Ultrasonics Group Research Programs

The research of the ultrasonics group is primarily supported by funds from NSF and DoE/NNSA.

• High pressure generation using large volume and diamond anvil high pressure apparatus (MA-6, MA-8, DAC)

• Ultrasonic measurements and novel data analyses for the study of solids and liquids at high pressure

• X-ray diffraction and X-ray imaging for the study of structure, phase equilibrium, equation of state

• Electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity measurements at high pressure and high temperature

• First principles calculations (DFT, MD) using MS/CASTEP, VASP and WIEN2k.

Some specific research themes include: 

• Linear/non-linear elasticity of materials

• Acoustic velocities at high P and T

• Physical properties of critical minerals at extreme conditions

• Phase transformations and structural variations

• Material stiffening/softening across phase transformations

• Thermoelastic properties/Equation of state for solids and liquids

• DFT calculation of 2nd and 3rd order elastic constants 

• Mantle and core compositions of the Earth and other planets

• Strength/Mechanical properties metals and alloys at extreme conditions