Director

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) program provides industry, government, and research organizations the means to leverage research and development (R&D) investments with centers renowned for their innovative research capabilities.

The NSF IUCRC Smart Vehicle Concepts Center successfully launched in July 2007.  Phase II status was formally granted beginning July 1, 2012 and going to June 30, 2017. Phase III was formally granted effective August 1, 2017 to continue through 2022. Support comes through a grant by the National Science Foundation and through industry sponsorship. 

Current projects include the development of smart materials and devices for vehicle use.  This pre-competitive technology is shared among contributing members.

Learn more about the Center: 

• State of the Center (Spring 2023)
• SVC Project Quad Charts (Spring 2023)
• December 2022 Annual Newsletter
• IUCRC Agreement
• National Science Foundation - Fact Sheet on the SVC 

1. Conduct basic and applied research in advanced smart materials or devices for application to vehicle sub-systems and components
   • Focus on active material based composites, magnetostrictive materials, ferromagnetic shape memory alloys, new elastomeric elements, and magnetorheological (MR) fluid based devices 
   • Achieve force and motion control performance goals including superior dynamic behavior
2. Build an unmatched base of research, engineering education, and technology transfer
   • Improved automotive performance
   • Unprecedented safety improvements  
   • Enhanced vehicle efficiency
3. Develop a generation of well-trained engineers with an experimental viewpoint to complement theoretical understanding
   • Provide highly qualified researchers at the MS and PhD levels
   • Advanced industrial education (short courses, web based tutorials and conceptual demonstrations)

More details can be found on the National Science Foundation IUCRC website.