G. Ravichandran
John E. Goode, Jr., Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
G. Ravichandran

Research

Fracture and Adhesion Mechanics of Heterogeneous Materials

Interface mechanical properties have a significant effect on adhesion and fracture properties of materials. The measurement of these interface properties is critical for optimization of heterogeneous materials, particularly in additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing.

Our approach includes study of additive manufacturing, material characterization, experimental methods, and imaging techniques

High Pressure and High Strain Rate Behavior of Materials

Strength of materials at high-pressures and high-strain-rates is relevant to a number of applications including planetary impact and inertial confinement fusion. Understanding how strength depends on pressure allows for the characterization of materials and validation of constitutive models.

Our approach includes study of shear resistance of glass, melting and solidification, shock compression of metals, dynamic strength and hydrodynamic instabilities of various materials.

Mechanical Characterization of Cells and Biomaterials

Living materials can naturally perform functions which solve many interesting engineering challenges, such as repairing a material after damage, preventing material fatigue, actively responding to environmental stimuli like heat and light, and even degrading harmful chemicals. The inherent complexity in taking measurements and making predictions about the mechanical behavior of a living material is a substantial barrier to using them in applications, and to a deeper biological understanding of the way living cells behave.

Our approach includes the study of soft materials characterization, experimental methods such as AFM indentation, and imaging techniques.