Research in the Mechanics and Materials Unit is focused on the formulation and analysis of mathematical models for novel systems in the mechanical and material sciences. To derive physically sound models, we rely on the principles of statistical and continuum mechanics and thermodynamics. To extract insight from our models, we use tools from differential and algebraic geometry, asymptotic analysis, bifurcation theory, and scientific computing. We also design and perform experiments to test predictions from, and guide improvements to, our theories.
