History Of CIMSS

In the late 1980s, Virginia Tech researchers became intrigued by a relatively new but dynamic technology with the potential to revolutionize both industry and research called "smart materials".  Currently, this revolution is in full swing, a triumph due in large part to the Center for Intelligent Material Systems and Structures: CIMSS.

CIMSS proudly emerged to its current leadership position from relatively humble beginnings.  Originally established in 1989 as the Smart Materials and Structures Laboratory, CIMSS began as a small project in Virginia Tech's Mechanical Engineering Department.  By 1991 the Lab had outgrown its allotted space and moved into an off campus facility.  In 1997 CIMSS was combined with the Mechanical Systems Laboratory, received a new director and moved into its present 6000 square foot location in the newly constructed Durham Hall in the campus engineering complex.

For over a decade, CIMSS has garnered an impressive track as a leader in the field of "smart" structures and materials.  CIMSS has enjoyed sponsorship and interaction with a variety of companies (Honeywell, UTRC, Raytheon, DamilerCrysler, Lear Corporation, Westvaco, Xinetics, CSA Engineering, Beckey Designs) as well as the traditional granting agencies (the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Laboratories, the Army Research Office, Los Alamos National Laboratories, the Air Force Research Labs, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).  CIMSS routinely provides guidance on applications of smart materials.  We regularly advise industry on important technology issues like the development of new systems and their impact on daily business.  Perhaps most importantly, we actively assist industries in the discovery, comprehension, refinement, implementation of novel scientific applications of intelligent material systems and structures.

However, CIMSS is foremost an education center.  Our primary goal is to facilitate research and educational opportunity in science and engineering.  Students and faculty work closely together at CIMSS in meaningful, enriching ways.  In addition, we provide short courses and databases for smart materials and structures.