Research Pillars

Computational Fracture Mechanics

Overview: We develop and augment a variety of numerical tools to simulate complex and realistic fracture behavior in 3D. Our tools have been used to simulate crack growth in 3D polycrystalline materials, including additively manufactured metals and other aerospace materials, as well as biological materials, including human bone.

Select publications: IntJPlasticity2023, CompMaterialsScience2021, BiomechanModelingMechanobiology2020, IntJFracture2020, IntJFracture2019, EngFractureMech2019

 

Machine Learning and Materials Informatics

Overview: We have been using machine learning (ML) for nearly a decade as a means of accelerating computationally expensive simulations, exploring materials design spaces, and developing surrogates for highly nonlinear relationships. Our training data often come from high-fidelity numerical simulations, including molecular dynamics simulations and crystal-plasticity simulations.  We have been some of the first to apply machine learning in the field of fracture mechanics.

Select publications:

CNNs trained to accelerate crystal plasticity simulations
ML serves as surrogate for MD simulations of carbon nanotube interfacial shear strength
Microscopic crack surface predicted by a trained ML model
ML models trained to estimate fall scenarios given fracture patterns in infant skulls

Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)

Overview: We study the deformation and failure mechanisms in additively manufactured metals, bringing to bear the power of our numerical tools and experimental observations. Our group has participated in (and won) several international modeling challenges involving 3D-printed metals. Prof. Spear led the acquisition of the University of Utah's first laser powder bed fusion machine, which we leverage to support our research.

Select publications:

Cellular Materials

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