BYU Mentored Research Grant Proposal: Multi-Material 3D-Printed Tensegrity Structures

Bayesian Optimization of Multi-Material 3D-Printed Tensegrity Structures for Energy Absorption

BYU Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering — Mentored Research Grant Proposal

Overview

• PI: Jeffrey R. Hill, Mechanical Engineering
• Co-PI: Sterling G. Baird, Mechanical Engineering
• Duration: 2 years
• Budget: $25,000
• Students: 2–3 undergraduates + 1 graduate co-mentor
• Focus: Undergraduate mentored research

This proposal develops a multifidelity Bayesian optimization framework to design multi-material 3D-printed tensegrity structures (PLA struts + TPU tension elements) optimized for energy absorption. Undergraduate students fabricate and experimentally validate optimized designs through compaction tests, drop tests, and wave propagation measurements.

Repository Structure

├── proposal.tex              # Main LaTeX document
├── references.bib            # BibTeX bibliography
├── sections/
│   ├── coverpage.tex         # MRG cover page (abstract, budget table, external funding)
│   ├── budget.tex            # Budget table and justification
│   └── biosketch.tex         # PI and Co-PI biographical sketches
├── Makefile                  # Build commands
├── .gitignore
└── README.md

Building the Proposal

Requires a LaTeX distribution (e.g., TeX Live, MiKTeX) with pdflatex and bibtex.

# Using Make
make

# Or manually
pdflatex proposal
bibtex proposal
pdflatex proposal
pdflatex proposal

Proposal Structure (≤5 pages + cover page, references, bio sketches)

• Cover Page — Title, PI/Co-PI, abstract, student counts, budget summary, relationship to external funding
• Research Motivation & Overview — Multi-material 3D-printed tensegrity + multifidelity BO
• Background — Tensegrity structures, Bayesian optimization, Mo et al. (2023) multifidelity framework
• Student Research Project 1 — Simulation & Bayesian optimization
• Student Research Project 2 — Fabrication, CAD, & experimental testing
• Mentoring Environment — Weekly meetings, graduate co-mentor, peer mentoring, progressive responsibility
• Expected Research Outcomes — UCUR, ASME IDETC, journal submission, NSF proposal
• Potential Impact — Protective equipment, packaging, aerospace applications
• Timeline — 4-semester project plan
• Budget — $25k (undergraduate wages, graduate wages, supplies, travel, other)
• References — (does not count toward page limit)
• Bio Sketches — Hill & Baird (does not count toward page limit)

TODO

• Add figures (tensegrity schematic, BO loop diagram, test setup)
• Finalize PI/Co-PI bio sketch details (specific publications, appointments)
• Get feedback from co-PI / collaborators