How do solid materials deform and fail?  Structural metallic alloys, high-temperature ceramics, polymers, composites, and carbon nanotubes are all characterized by a specific microstructure and specific deformation and failure mechanism. In manufacturing and service industries, these components are subjected to loads, heat, and chemically aggressive environments. The first challenge of solid mechanics is understanding microstructures and deformation/failure mechanisms operating over different length and time scales, from understanding atoms to the wing of an airplane.

After gaining a qualitative understanding of deformation and failure, the next challenge is dealing in the area of predictive models for manufacturing and service arises. Mathematical formulations give rise to computational models that are then used to simulate deformation and failure processes on different scales with variable resolution. The overall goal is to design new materials and new manufacturing processes and to improve the performance of existing components.

Topics in Solid Mechanics

• Plasticity of crystals and interfaces
• Micromechanics of granular materials
• Mechanics: Multiscale modeling, numerical analysis, plasticity, composites, materials instabilities, damage and fracture
• Dynamic response of materials and structures (experimental characterization, modeling, and simulation)
• Shock dynamics
• Thermo-mechanics

Faculty in Solid Mechanics