The Laboratory operates directly at the intersection of mechanics and materials research. The Laboratory also contains high-speed Nicolet data acquisition facilities and houses tension, torsion, and compression Kolsky bars. One unique capability of this facility is the ability to perform microstructural characterizations of recovered materials that have been subjected to well-characterized dynamic deformations. The Laboratory for Active Materials and Biomimetics is a newly established facility dedicated to the study of compliant materials that demonstrate active characteristics.
Current research emphasizes artificial muscle-like materials and active membranes.
The Laboratory contains both experimental and computational facilities, including a Rheometrics Solids Analyzer. Laboratory for Active Materials and Biomimetics Mechanics and Materials Laboratory Research in this Laboratory focuses on the relationship between the microstructural features and the mechanical properties of materials - especially under high temperature loading and creep conditions. Two electrohydraulic test machines - one 100 kip and one 20 kip are available along with creep frames, furnaces, and microcomputers. Metallurgical specimen preparation facilities and a microhardness tester are also available. The mechanical properties of very small specimens can be determined with the unique facilities of this laboratory.