Cited by 11Machine Learning in Materials ScienceThermodynamic and Structural Properties of Metals and AlloysMaterial Selection and Properties

Rapid and automated alloy design with graph neural network-powered large language model-driven multi-agent AI

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Ghafarollahi, Alireza, Buehler, Markus J.·2025·MRS Bulletin

Abstract

Abstract A multi-agent artificial intelligence (AI) model is developed to automate the discovery of new metallic alloys, integrating multimodal data and external knowledge, including insights from physics via atomistic simulations. The system consists of (a) large language models (LLMs) for tasks such as reasoning and planning, (b) AI agents with distinct roles collaborating dynamically, and (c) a newly developed graph neural network (GNN) model for rapid retrieval of physical properties. We chose the ternary NbMoTa body-centered-cubic alloy as our model system and developed the GNN to predict two fundamental materials properties: the Peierls barrier and the solute/screw dislocation interaction energy. Our GNN model efficiently predicts these properties, reducing reliance on costly brute-force calculations and alleviating the computational demands on the multi-agent system. By combining the predictive capabilities of GNNs with the collaborative intelligence of LLM-driven reasoning agents, the system autonomously explores vast alloy design spaces, identifies trends in atomic-scale properties, and predicts macroscale mechanical strength, as demonstrated by several computational experiments. This synergistic approach accelerates the discovery of advanced alloys and holds promise for broader applications in other complex systems, marking a step forward in automated materials discovery and design. Impact statement Traditional deep learning models, such as graph neural networks and convolutional neural networks, operate within the confines of their training data sets, making single-step inferences for regression or classification. Our work introduces a multi-agent strategy that transcends these limitations by integrating deep learning with reasoning and decision-making capabilities. This intelligent system actively interprets results, determines subsequent actions, and iteratively refines predictions, accelerating the materials design process. We demonstrate its effectiveness in exploring the vast compositional space of a ternary alloy, where the model dynamically solicits data, analyzes trends, generates visualizations, and derives insights into materials behavior. By enabling accurate predictions of key alloy characteristics, our approach advances the discovery of novel metallic systems and underscores the critical role of solid-solution alloying. More broadly, it represents a major step toward integrating artificial intelligence with scientific reasoning, moving closer to artificial general intelligence in engineering. This paradigm shift has profound implications for materials science, enabling more efficient, autonomous, and intelligent exploration of complex materials spaces. Graphical Abstract

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Authors
Ghafarollahi, A., & Buehler, M. J.
Affiliations
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US)
Corresponding author
Buehler, Markus J.
Venue
MRS Bulletin
Published
2025-11
Volume
50
Issue
11
Pages
1309-1324
ISSN
  • 0883-7694 (ISSN-L)
  • 1938-1425
OpenAlex
W4415966790
Cited by
11
References
59
Citations by year
2026: 11
FWCI
2.33
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • MRS Bulletin (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DSpace@MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc)
Funders
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Materials Chemistry › Machine Learning in Materials Science
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Mechanical Engineering › Thermodynamic and Structural Properties of Metals and Alloys
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Materials Chemistry › Material Selection and Properties
Keywords
multi-agent AI, large language models, graph neural networks, materials discovery, body-centered cubic alloys, Peierls barrier, solid solution alloying, mechanical strength prediction, atomistic simulation, compositional space exploration

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