Dr. Xin (Jeffrey) Liu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at UTA and a researcher with the Institute for Predictive Performance Methodologies (IPPM) at UTARI, has been awarded a $750,000 NASA grant, dedicating to additively manufactured (AM) metamaterials that improve the safety of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). This project will pioneer energy-absorbing lattice materials, expand hands-on student training, and build regional partnerships that accelerate AAM technologies from lab to flight.
At the heart of the effort is a new class of adaptive, multi-stage energy-absorption metamaterials that can be tailored for landing structures to enhance survivability under extreme conditions while keeping aircraft lightweight. PI Dr. Liu will collaborate with Dr. Yiran (Emma) Yang in the Department of Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering department at UTA, Dr. Shiyao Lin and Dr. Robert Taylor in the MAE department at UTA, and Dr. Sameehan Joshi in the Materials Science and Engineering at University of North Texas for this highly interdisciplinary research. This project will integrate materials science, advanced manufacturing, computational mechanics, and structural design with a clear line of sight to the needs of the 3D-printed aircraft community.
“With NASA’s support, we’re unlocking the potential of advanced metamaterials that will make aircraft lighter, safer, and more efficient” said Dr. Xin Liu, principal investigator. “By coupling research breakthroughs with internships, workshops, and competitions, we’re growing the workforce and accelerating real-world impact for AAM.”
Why it matters: As cities prepare for next-generation air transport, safety, infrastructure, and vertiport operations demand materials that are both lightweight and high-performance. Dr. Liu’s team targets that need by delivering tailorable energy-dissipation mechanisms and a community-centered pathway to train the engineers who will design, manufacture, and test tomorrow’s aircraft structures.