Basic Research
for Structural Mechanics
Emphasis is on understanding, quantifying, predicting and
controlling the mechanical behavior of solids and structures,
with a focus on research that has potential technology application
to Naval Ship structures. Major areas of research in dynamic/reliability
of ship structures address: the structural response and mechanics
of failure form the micro to the macro level. Failure mechanics
addresses dynamic fracture and fatigue, as well as damage
and reliability of large naval structures. Currently, one
of the key focus areas is dynamic fracture and failure of
joints (such as welds and hybrid interfaces) of ship structures.
In order to address structural integrity and survivability
issues, constitutive models for strain rate effects and the
fundamental aspects of fracture criteria are investigated.
This is particularly applied to energy absorption and dissipation
mechanisms under dynamic loading of welded structures and
high toughness materials. The constitutive behavior research
focuses on nonlinear behavior of materials under dynamic,
thermo-mechanical and electromagnetic fields. Control of response
of naval structures and machinery are investigated via nonlinear
mechanics of solids in coupled fields (which control the behavior
of active materials) and the active control of structures.
Future Structural Mechanics basic research will be directed
towards:
- Reliability of complex structural systems
- Computational methods of multi-scale nonlinear behavior
for prototype simulation
- Mechanics of interfaces and joints
The underlying common broad research themes of these major
topics are:
- Performance and life cycle prediction for complex structures,
and
- Hierarchical strategies for deformation, damage and failure
control.
Ongoing research efforts will address the following topics:
- Behavior of hybrid (stainless steel/composite) interfaces;
- Brittle-ductile cracking under dynamic loading;
- Failure of ductile metals at high strain loading;
- Weld distortions and sensitivity analysis; and
- Magnetic Shape Memory actuators.
- Related Basic Research Descriptions
For:
- Thrust Description For:
Program Officer
Phone: 703-696-4306
E-mail: 334SM@onr.navy.mil |
Structural Mechanics