Interdisciplinary Research on Designing Engineering Material Systems: Results From a National Science Foundation Workshop

Abstract

We present the results from a workshop on interdisciplinary research on design of engineering material systems, sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The workshop was prompted by the need to foster a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration between the engineering design and materials communities. The workshop addressed the following: (i) conceptual barriers between materials and engineering design research communities; (ii) research questions that the interdisciplinary field of materials design should focus on; (iii) processes and metrics to be used to validate research activities and outcomes on materials design; and (iv) strategies to sustain and grow the interdisciplinary field. This contribution presents a summary of the state of the field—elicited through extensive guided discussions between representatives of both communities—and a snapshot of research activities that have emerged since the workshop. Based on the increasing level of sophistication of interdisciplinary research programs on design of materials it is apparent that the field is growing and has great potential to play a key role in a vibrant interdisciplinary materials innovation ecosystem. Sustaining such efforts will contribute significantly to the advancement of technologies that will impact many industries and will enhance society-wide health, security, and economic well-being.