NASA’s 2040 Vision Roadmap Study: A Framework for Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME)

Over the last few decades, advances in high-performance computing, new materials characterization methods, and, more recently, an emphasis on integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) and additive manufacturing have been a catalyst for multiscale modeling and simulation-based design of materials and structures in the aerospace industry. While these advances have driven significant progress in the development of aerospace components and systems, that progress has been limited by persistent technology and infrastructure challenges that must be overcome to realize the full potential of integrated materials and systems design and simulation modeling throughout the supply chain. As a result, NASA’s Transformational Tools and Technology (TTT) Project sponsored an industry led study to define the potential 25-year future state required for integrated multiscale modeling of materials and systems (e.g., load-bearing structures) to accelerate the pace and reduce the expense of innovation in future aerospace and aeronautical systems. Herein the overall findings of this 2040 Vision study will be briefly reviewed, with an emphasis toward those applicable to ICME of composites. These findings for example include the 2040 vision state; the required interdependent core technical work areas defined as Key Elements (KE); associated critical gaps and actions to close those gaps; and major recommendations.