Materials Search Using ML for Radiation Shielding and Strength
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods in material science fail to systematically optimize materials for both mechanical properties and radiation shielding, neglecting the chemical composition and requiring computationally expensive techniques, and do not effectively address the full spectrum of radiation, including primary and secondary radiation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using evolutionary and machine learning techniques to optimize materials by linking chemical composition with radiation shielding and structural properties, employing multi-objective optimization and training models to generate layered structures that address both primary and secondary radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If computational methods are used to predict material properties, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to reliance on incomplete databases and approximations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple computational methods (evolutionary algorithms, machine learning, crystal structure prediction) into an integrated material search system. This merging allows the system to leverage the strengths of each method while compensating for their individual weaknesses, improving both productivity and measurement precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal material search system that can predict multiple material properties (mechanical, radiation shielding, thermal) using a single integrated platform. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate databases and methods for each property type, improving efficiency while maintaining accuracy through cross-validation.
2Manufacturing precision
If crystal structure prediction methods are used, then manufacturing precision is improved for crystal materials, but adaptability deteriorates because engineering materials are typically not pure crystals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the material representation from strict crystal structure parameters to compositional parameters (elemental composition, stoichiometry) that can describe both crystalline and non-crystalline materials. This parameter change enables the system to maintain manufacturing precision for crystals while gaining adaptability to amorphous materials, polymers, and composite materials used in engineering applications.
3Strength
If state-of-the-art mechanical properties prediction methods (FEA, CH) are used, then strength is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to computational expense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using simplified mechanical properties prediction models for initial material screening, then applying full FEA or CH only to selected candidates. This hierarchical approach maintains high strength prediction accuracy for final selections while dramatically improving overall productivity by avoiding exhaustive computational analysis of all candidate materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary mechanical properties assessment using computationally efficient methods before committing to expensive FEA or CH simulations. This preliminary action filters out inadequate candidates early in the design process, ensuring that high-accuracy methods are applied only when necessary, thus balancing strength prediction with productivity.
4Reliability
If empirical methods are used to design radiation shields, then reliability is improved for specific applications, but adaptability deteriorates as they only consider one radiation shielding parameter at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms radiation shield design from single-parameter empirical optimization to multi-parameter systematic optimization. By changing the design parameters to include multiple radiation shielding properties (stopping power, fragmentation cross-section, secondary radiation production) simultaneously, the system maintains reliability for specific applications while gaining adaptability to optimize for different radiation environments and mission requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material strategies by combining multiple elements and compounds in optimized ratios to achieve superior radiation shielding across multiple parameters. This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of stopping power, fragmentation resistance, and secondary radiation management, improving both reliability and adaptability compared to single-material empirical designs.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to the field of computer implemented or computer aided methods for systematic search (contrary to trial and error) for materials (material science, material informatics) in relation to structural/mechanical properties and preferably both radiation shielding and structural/mechanical properties.