Composite Materials

Taking advantage of the combined expertise of theoretical mechanics, computational mechanics, polymer chemistry and processing, and composite manufacturing, we aim to investigate multiscale, multiphysics phenomena and interface behavior in polymer composites, ceramic composites and nanocomposites, study fracture mechanics with contact and friction and mechanics in material processing and develop smart and scalable composite materials and structures.

Research Focus

Advanced computational approaches are developed by integrating efficient numerical methods with innovative modeling and analysis techniques to study, simulate, and optimize complex multiscale, multiphysics materials and systems. Our work spans a range of applications, focusing on understanding coupled physical phenomena and their interactions across length scales while enabling accurate, scalable analysis. Through this, we aim to create robust computational frameworks that support the design and optimization of next-generation materials and engineering systems.

We design, model, and develop scalable hybrid mixing systems to produce metal-matrix nanocomposite powders tailored for laser-based additive manufacturing. Our approach integrates multi-physics modeling with experimental prototyping, leveraging mechanisms such as ultrasonic cavitation and acoustic streaming to achieve enhanced particle dispersion and material uniformity. By combining simulation-driven design with iterative testing, we aim to optimize mixing performance and enable reliable scale-up for advanced manufacturing applications.

Modeling Manufacturing of Composite Structures (G. Li)

Carbon nanotube reinforced polymer composite (H. Zhao)

Processing of Nanocomposites (Choi)