Our research has several thrusts:
- Characterizing microstructure and deformation mechanisms of geomaterials and structural materials (concrete, metallic lattices, etc.) with in-situ measurements, often using X-rays imaging and diffraction.
- Studying material impact physics and cratering across time and length scales.
- Developing and using mesoscale modeling to complement experimental measurements.
A brief description of each thrust is provided below. See Publications for more detail.
1. Characterizing microstructure and deformation mechanisms with in-situ measurements
We use multi-modal X-ray measurements (tomography, near-field, far-field, and point-focused high energy diffraction microscopy) to study microstructure and deformation mechanisms in granular materials, rocks, concrete, and lattice materials. We are driven by a deep interest in understanding how macroscopic behaviors arise from microscopic processes such as grain breakage, energy dissipation, fracture, and rearrangements.
This work has been funded by the DTRA, NSF (CBET, CMMI), DOE (BES), and JHU (Catalyst Award).
2. Studying impact physics and cratering across time and length scales
We use and develop new techniques and facilities to study the physics that govern the impact response of geologic and engineered materials across time and length scales. We are interested in the connection between microscopic processes and macroscopic phenomena (penetration depth, cratering, ejecta) that help us build a deeper understanding of governing physics and help us develop numerical and constitutive models. We employ multi-modal laboratory-based measurements such as rapid X-ray imaging, high-speed imaging, and laser-sheet ejecta tracking.
This work has been funded by the ARL, AFOSR, and DTRA.
3. Mesoscale “digital twin” modeling
We have developed digital twins for concrete, granular materials, rock, and engineered lattice materials to study mechanical or physical processes that cannot be directly measured on time scales of interest. We also address fundamental questions in this domain such as “what is needed in a digital twin to reproduce physics of interest?”
This work has been funded by NSF (CMMI), AFOSR, DOE/NNSA, DOE (BES).