Particulate and Multiphase Processes

Description

The Particulate and Multiphase Processes program supports fundamental and applied research on mechanisms and phenomena governing particulate and multiphase processes, including granular and granular-fluid flows, particle/bubble/droplet interactions, aerosol science and technology, suspensions, micro- and nano-structured fluids, self- and directed-assembly of nanostructures involving particulates, and related instrumentation and diagnostics.  Innovative research is sought that contributes to improving the basic understanding, design, predictability, efficiency, and control of particulate and multiphase processes with particular emphasis on: new frontiers in nanotechnology, novel manufacturing techniques, nano-metrology, multiphase transport in biological systems, environmental sustainability, critical infrastructure systems, and complex engineering systems.  Collaborative and interdisciplinary proposals are encouraged; proposals that include a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches are more likely to receive funding than solely theoretically or experimentally oriented work.  Highly reviewed projects generally demonstrate a strong scientific basis together with clear practical applications.

Unsolicited proposals in the above and related areas are encouraged.  Investigators are also encouraged to find industrial partnerships and make GOALI submissions.

Current research focus areas include:

• Multiphase flow phenomena (particle/bubble/droplet dynamics), structured fluids (colloids, ferro-fluids), and self and directed assembly of particles into functional devices
• Granular and granular-fluid flows (flow and mixing of powders, effects of particle cohesion, fluidization, particle transport systems).  Note the Report of the IFPRI Powder Flow Working Group gives a helpful roadmap for future directions in this area
• Particle science and technology (aerosols, production of particles with engineered properties, assembly of particles into functional materials and devices, environmental issues, nanotoxicology)
• Multi-scale models of multiphase systems (emphasis on novel approaches connecting micro- and nano-scale phenomena and properties with process-level variables)
• Multiphase transport in biological systems (emphasis on applications of functionalized nanostructures in clinical diagnostics and therapeutics)

Available Funding

The duration of unsolicited awards is generally one to three years.  The average annual award size for the program is $100,000.  Small equipment proposals up to $100,000 will also be considered and may be submitted during these windows.  Any proposal received outside the announced dates will be returned without review.

Key Dates

Deadline: September 15, 2009  -  at 5:00 pm submitter's local time.

More Info + Submissions

Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Expires: September 15, 2009

Submissions for this opportunity are not handled by RI STAC or RI EPSCoR. Please follow the link below for more information on the opportunity and how to submit a response.

›› More Info  or  Submit a Response