Mechanics of Multi-scale Materials

The Mechanics of Multi-scale Materials research group uncovers the relationships of structures across the full range of engineering scales, from the molecular to the macro.

In addition to established practices of nano-scale modeling and large-scale structural mechanics, the group is bridging the gap between these scales by developing accurate constitutive modeling and characterization of each intermediate level.

Uncovering how the nano- and micro-level mechanics play into the millimeter- and meter-level structures enables advanced composite materials to be optimized for structural performance. Through advanced multi-scale modeling, simulation, and experimentation, research is focused on developing methods that will inform emerging technologies including nano-, micro-, and biomedical engineering and science. This research group is well positioned to advance this rapidly emerging field.

Tomorrow Needs Novel Materials

Research activities include identifying the critical parameters that lead to the success or failure of material for a particular application

We work to model structural foam designs for aerospace and automotive products, with the goal of improving thermal insulation, impact absorption, and moment of inertia.

As functions of intermediate scales between the nano and macro are characterized, novel materials and composites can be created and optimized. Researchers are working on novel experiments, MEMS/NEMS, atomistic and continuum modeling, multifunction materials and devices, microfluidic, tissue engineering, nanostructured material, material characterization, biological transport, cell mechanics, and physics-based modeling.

The Complex Fluids and Active Matter Lab addresses a fascinating class of problems in contemporary fluid mechanics that involves the interplay ‎between dynamic boundaries and fluid flows. The study of these problems usually requires accommodating several time and ‎length scales.

The Mechanics and Modeling of Advanced Materials Lab involves such topics as multiscale, multiphysics modeling of aging in polymers and polymer composites.

The Michigan Tech Aerospace Engineering Research Center (MARC) involves such research as multiscale modeling of advanced fiber-reinforced thermoset composites.

The Planetary Surface Technology Development Lab (PSTDL) develops technology solutions for planetary surface exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond while training the next generation of engineers.

Faculty + Research = Discovery

Our department boasts world-class faculty who have access to numerous innovative research labs and are committed to discovery and learning.

This encompasses a range of research areas, experiences, and expertise related to the mechanics of multi-scale materials. Learn more about our faculty and their research interests:

Research Projects

Our faculty engage in a number of research projects, many of which are publicly funded.

A sample listing of recent research projects appears below. You can also view a broader list of research projects taking place across the mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics department.

Past Projects

Watch Fluid Dynamics: Michigan Tech Researchers Take it to the Tank video
Preview image for Fluid Dynamics: Michigan Tech Researchers Take it to the Tank video

Fluid Dynamics: Michigan Tech Researchers Take it to the Tank

Welcome to Hassan Masoud’s Complex Fluids and Active Matter Lab, where water tanks, glowing particulates, and mechanical fish lead Huskies to wondrous discoveries about the everyday flows, power, and potential found in natural locomotion.

Swirling orange particles set in motion by a simulated school shed light on how collective movement impacts the system. It’s one of several research projects the lab conducts in fluid dynamics, experimental hydrodynamics, and transport phenomena. The lab combines reduced-order models and numerical techniques with simple experiments to study the interaction of flowing fluid with intricate, often dynamically changing structures.

“Carbon is really magical. It can form all these allotropes. It can form polymers.”Greg Odegard, professor of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics