On June 28, 2020, according to the Associated Press, five universities in Louisiana received a US$20 million federal grant to design 3D printed complex alloys and polymer materials and establish sustainable development in Louisiana. Research and education programs.
The new Louisiana Materials Design Alliance includes Louisiana State University, Louisiana State Polytechnic University, Tulane University, Southern University and Lafayette University of Louisiana.
They said new materials are needed to produce metal and plastic products with fewer defects and longer life.
"This revolutionary work is at the forefront of science, engineering, and education. We are committed to linking research findings with industry in order to have an impact on reality." Associate Director of the Research Committee, a professor and professor at Louisiana State University (LSU) Alliance Project Director Michael Khonsari said.
The board of directors will coordinate the project, use advanced machine learning to study the characteristics of the new material, and test the response of the new material to pressure and heat during the 3D printing manufacturing process.
"Any trial and error in the laboratory will take days or even years. This is why machine learning is needed to determine which material to use and how to optimize it. In essence, LAMDA will develop a A material design framework guided by machine learning," Khonsari said.
Louisiana State University said in a press release that the grant will fund 14 new faculty members at these five universities.
In addition to research, the college will develop new courses and student-led research projects to increase Louisiana’s STEM staff.
This includes a summer training program to teach 3D printing methods and software to teachers at community colleges so that they can teach students.