Watch how Duke engineers are developing an artificial intelligence to better predict the behavior of porous materials — and enjoy some satisfying clips of things getting crushed in the process.

Dear Colleagues,

Artificial intelligence is a hot conversation topic everywhere you look nowadays. Some praise its potential to make work easier, while others voice concerns about it replacing human expertise. 

The fields of mechanical engineering and materials science are no strangers to AI's growing impact. But in recent work done by members of our department, AI is more of a partner than a replacement — allowing humans to study and develop important materials in ways and at speeds never before possible.  

From developing sustainable next-generation batteries to designing custom-fitted bone implants, so many fields and industries rely on innovative material design, testing, and discovery. Read on to see how MEMS engineers are working with AI to unlock new insights into the materials that shape our society. 

Christine Payne, PhD
Donald M. Alstadt Chair of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Yoh Family Professor

Check out how Duke engineers combined the powers of AI, 3D-printing, and microCT scanning to crack the code behind predicting how porous materials behave under stress. 

Find out how Duke’s AI for Materials (aiM) program is training the next generation of engineers to discover new materials in the fields of medicine, energy, and beyond. 

"As I progressed through the program, I recognized how essential AI and data science are becoming in the field of materials design and discovery."

—JACOB PELOQUIN

on his experience as a PhD student in the
Artificial Intelligence for Materials (aiM) program 

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