Micromechanics and Advanced Materials (MAMs) Lab

Welcome to MAMs Lab at University of Texas at El Paso!

Our research integrates theoretical, computational, and experimental solid mechanics to fundamentally understand and link microstructure with macroscopic behavior in advanced material systems. We investigate a broad range of aerospace-relevant materials, including fiber-reinforced composites, textiles, and architected metamaterials, with a focus on homogenization, progressive damage evolution, and multiscale failure mechanisms. A central theme of our work is understanding how microstructure defects, morphology, instabilities, and damage influence performance at the continuum.

To achieve this, we develop micromechanics-based modeling techniques, finite element methods, and advanced continuum theories, including micropolar elasticity and multiscale homogenization frameworks. Our experimental efforts involve in-situ micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), digital volume correlation (DVC), and full-field deformation measurements to directly visualize and quantify internal damage and deformation processes.

Applications of our work span additive manufacturing, the design of new classes of architected metamaterials, and deployable structures for space applications.