IMMPACTLABORATORY · VIRGINIA TECH
RESEARCH / SCIENCE ACROSS SCALES

From intelligence
to impact.

Scientific AI, mechanics, and materials meet in our research on predictive engineering and advanced manufacturing.

01 / AGENTIC AI

Agentic AI for Advanced Manufacturing

We develop agentic AI frameworks that connect reasoning, planning, and engineering simulation for advanced manufacturing. By bringing physics-based models and computational tools into coordinated workflows, we aim to support autonomous exploration of process conditions, informed decision-making, and adaptive manufacturing.

Interpolating neural networks: training, solving, and calibration.
Interpolating neural networks: training, solving, and calibration.
02 / SCIENTIFIC AI

Mechanistic computational intelligence for foundation models

We develop separable neural architectures that bring training, solving, and calibration into one computational framework. This work builds on HiDeNN and interpolating neural networks, linking machine learning with engineering simulation.

KHRONOS: a demonstration of real-time inverse control.
KHRONOS: a demonstration of real-time inverse control.
03 / MANUFACTURING CONTROL

Real-time inverse control of additive manufacturing

KHRONOS explores manufacturing pathways that achieve a desired material response. The architecture supports real-time inverse control without retraining or calibration.

JANUS: inverse design of target microstructures.
JANUS: inverse design of target microstructures.
04 / INVERSE DESIGN

Designing the microstructure

JANUS uses a deterministic neural architecture to generate target microstructures from physics-informed criteria. We study the process–structure–property relationships behind 3D-printed alloys.

Simulation of manufacturing under reduced gravity.
Simulation of manufacturing under reduced gravity.
05 / BEYOND EARTH

The physics of manufacturing in space

We study how molten flow and microstructure interact during welding in microgravity. Fundamental models help reveal the physics needed for reliable manufacturing beyond Earth.

Nanoscale material behavior under Earth, Martian, lunar, and microgravity conditions.
Nanoscale material behavior under Earth, Martian, lunar, and microgravity conditions.
06 / MATERIALS PHYSICS

Understanding materials at the nanoscale

Molecular dynamics, density functional theory, cellular automata, and scientific machine learning help us understand deformation mechanisms and connect terrestrial and extraterrestrial materials applications.

Aerospace structural simulation and design.
Aerospace structural simulation and design.
07 / AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

Inverse design in high-dimensional space

Multi-fidelity surrogates capture full-field physics across high-dimensional design spaces. We apply these tools to inverse design for next-generation wing structures.

Additive friction stir deposition simulation.
08 / ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

Additive friction stir deposition

Working with industry, we develop high-fidelity digital twins for additive friction stir deposition. These models aim to predict defects and improve the reliability and affordability of large aerospace components.

TOOLS FOR DISCOVERY

Research facilities

SLM 280.2 laser powder-bed fusion
SLM 280.2 laser powder-bed fusion
MELD L3 additive friction stir deposition
MELD L3 additive friction stir deposition
Nanoscale Characterization and Fabrication Laboratory
Nanoscale Characterization and Fabrication Laboratory
Virginia Tech Advanced Research Computing
Virginia Tech Advanced Research Computing

Local GPU workstations

Three Dell Precision 3680-class workstations with Intel Core i9-14900 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPUs with 24 GB GPU memory support data processing, simulation, visualization, and machine-learning development.

Phillips Haas–Meltio VF3

Access in collaboration with Prof. Rao to a five-axis hybrid laser-wire directed energy deposition system with dual-wire feed, a 1.2 kW laser, and open controls for feedback-control research.

Bambu Lab H2D printers

At least three machines are available across the lab and VT-MADE center. Integrated cameras and sensor monitoring support manufacturing experiments and hands-on student training.

Nikon VOXLS 40 C 450 X-ray CT

Dual-source, dual-detector computed tomography with resolution down to 10 micrometers and Volume Graphics analysis tools for evaluating additive-manufacturing defects.

eXpert 9313 fatigue tester

A 1 kN rotating-beam fatigue tester with servo-controlled bending moment, operation up to 6,000 RPM, and an elevated-temperature option supports high-cycle fatigue characterization.

Aerospace Structures and Materials Laboratory

Shared access to mechanical and impact testing, microscopy, digital image correlation, thermal imaging, real-time control, and data-acquisition systems supports materials and structures research.

Virginia Tech Advanced Manufacturing Center (VT-MADE)

IMMPACT Lab is a member laboratory, and Dr. Saha is affiliated faculty. Center resources include additive and hybrid manufacturing systems across metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, plus the Learning Factory for hands-on education.

RECOGNITION

NIST AM Bench 2022

Our group received awards in five major categories of the NIST Additive Manufacturing Benchmark Challenge.

Watch our research talks ↗

Our sponsors

Sponsors: National Science Foundation, Naval Air Systems Command, IAI, MELD Manufacturing, and Virginia Tech Foundation.