Materials Science & Solid Mechanics
Research in Materials Science and Solid Mechanics at SMU Lyle encompasses a broad range of areas from the design of engineering materials and structures for extreme loading and environmental conditions to the characterization of these materials/structures using novel experimental techniques and computational algorithms. It also focuses on the design and fabrication of new materials for energy-related applications.
Current active research areas include:
Materials and Structures under Extreme Environment
Faculty Contacts: X. Nie, W. Tong, A. Salehi-Khojin
Advanced materials and structures are extensively used in aerospace applications challenged by harsh and hostile environments such as high temperature, high pressure, high-intensity mechanical loading, chemical erosion, etc.
Our team works on both the development of new multi-functional resilient materials including high-entropy alloy structures capable of defeating such aggression, and the novel diagnostic techniques for more accurate characterization of material/structural response under these conditions.
Experimental and Computational Mechanics
Faculty Contacts: X.-L. Gao, X. Nie, W. Tong, Y. Hurmuzlu
Our efforts are invested in multi-scale materials modeling, high-order continuum theories, non-destructive evaluation with X-ray CT technology, and cutting-edge digital image correlation (DIC) techniques.
Finite element analysis and advanced experimental techniques are also employed for studying the mechanical response of high-strength alloys, biological tissues, high-performance cementitious composites, and other advanced materials and structures.
Energy Materials
Faculty Contacts: A. Salehi-Khojin, D. Wang
Our research on the development and optimization of advanced energy materials addresses the critical challenges of energy storage, conversion, and sustainability. We explore novel materials to enhance the energy density, lifespan, and safety of rechargeable solid-state batteries. We develop catalysts, materials, and membranes for fuel cells, CO2 capture and conversion, and other energy conversion systems.
We create engineering materials that not only improve the efficiency and durability of these energy systems but are also environmentally friendly and sustainable using earth-abundant elements.
