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Solid Mechanics
Solid Mechanics broadly encompasses the study of solid materials and structures and their behavior under mechanical loading, deformation, and failure. In this context, researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering consider a wide range of solid materials including biomaterials, polymer composites, and nanocomposites, as well as classical engineering materials such as steels.
Our faculty members study solid materials using analytical and numerical modeling techniques as well as experimental investigations. Testing of materials and structures, and the observation of their behavior is the foundation of solid mechanics research. As such, state-of-the-art equipment for the fabrication of material samples, and testing and characterization thereof is available in the Department and affiliated organizations.
The expertise in experimental research is matched by outstanding theoretical work involving subjects such as material and structure modeling and simulation in the fields of elasticity, failure mechanisms, fracture mechanics, and adhesion science. Applied research in conjunction with collaborators in industry, medicine, and public service is an integral part of solid mechanics research in our Department, providing immediate value to society. The significance and impact of our faculty members in the field of solid mechanics is expressed by high-quality scientific publications, outstanding graduate student researchers, and awards bestowed upon researchers by national and international organizations.