Active Area I: Soft Functional Composites

Soft functional composites consist of a compliant matrix with one or more functional filling materials, e.g. nano-, metallic, and ceramic fillers. In particular, we are extremely interested in liquid metal materials. ​The targeting mechano-physical properties are broad, e.g. mechanical, thermal, and electrical functionalities. These materials are widely used in traditional and emerging electronics, sensing and actuation, soft robotics, smart materials and equipment, etc. Our research focuses on two aims.
  1. Design and fabrication of new micro-architectures
  2. Multiscale-multiphysics modeling of mechano-physical properties
Picture
Liquid metal materials with various architectures

Active Area II:  Constitutive Theory for AI

AI-based constitutive modeling integrates artificial intelligence with traditional continuum mechanics theory to predict the behavior of materials under various conditions. Existing approaches include data-based or symbolic-based constitutive modeling. This is a rapidly growing field with critical needs to develop the theoretical foundation. In collaboration with AI researchers, we endeavor to develop constitutive theory enabling AI-based modeling. Our current research efforts include:
  1. New representation theory of tensor functions for AI usage
  2. AI modeling for soft functional materials

Past Area:  Architected Materials

Architected materials achieve novel or unusual properties from the designed structures rather than the composition. Typical architected materials include lattice materials, metamaterials, hybrid composites, origami, etc.  We are interested in discovering new types of architected materials and uncovering their fundamental mechanical behaviors. Previous efforts have been focused on biomimetic composites, novel lattice materials, and symmetry theory of metamaterials. 

Facility

Picture6-axis 3D printer with synchronized motion, built by Jessie, Jay, Zihan and 4 senior students.
Manufacturing
  • In-house built 3D printers
    • 6-axis 3D printer for conformal printing
    • Mini LCD printer with 1 inch resin vat
  • ​Metal printers (EOS M290, Markforged Metal X)
  • Polymer printers (Objet 30, Flashforge Hunter, Ultimaker)
  • Electrospinning system, near field (10kV) and far field (30 kV)
  • Fume hood, vacuum furnace, hot plates, hot press
  • Multiple mixers (vertex, mechanical, centrifugal) 
  • Ultrasonicator (bath, probe)
  • Spin coater
  • Freeze dryer
Characterization
  • Load frame: Shimadzu (100 kN), MTS (5 kN), Micro tester (5 N - 4.5 kN)
  • Environment chamber
  • Digital multimeter (Keithley 2110)
  • FLIR IR camera
  • DMA, TMA, DSC
  • micro-CT
Software
  • ABAQUS,  ANSYS
  • nTopology, Rhino, Creo
Besides these equipment, we have access to a lot of experimental facilities at Watson College,  ADL, etc. 

Shared Code

​ABAQUS scripts and subroutines

Sponsors