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Mechanical Properties and Mechanics

The Mechanical Properties and Mechanics Group (MP&M) conducts applied research and development activities to support the missions of the U.S. Department of Energy to increase the availability of clean, abundant energy; restore and protect the environment; and contribute to national security.

Research

MP&M specializes in the mechanical evaluation and characterization of structural and functional materials; in experimental mechanics and the development of test methods, design codes and life-prediction analyses; in establishing relations among processing, microstructure and mechanical properties of materials and structures and how these change as a function of time, stress, temperature and environment.

MP&M manages a large collection of unique mechanical testing equipment with capabilities to conduct uni- and multi-axial tests from cryogenic to very high temperatures in air or controlled environments. Many of these facilities are available to researchers in industry and academia through the High Temperature Materials Laboratory User Program, through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) and Work-for-Others contracts.

MP&M staff members have expertise with a wide range of materials including metals, ceramics, polymers and glasses, metal, polymer and ceramic matrix composites, concrete, and functional materials (magnetic, electronic). MP&M also has capabilities for finite-element stress analyses and probabilistic analyses of materials and structures.

Contact

Distinguished Scientist, Director of ORNL's Fossil Energy Program, Director for Energy Transitions and Infrastructure Programs
Edgar Lara-Curzio