Program Summary

We look to nature for models of vascular networks and examine their defining characteristics in meeting autonomic functionality. Taking our inspiration from these biological systems we then design optimal vascular networks that seamlessly integrate structural material design for multifunctional load-bearing composite systems. Our challenge is to synthetically reproduce these structures by developing material components to realize the desired functionality and fabrication methods that achieve viable and cost-effective structural materials. We employ a full compliment of experimental and analytical techniques to demonstrate material functionality, efficiency, and environmental stability.

As a result of these activities μVAC will produce self-generating and self-regulating materials that diagnose structural and environmental threats and neutralize them in an autonomic fashion.  Such materials will be self-diagnostic in the detection of structural damage and chemical attack.  They will self-heal when damage threatens their structural integrity.  By circulating coolants throughout the microvascular network they will self-cool in response to thermal loading. Microvascular structural materials are an untapped resource and provide a unique platform to achieve functionalities that have been previously unrecognized for synthetic material systems.