ABSTRACT

National Science Foundation continues to support a number of research projects that generates fundamental knowledge for better understanding and utilization of high strength composites for infrastructures. The projects address a wide spectrum of subjects, including performance of composites at very low temperatures. The recently mandated broader impact component focuses on the dissemination of information and training of future work force including future researchers. A summary of the recently funded projects, typical achievements of the investigators and the future challenges are presented in this paper. The various funding avenues for Educational Institutions, Non-profit Organizations, and Industry are also discussed.

INTRODUCTION

Use of high strength composites in Infrastructures is growing at a rapid pace during the past 15 years. Even though the majority of the applications are for repair and retrofit, interest in using the composites for new construction is gaining momentum. A number of federal agencies such as Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development are supporting research to improve the understanding and increase the use of composites. In addition to the scientific aspects, NSF emphasizes the broader impact of the results. The impact could be to basic science, engineering profession, improvement of codes, improvement of the strength of the US industry, and education. Other unique aspects of NSF funding are: review process that provides valuable scientific input to the investigators for carrying out the research and the utilization of the results and willingness to support research without assurances for success. In fact NSF encourages risky research that will have a larger pay-off. The investigators are also free to change direction during the investigation. This paper provides a summary of research activities in the composites area and the various avenues that can be used to obtain funding.

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