Computational Structural Mechanics
Our CSM research includes static and dynamic analyses of complex solid bodies using computational approaches such as finite volume, finite element, discrete element, and meshless methods. The focus of this group is on applications involving large strain, high strain rates, and strong shocks occurring in impact events. These applications include hypervelocity ballistic impact and blast simulations for defense and national security, composite body armor systems, vehicle crashworthiness, traumatic injury biomechanics, and sports mechanics. The development of novel algorithms and computational approaches to improve numerical solutions to these challenging problems has been the traditional concentration of this laboratory.
Examples of current research:
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Educational Objectives
The educational objectives of the materials engineering undergraduate program are the following:
- Graduates will be able to solve a wide range of materials engineering-related problems at the regional, national, and international levels.
- Graduates will advance and lead in materials engineering or related professional positions.
- Graduates will continue to develop intellectually and professionally and serve the materials engineering professional community and beyond.
- Graduates will apply sustainability principles to provide improved engineering solutions for society.
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Student Outcomes
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
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Program Criteria
- Curriculum
The curriculum must include topics that: - underlie the four major elements of the field: (i.e., structure, properties, processing, and performance) related to material systems, as appropriate to the program title;
- employ selection and design of materials, processes, or a combination of materials and processes; and
- apply experimental, statistical, and computational methods to materials problems.
- Faculty
- Program faculty expertise must encompass the four major elements of the field.
- Curriculum
Questions?
For more information, please reach out to David L. Littlefield, professor and Chairman of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, at