We seek to understand, model, and predict the fracture mechanics and multi-physics behavior of various materials and structures. Our research scope is multidisciplinary and encompasses several time and length scales, and incorporates a wide range of analytical and numerical methods in theoretical and applied mechanics.
Active Research Areas
Shock Mechanics
Nuclear Containment Structures Subjected to Blast Loading
Materials and Radiation
Radiation Effects on Cement Microstructure
Composite Materials Mechanics
Impact Damage on Composite Materials
Strain Rate Effects in Reinforced Concrete Structures
Extraterrestrial Materials Mechanics
Formulation of a Synthetic S-Type Asteroid Rock
Biomechanics
Modeling of Traumatic Brain Injury
Fluid Mechanics in Porous Media
Water Flow in Rock Fractures for Enhanced Geothermal Systems
Miscellaneous Research by PI
Nonlinear Regression Statistics Applied to the Size-Effect Law
Mathematical Theory and Solution to the Cohesive Crack Model
About the University
The University of New Mexico (UNM) is New Mexico’s flagship university. UNM graduate students enjoy access to nationally recognized faculty and degree programs, cutting edge research, student support organizations, professional and academic workshops, health and counseling services, and beyond.
The UNM School of Engineering is the highest-ranked engineering program in New Mexico, and is among Carnegie R1 (highest research activity) universities, putting it in the same class as MIT, Stanford, Northwestern, and other well-respected engineering programs in the country.
The Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering (CCEE) is ranked first in the State. It delivers nationally accredited programs in civil engineering. In addition to domestic internship opportunities, the CCEE department enjoys strong ties with the national laboratories, local high-tech companies, and engineering firms, and actively collaborates with other departments at UNM and with universities worldwide.