External Awards Received
The Office of Research is pleased to announce and would like to congratulate our Dearborn faculty members on receipt of the following external funding:
Principal Investigator: Hugo Casquero
Project Title: Locking-free isogeometric discretizations of Reissner-Mindlin shells
Sponsor: Ansys, Inc.
Award Amount: $90,000
This project seeks to overcome shear and membrane locking in NURBS-based discretizations of Reissner-Mindlin shells. Among other engineering applications, this research can help to streamline the design-through-analysis cycle of automobiles and airplanes.
U-M Principal Investigator: Lei Chen
Project Title: HPC Simulation of Microstructure Evolution of Battery Electrode Drying Process
Direct Sponsor: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Total Sponsor Authorized Amount: $80,000
Electrode drying is the necessary step in battery cell manufacturing. One common industrial practice is to over dry the roll-to-roll coated electrode using multiple chambers to ensure solvent removal, which, however, results in higher energy consumption and lower throughput. In this project, we will work with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to develop a computational model to optimize the drying process parameters with reduced energy consumption.
U-M Principal Investigator: Lei Chen
Project Title: HPC Simulation of Microstructure Evolution of Battery Electrode Drying Process
Direct Sponsor: General Motors Company (U.S. Dept of Energy prime)
Total Sponsor Authorized Amount: $53,100
Electrode drying consumes the most energy (47%) in battery cell manufacturing. In this DOE project, we will work with General Motors and Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL) to develop a computational model to simulate the heat transfer and matter transport during the complex slurry drying process. Upon completion of the project, the drying process will be optimized with the minimum energy and cost, while maintaining desirable electronic and ionic transport properties of battery electrodes.
U-M Principal Investigator: Zhen Hu
Project Title: Intervention Optimization under Uncertainty of Locks in Inland Waterway Networks Informed by Asset Health Prognostics
Direct Sponsor: National Science Foundation
Total Sponsor Authorized Amount: $454,085
This project explores developing a new intervention optimization framework for navigation locks within inland waterway networks, which are critical civil infrastructure systems that are considered vital to the security and national economic security of the United States. Currently, lock maintenance and intervention scheduling decisions are made based on expert opinions and experiences, often leading to unnecessary closures and non-optimal solutions. The goal of this research is to create a systematic framework that uses advanced mathematical models and machine learning techniques to predict when lock failures are likely to occur. By using this information, repair, and maintenance scheduling decisions will be made at the system level for the entire waterway network to ensure that shipping routes remain operational and the long-term disruption costs are minimized. By extending the service life of these critical civil infrastructures, reducing disruptions to waterway transportation, and optimizing intervention scheduling, this project is expected to increase economic productivity, promote sustainability, and benefit the whole society. Moreover, this project will support STEM education through the development of educational materials and engagement with undergraduate and graduate students.
U-M Principal Investigator: Youngki Kim
Project Title: Development of a Framework for Optimal Calibration of Energy Management Strategies for HEVs
Direct Sponsor: Hyundai Motor Company
Total Sponsor Authorized Amount: $186,580
Energy management is crucial for Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) to optimize performance and efficiency, as they utilize both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, requiring a sophisticated control system for seamless coordination. HEVs operate in dynamic environments with varying traffic conditions, road gradients, and driver behaviors, necessitating the calibration of energy management systems at a supervisory level to consider factors like driving conditions, battery state of charge, and power demand. This precise calibration is essential for maximizing hybrid technology's potential, providing an optimal blend of performance, economy, and environmental sustainability. The objective of this research is to develop a framework for determining the optimal calibration of energy management strategies (EMS) for HEVs, considering varying driving conditions.
