Prof. Yu’s to NASA PMC Community of Practice with details below.
Title: AI-Assisted Composites Modeling and Simulation
Abstract:
The inherently heterogeneous and anisotropic nature of composite materials necessitates sophisticated modeling to connect microscale complexity with macroscale performance. Despite advances like the Mechanics of Structure Genome (MSG), three core challenges persist: (1) high computational cost, (2) unknown microscale properties and physics, and (3) limited industrial adoption. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a transformative opportunity to overcome these barriers.
Non-generative AI enables surrogate modeling and physics inference. Trained on data from simulations or experiments, these models drastically cut computational costs while preserving accuracy—supporting efficient failure analysis of complex 3D microstructures. They also enable inference of unmeasurable constituent properties and data-driven learning of constitutive behavior, addressing the lack of experimental data.
Generative AI, such as large language models (LLMs), helps bridge the gap between academia and industry. At Purdue, we are developing CompositesAI (CompositesAI.com), an AI-powered Composites Expert System. It lowers the expertise barrier, automates simulation workflows, and integrates AI-generated insights with engineering tools, enabling broader adoption across industry. We also developed cdmHUB Community (community.cdmHUB.org) as an AI-Human interactive form for the global composites community to interact, share, and network.
Together, non-generative and generative AI form a unified solution for accelerating and democratizing composites modeling—paving the way for more efficient, accessible, and intelligent design and manufacturing processes.
Biosketch:
Dr. Wenbin Yu is the Milton Clauser Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University. He also serves as the Director for the Composites Design and Manufacturing HUB and the Chief Technology Officer of AnalySwift LLC. His areas of expertise include micromechanics and structural mechanics, with a focus on anisotropic and heterogeneous materials and structures. Dr. Yu has an extensive research portfolio, having authored one book and over 130 journal papers. He has also developed ten computer codes, widely used by tens of thousands across government labs, universities, and research institutes. Dr. Yu is a Fellow of both ASME and ASC and an Associate Fellow of AIAA. He chaired ASME Aerospace Division Executive Committee and AIAA Materials Technical Committee. He initiated and chaired the ASME SSDM conference. He is also the technical program chair for IMECE 2025. He received ASC Outstanding Researcher Award, ASME Boeing structures and materials award, ASEE Outstanding New Mechanics Educator Award, Georgia Tech Outstanding Young Engineering Alumni Award, JEC Innovation Award, among others.
