News

CMSSM faculty members Tom Hughes and Rui Huang have received an NSF grant for the project Computational Methods for Large Deformation and Multiphysics in Soft Materials Using Immersed Isogeometric Analysis. The project will develop a thermodynamically consistent computational framework for modeling the coupled mechanical, chemical, and electrical behavior of soft polymer materials, including hydrogels, elastomers, and polyelectrolyte gels. The research will introduce new immersed isogeometric methods using smooth, high-order basis functions to address the computational challenges associated with strongly coupled multiphysics systems undergoing large deformations. The resulting methods will enable more predictive modeling and design of soft active materials. Congratulations… “read more”

Listen to a podcast HERE where Professor Liechti is interviewed by Harry Dankowicz, Editor of Applied Mechanics Reviews. “read more”

The 2016 Congress of the International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (IUTAM) was held in Montreal, Canada on August 21-26. This is a main event in mechanics held every fours years; this year the Congress was attended by approximately 2100 researchers. As is the custom, the presiding Bureau selected 3 young scientists for the Bureau Prize, based on their papers and their presentations at the Congress. To be eligible for the award, a presenter must be no older than 35 years of age at the time of the Congress, and must indicate that he/she wishes to be considered for… “read more”

Professor Stelios Kyriakides of the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at The University of Texas at Austin has been selected by the Cockrell School of Engineering to receive the 2016 Joe J. King Professional Engineering Achievement Award. The award, funded by Cockrell School alumnus Joe J. King, ME 1925, recognizes a faculty member who has made significant contributions in furthering the profession of engineering. Mr. King’s education in engineering, his years of practice as an engineer and the rewards he received in his practice left him with an increasingly deep respect for the profession. This respect, along with… “read more”

Professor Krishnaswamy Ravi-Chandar has been selected to receive the 2015 Daniel C. Drucker Medal, one of the ASME society awards for achievement. Instituted by the Applied Mechanics Division of ASME, the Drucker medal is conferred in recognition of distinguished contributions to the field of applied mechanics and mechanical engineering through research, teaching and service to the community over a substantial period of time. Congratulations! “read more”

Professor Kenneth M. Liechti has been selected to receive the 2015 Award for Excellence in the Adhesion Society. The Adhesion Society’s Award for Excellence, sponsored by 3M, is the Society’s premier award for outstanding achievements in scientific research relating to adhesion. Congratulations! “read more”

Professor Nanshu Lu, assistant professor of aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics at the Cockrell School of Engineering, received an Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) Young Investigator Award for research that could lead to the development of automated, expandable functional systems that can be deployed in space, such as solar panels and antennas. As part of the Air Force Young Investigator Program, the AFOSR awarded approximately $16.6 million in grants to young scientists and engineers from small businesses and research institutions across the nation. Lu is one of 57 to receive an award. Lu will receive a total of… “read more”