Taxonomy Category Summary

This taxonomy category is divided into five areas: materials, structures, mechanical systems, manufacturing, and structural dynamics. Materials covers synthesized and tailored materials that have multiple functions specific missions need. This area focuses on lightweight structural materials (e.g. nanofibers/fibers, novel low density metals, composite alloys, self-healing materials, etc.), materials that predict life, tailor or improve properties and guide experimental validation, flexible material systems, materials for extreme environments, materials for electrical power generation, energy storage, power distribution and electrical machines, special materials (adhesive, nanofilters, optically transparent), and smart materials (piezoelectrics, shape memory alloys). Structures cover lightweight, robust, multifunctional, smart structures that are reliable and predictable. This area includes technology for lightweight concepts, design and certification methods, reliable and sustainable structures, tests, tools and methods (e.g. integrated flight test data identification model), and innovative, multifunctional concepts for structures. Mechanical systems improve life and reliability of mechanisms to extend mission life: deployables, docking and interfaces, electro mechanisms, mechanical, and micromechanisms (e.g. robotic tools, fluid transfer and refueling), design and analysis tools and methods, reliability, life assessment, and health monitoring for vehicles or mechanical systems, certification methods, mechanical drive and mechanical life extension systems, and docking and berthing mechanisms and fixtures. Manufacturing covers innovative physical manufacturing processes and their integration. It focuses on manufacturing processes, intelligent integrated manufacturing, electronics and optics manufacturing processes, sustainable manufacturing, nondestructive evaluation and sensors, and repurpose processes. Structural dynamics is a specialty branch of structural and mechanical engineering that deals with determination of the vibration response of a structure subjected to dynamic (time varying) forces in its operational environment. This area covers loads and vibrations, vibroacoustics, shock and impact, and operational model analysis for large space flight hardware structure systems and multidimensional test techniques.

Research Affiliates

Below are our faculty affiliates whose research fall under this taxonomy category.