
• Applicants are scored on academic record, research proposal quality, letters of recommendation, and relevance to NIST mission.
• Scores above 70 typically receive award recommendations.

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Additional Information

• Health insurance enrollment is required throughout the tenure.
• Relocation assistance is available for awardees moving more than 50 miles.
• Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance and fieldwork.
• Applicants who do not receive awards may reapply; those previously awarded must wait two years before applying again.
• The program encourages diversity and does not discriminate based on race, gender, or other protected categories.

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External Links

• NRC Research Associateship Programs Home
• NIST RAP Opportunity Details
• NRC RAP Applicant Guide (PDF)
• Visa Options for International Associates (PDF)

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Contact Information

For application questions and eligibility confirmation, contact the NRC RAP Program Office at rap@nas.edu.