Skip to main content

2026 Investiture Information

Home  |  Research  |  Mechanical Behavior of Structural Materials

Mechanical Behavior of Structural Materials Research

Mechanical behavior of structural materials research is part of the overall program area of materials science and engineering (MSE) at Dartmouth supporting discovery in fundamental applied engineering as well as translational science in areas such as ice physics, nano- and bio-materials, energy harvesting and storage, and materials modeling.

Increasing our fundamental understanding of structural materials leads to advances in manufacturing, construction, energy systems, medicine, and environmental science, to name just a few. Research focused on ice- and polar-related phenomena can not only facilitate planning for a more resilient future but also be applicable to metals, ceramics and other crystalline materials. Improving the durability of mechanical components and developing advanced composite materials—as well as better understanding the role of mechanical forces and shape engineering—can have significant economic ramifications throughout industry, particularly in the energy, manufacturing, medical and transportation sectors.

An aerial view of broken, jagged chunks of white sea ice floating on dark, still water.

Research Subfields

Deformation and fracture mechanics

Micromechanics and nanomechanics

High entropy alloys

Intermetallic compounds

Composite material systems

Polymer wear and processing

Architected materials

Glaciology and climate

Snow, firn and ice physics

Researchers

Image of Mary R. Albert Mary R. Albert

Image of Emily Asenath-Smith Emily Asenath-Smith

Image of Ian Baker Ian Baker

Image of Jacob J. Buffo Jacob J. Buffo

Image of Rebecca Gallivan Rebecca Gallivan

Image of Yan Li Yan Li

Image of Colin R. Meyer Colin R. Meyer

Image of Donald K. Perovich Donald K. Perovich

Image of Erland M. Schulson Erland M. Schulson

Image of Douglas W. Van Citters Douglas W. Van Citters