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Combine scientific supercomputing with concurrent multi-scale modeling to bridge length and time scales: from the subatomic to the macroscopic.

Our understanding of the connection between microscopic physical phenomena and the macroscopic mechanical behavior of engineering materials has grown significantly over the past several decades. As this link continues to strengthen, we are bound to reach a point where the paradigm of structural engineering will shift to the analysis and optimization of design at all length scales. This shift in the design paradigm is more than a mere desire. It is required to solve many of society's most challenging problems. Our research is aimed at understanding the connection between microscopic physical phenomena and the macroscopic deformation and failure of engineering materials by coupling cutting-edge computing technologies with state-of-the-art simulation techniques. Within this theme, current research efforts involve: (1) the use of atomistic and discrete dislocation modeling to better understand the mechanisms that control the failure of structural materials, (2) the use of micromechanical continuum finite element modeling to uncover the connections between nano-scale mechanical processes and macroscopic behavior, and (3) the advancement of the methods that make such studies possible.

  • Recent News [show all]

    • 01/12
      We are starting a new project sponsored by the Navy aimed at characterizing stiffness degredation in high performance welded aluminum structures
    • 01/12
      Linh's paper entitled "Improbability of Void Growth in Aluminum via Dislocation Nucleation under Typical Laboratory Conditions" was published in Physical Review Letters
    • 01/12
      Kris's work on "Simulating Dynamic Fragmentation Processes with Particles and Elements" was accepted for publication in Engineering Fracture Mechanics
    • 09/11
      We are starting a new project sponsored by the Air Force aimed at illuminating the role of impurities in the fracture process in SiC
  • Current Focus Areas

    • Atomistic reaction rate predictions of deformation and failure processes
    • Extended time scale atomistic simulations of crack-tip processes
    • Development and application of a coupled multiscale Density Functional Theory - Discrete Dislocation Dynamics simulation framework
    • Modeling of dynamic fragmentation events
    • Application of 3D finite element modeling to problems involving large deformations and remeshing