CMSSM faculty members Tom Hughes and Rui Huang have received an NSF grant for the project Computational Methods for Large Deformation and Multiphysics in Soft Materials Using Immersed Isogeometric Analysis. The project will develop a thermodynamically consistent computational framework for modeling the coupled mechanical, chemical, and electrical behavior of soft polymer materials, including hydrogels, elastomers, and polyelectrolyte gels.
The research will introduce new immersed isogeometric methods using smooth, high-order basis functions to address the computational challenges associated with strongly coupled multiphysics systems undergoing large deformations. The resulting methods will enable more predictive modeling and design of soft active materials. Congratulations to Tom and Rui on the award.