We gratefully acknowledge our external funding sources from
Oak Ridge Associated Universities Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award (ORAU)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
New Mexico Space Grant Consortium (NMSGC)
New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (NMDFA)
New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT)
andinternal funding sources from
UNM Research Allocations Committee (RAC)
and generous gifts from
New Mexico Society of Professional Engineers (NMSPE)
Doug Campbell through UNM Foundation
Donation to the CCEE Department for Research in Finite Element Methods
Shock Mechanics
Nuclear Containment Structures Subjected to Blast Loading
We are investigating the effects of extreme dynamic events - high explosive detonation - on containment structures in nuclear power plants. The aim is to assess potential structural damage in a typical prestressed and reinforced concrete containment structure caused by a blast load.
Materials and Radiation
Radiation Effects on Cement Microstructure
We are developing theoretical and numerical models for cement hydration and irradiated cement paste at the micro-scale. Our aim is to understand the long-term behavior of certain cementitious materials used in nuclear engineering applications.
Composite Materials Mechanics
Impact Damage on Composite Materials
We are investigating the effect of low-velocity impact on complex composite structures, with application to helmet safety assessments through experiments and numerical modeling.
Strain Rate Effects in Reinforced Concrete Structures
We are studying strain rate effects on reinforced concrete members through experiments at small scale.The project will help quantify the load bearing capacity of larger structures subjected to impact loading.
Extraterrestrial Materials Mechanics
Formulation of a Synthetic S-Type Asteroid Rock
We are formulating and characterizing a synthetic rock to reproduce the mechanical behavior of stony-type asteroids through experiments and numerical modeling, which would eventually provide a better understanding of the properties of these celestial bodies.
Biomechanics
Modeling of Traumatic Brain Injury
We are formulating constitutive models for the human skull and brain. The aim is to develop a high-fidelity model to simulate deformations in the brain and assess traumatic brain injury.
Fluid Mechanics in Porous Media
Water Flow in Rock Fractures for Enhanced Geothermal Systems
We are formulating theoretical and computational models for fluid flow containing particles in fractured rocks with varying roughnesses, particle size and concentration. The methodology developed in this work will help in overcoming thermal short circuiting in enhanced geothermal systems.
Miscellaneous Research by PI
Nonlinear Regression Statistics and Application to the Size-Effect Law
I have established the only correct way to identify fracture parameters using Bažant's size-effect law based on asymptotic nonlinear regression statistics considerations. See publication page.
Mathematical Theory and Solution to the Cohesive Crack Model
I am currently developing an analytical solution to a certain class of non-trivial cohesive crack problems.
