Research

Our research bridges the gap between material microstructures and macroscopic properties. We actively utilize design rules observed in nature to develop bio-inspired materials with a large variety of functionalities. Our research profile includes the area of active materials for artificial muscles, actuators, sensors, and soft robotics; bio-inspired flexible armor; acoustic metamaterials; and light-weight composites with extreme mechanical properties. Our group uses a mix of theory, simulations and experiments involving advanced 3D printing techniques.

 MAIN RESEARCH TOPICS

  • Active Materials

We explore active materials capable of drastic changes in their properties or shape, and size as a response to external stimuli such as electric or magnetic field. These materials can be used as artificial muscles, soft robots, actuators, sensors etc.

  • Acoustic Metamaterials

Sophisticated microstructured materials can provide powerful means for controlling wave propagation in materials, so the waves can be trapped or guided in unusual ways. Potential applications include acoustic cloaking, noise reduction, vibration cancelling, and energy harvesting

  • Bio-inspired materials

Flexible armor is controversy idea of designing materials that can protect an individual from a treat (such as bullet or knife) without restricting the mobility and preserving light weight. In our recent work we followed the design rules of scale-tissue protective systems present in fish. We use 3D printing techniques to fabricate the microstructured prototypes, with further subjecting these to various ladings.

  • Fiber composites

We study the mechanisms of failure in fiber composites under various loadings. There are questions to be answered: why FCs fail? Can we prevent failure? Or can we turn it into new functionalities? To answer these questions we use homogenization techniques, multiscale simulations, 3D printing and experiments