National Science Foundation's Metals and Metallic Nanostructures (MMN) Program

The Metals and Metallic Nanostructures (MMN) Program supports fundamental research on the relationship between the structure and properties of metals and alloys. "Structure" is used in the broadest sense, encompassing length scales from the atomic to the macroscopic, including the nano, micro and mesoscales. Primary objectives are to foster the design of metallic materials with optimized and/or superior mechanical, functional and environmental behavior and prediction of their properties. The role of imperfections on properties is emphasized. Investigations will generally exploit the combined tools of experiment, advanced characterization methods, theory, computer simulation and modeling. Synthesis and processing can be a vital component of the nano and microstructure-property relationships, and in such cases are welcome additions to the research effort. The program aims to advance the materials science of metals and alloys through innovative research on a diverse array of topics, including phase transformations, equilibrium, non-equilibrium and far-from equilibrium crystal structures, thermodynamics, kinetics, diffusion, interfaces, oxidation, magnetic behavior, thermal transport and other phenomena influenced by imperfections. Yield strength, flow stress, creep, fatigue and fracture are structural-materials examples. Magnetic energy density, shape-memory strain and thermoelectric efficiency are examples in the realm of functional materials. The submission of proposals that combine or integrate these phenomena is encouraged.

See http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5351 for more information.