3D computational model of graphene reinforced polymer composites is developed and applied to the analysis of damage and fracture mechanisms in the composites. The graphene/polymer interface properties are determined using the inverse modeling approach. The effect of composite structure, in particular, of the aspect ratio, shape, clustering, orientation and volume fraction of graphene platelets on the
mechanical behavior and damage mechanisms of nanocomposites are studied in computational experiments.

We've recently published an open access journal paper that looks at the mechanics of sutures used to repair severed tendons. A homogenization strategy is used to derive effective elastic properties for tendon fibrils and intracellular matrix. We have found that regions of high stress correlate with the regions of cell death (necrosis) that are sometimes observed in patients.

If this is of interest, please feel free to view the paper here.

FACULTY POSITION

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA

JOB NUMBER JPF00380

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a tenure track faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor with a start date of July 1, 2015 or later. 

We have a number of open positions in our research group that are available immediately. Summary of the positions are provided below; however, for more information about our research group, please visit 

http://web.engr.oregonstate.edu/~isgorb/

Complex structures consisting of intertwined, nominally vertical carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are called turfs. Under uniform compression experiments, CNT turfs exhibit irreversible collective buckling of a layer preceded by reorientation of CNT segments. Experimentally observed independence of the buckling stress and the buckling wavelength on the turf width suggests the existence of an intrinsic material length.

PhD Positions in the area of computational mechanics are immediately available in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Oklahoma State University. 

Requirements:

The candidates must have already earned or should soon earn their M.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering or in a closely related field.

Strong background in numerical simulations, finite element analysis, and/or computational solid mechanics

Excellent programming skills and experience with high performance computing

It is with great sadness that we post this entry.  Ted Belytschko passed away early this morning, 15 September 2014.