Welcome to the Extreme Environment Materials Lab. or E²ML in short!
Who we are
We are a research group trying to understand the mechanical performance (behavior and lifetime) of materials subjected to extreme conditions. To achieve that goal, we employ a synergistic experimental and numerical approach mixing thermo-mechanical experiments as well as phase-field and crystal-plasticity finite-element modeling. The materials of particular interest are superalloys, shape-memory alloys, refractory alloys, and titanium alloys. The research led by our team allows to have more faithful models for improved predicting capabilities that can save millions and improve safety. Go take a look at our team and alumni!
What we do
The in-service thermo-mechanical conditions to which materials are exposed are often far from the type loading applied in labs, such as isothermal uniaxial monotonic or cyclic loading. The E²ML investigates the role played by thermal cycling, fast thermal jumps, or multiaxial loadings on the mechanical response and lifetime. Quasi-static experiments are employed, such as creep and creep-fatigue, as well as thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) for oxidation characterizations and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis for phase-transition characterization. Take a look at our facilities for more details!
We are interested in many subjects, but our main focus is currently on history effects. While this phenomen has been know for a long time, this is often disregarded, not fully understood, and not accounted in current state of the art modeling approaches. We think this could have a major influence on the way we think material’s behavior. We also have a large focus on multiaxial loading, multi-phenomena interactions, and non-isothermal performances.
While we mainly study theoretical mechanics, our work often has direct applications in industries, such as GE Aviation, Pratt and Whitney, Safran, and ATI. Furthermore, our work is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), and the Office of Naval Research (ONR).
We hope you will find everything you are looking for on our website, but if you need more, don’t hesitate to contact us at the address below.