U-M Principal Investigator: Lei Chen
Project Title: Continuous ultrasonic welding to bond UCC foils onto Cu Wires
Direct Sponsor: General Motors Company (dba General Motors Holdings, LLC)
Prime Sponsor: Department of Energy
Total Sponsor Authorized Amount: $90,000
Many current traction motors in electric vehicles use bar wound stators to improve the machine fill factor. However, the bar wound leads to high skin effect which significantly increases the loss and limits the motor power density, speed, and torque capability. There is currently no existing material technology to overcome the skin effect and reduce the effective winding resistance. In this project, we will work with General Motors and Oak Ridge National Lab to develop and validate innovative ultra-conducting composites (UCC) for traction motor applications. We will develop a welding platform to bond the UCC to bar wounds to reduce the skin effect.
U-M Principal Investigator: John Chenoweth
Project Title: Fence Post-Hole Monitoring and Artifact Analysis
Direct Sponsor: City of Monroe
Total Sponsor Authorized Amount: $2,670
Often new development impacts buried archaeological resources, and this can destroy valuable data. Many times, archaeologists work with organizations doing construction to mitigate any potential damage. For this project, UM-Dearborn was hired to monitor the construction of a substantial fence near the Visitor's Center of River Raisin National Battlefield Park, in Monroe, MI. The River Raisin battles of 19 and 22 Jan. 1813, were some of the most consequential in the War of 1812, and yet the historical significance, social context, and long-term results of both the battles and the war are under-recognized. The biased contemporary narrative of the Battles of the River Raisin underwrote US-Native relations for a century and deserve clarification. Established in the 1780s by primarily French-speaking emigres from Detroit, the site is listed as having “national significance” on the National Register of Historic Places. Archaeological work by UM-Dearborn students working with John Chenoweth, an Anthropologist and Historical Archaeologist at UM-Dearborn, has been ongoing since 2019. In this project, Prof. Chenoweth and his students worked with those doing the construction to evaluate the finds coming out of the ground, determine their age, and study site formation processes, making sure that any archeological information that might have been lost was preserved to add to our knowledge about this important site. If you are interested in learning more, students can enroll in ANTH 410, the Archaeological Field School, and participate in this research project! Contact Prof. Chenoweth for information.
U-M Principal Investigator: Hong Tae Kang
Project Title: Fatigue Life Prediction of Welded Joints with Machine Learning Techniques
Direct Sponsor: Auto/Steel Partnership
Total Sponsor Authorized Amount: $30,495
Machine learning (ML) is a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) widely used for classification and regression tasks. Among the various techniques in ML, artificial neural networks (ANNs) and deep learning are the most well-known. This project aims to develop ML models to predict the fatigue life of welded joints in vehicle structures. Given that data is crucial for building these models, the project will focus on collecting fatigue test data for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), a primary manufacturing process in vehicle construction. After collecting, training, validating, and testing the data, the ML models will be able to predict the fatigue life of the welded joints.
The research objective is to develop a predictive model for fatigue life in GMAW using machine learning algorithms that consider all factors affecting the fatigue life of welded joints.
Announcements
REMINDER: NSF Requirements for Biosketch, Current & Pending Forms
The newest NSF PAPPG is in effect for all proposals submitted effective May 20 includes a requirement to use an updated version of both the Current & Pending Support form as well as the Biosketch form from the SciENcv tool. In addition, significant changes have been made to the biographical sketch required for all senior personnel. The biosketch will no longer include the section for “synergistic activities” and instead this will become a separate required document. Instructions for the new Synergistic Activities document are available in our shared folder of Standard NSF Proposal guides & templates resource for faculty. In addition, the 3-page limitation of the biographical sketch has been removed–there is no longer any page limitation for this section of the proposal.
NSF requires all biosketch and current & pending support documents for senior personnel to be prepared using SciENcv. SciENcv offers researchers the option to create a new Current & Pending form or Biosketch for proposals submitted after May 17, 2024. It will also allow you to migrate your data from the old form to the new form.
Resources for Using SciENcv
U-M Library Services has put together this guidance page to help you get started. You can also request a one-on-one Zoom session with Dearborn Office of Research staff to walk you through this process. Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae (SciENcv) is a researcher profile system for all individuals who apply for, receive or are associated with research investments from federal agencies.
