Mechanics of Materials and Structures

The Mechanics of Materials and Structures (MOMS) program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through its Directorate for Engineering (ENG) and Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (ENG/CMMI), supports fundamental research into the behavior of deformable solid materials and structures. The program aims to advance the understanding of how materials and structural systems behave under internal and external actions through experimental, theoretical, and computational methodologies. As a core program of the NSF, MOMS plays a pivotal role in fostering innovative research that deepens foundational mechanics knowledge while promoting transformative breakthroughs in material and structural sciences. MOMS welcomes proposals that address diverse aspects of material response, including deformation, fracture, fatigue, contact, and friction. Proposals may also explore structural response, emphasizing phenomena such as nonlinear deformation, instability and collapse, and wave propagation. The program is particularly interested in projects that investigate the interface between materials and structural mechanics, including cutting-edge work on meta-materials, hierarchical and micro-architectured materials, and low-dimensional materials. Research that bridges multiple scales or considers multiphysics effects is also encouraged. The program supports projects that utilize or develop advanced computational methods, such as reduced-order modeling, data-driven approaches, and stochastic techniques—provided these are strongly validated. Additionally, projects that involve data analytics to extract meaningful mechanical behaviors from large experimental or computational datasets are encouraged. Similarly, the MOMS program welcomes research into novel experimental techniques, especially those capable of capturing deformation and failure across extreme ranges of material behavior and loading conditions. To maintain program relevance and alignment, proposers are encouraged to consult with program directors by submitting a one-page project summary to [email protected] prior to full proposal submission. This step allows researchers to determine the appropriateness of their proposal for the MOMS program. Notably, proposals primarily focused on civil infrastructure systems should be submitted to the Structural and Architectural Engineering Materials (SAEM) program, while those centered on processing or performance enhancement should be directed to the Materials Engineering and Processing (MEP) program. Other related programs include the Design of Engineering Material Systems (DEMS) and the Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer Our Future (DMREF) initiative. There are no fixed deadlines for submission to the MOMS program, as full proposals are accepted at any time through Research.gov or Grants.gov. Proposals must adhere to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) applicable at the time of submission. The program does not require pre-application steps such as Letters of Intent or Concept Papers, though proactive engagement with program staff is recommended. Proposals submitted under other NSF funding mechanisms, such as EAGER or RAPID, are accepted but require prior contact with the program director. The program is recurring with no specific cycle dates; however, researchers should monitor NSF communications for updates or changes. Contacts for the program include Siddiq Qidwai and Kiran Solanki, both of whom can be reached via [email protected] or the phone numbers listed on the NSF program webpage. As a federal research program, MOMS provides funding on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis, guided by NSF's mission to promote the progress of science and national welfare.