Any researcher can register for SciENcv and create multiple biosketches, for different research projects or different funding agencies. You can find much more information about how to use SciENcv on their FAQs page. The central Office of Research and Sponsored Programs has recorded workshops available on how to create a biosketch in SciENcv specifically focused on NSF and NIH. These resources are available linked below:
- NSF Biosketch and SciENcv Webinar (July 2020)
- Slide Deck (MLibrary Presentation)
- NSF Biosketch Webinar Transcript
- How to Create Your NSF Biosketch in SciENcv Step-by-step (MLibrary Handout)
- NIH Biosketch and SciENcv Webinar (May 2020)
- Slide Deck (MLibrary Presentation)
- NIH Biosketch Webinar Transcript
- Biosketch and SciENcv Step-by-Step (MLibrary Handout)
If you have questions about SciENcv, need additional support, or would like to schedule one-on-one assistance with setting up your SciENcv profile and documents, please email our office at [email protected].
Research Events in August
- eRPM Proposal Prep and Unit Review - Aug. 13, 2024
- Instructor-led, hands-on training conducted by ITS. This session covers the process of preparing and submitting proposals using the eResearch Proposal Management (eRPM) system, including Grants.gov.
- Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024 (Virtual); 1-5 p.m.
- Register using link above
- Implementation Science Incubator Program (MICHR & CCMR): Dr. Nate Nessle - Aug. 16, 2024
- Hosted by MICHR and the VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), The Implementation Science Incubator Program will include sessions supporting Implementation Science grant proposals and guest speakers discussing both current projects and key topics in implementation science.
- The first session, featuring Dr. Nate Nessle, will be held on August 16th at 3pm at NCRC. Dr. Nessle will be presenting on his proposed early career development award to evaluate pre-implementation determinants for a pilot study using wearables to detect fever and reduce delays in antibiotic administration in children with cancer in Kenya.
- Building 16, Room 467C, NCRC at 3 p.m.
- Email [email protected] for questions.
Research Resource Highlight
Every month, the Office of Research features a resource and/or tool that is available for researchers.
This month we are featuring the Mardigian Library Faculty Research Guide. Visit the Guide webpage to access information on Data Management and Dissemination Plans and a link to the library DMP service, to find advice on where to publish your research and how to track citations, access citation tools and more!
The Office of Research and the Mardigian Library teams are actively working together to identify research-related needs and address them.
Upcoming Funding Opportunities
The NSF Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) program has an updated solicitation available online, with an application deadline of Oct. 9, 2024. The NSF ERI program supports new investigators as they initiate their research programs and advance in their careers as researchers, educators, and innovators.
The NIH Research Enhancement Award (R15) supports small-scale research projects at educational organizations that provide baccalaureate or advanced degrees for a significant number of the Nation’s research scientists but that have not been major recipients of NIH support. The goals of the R15 are to support meritorious research; expose students to research; and strengthen the research environment of the institution. Applications can be submitted to the upcoming Oct. 25, 2024 deadline.
The NIH Support for Research Excellence SuRE (R16) program supports research capacity building at eligible higher education institutions through funding investigator-initiated research in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences that falls in the NIH mission areas. It is currently accepting applications for its Sept. 27, 2024 deadline.
The U-M Arts Initiative Arts Research: Incubation & Acceleration (ARIA) program supports projects centered in the arts that ask creative questions and move toward new ideas and knowledges; invite new forms of collaboration and interaction both within and beyond the arts; and that imagine new approaches to problems and ideas in the arts and society. The next cycle of ARIA applications will open in Fall 2024 with Oct. 16, 2024, 5 p.m. deadline.
Use the updated U-M Research Commons to look up internal (to U-M) funding opportunities and Limited Submission opportunities open to Dearborn researchers.
Contact the UM-Dearborn Office of Research if you need support and/or more information about submitting a proposal to any of the programs.
