This NSF-sponsored project targets a convergent quantitative language of topological defect dynamics in physical systems that addresses commonalities between seemingly unrelated physical phenomena. We are developing theoretical and computational tools for probing the structure, dynamics, and collective behavior of topological defects by leveraging insights from currently disparate fields spanning engineering, physics, and mathematics. Our primary focus is the scientific question of how string theory/quantum gravity is related to the mechanics of defects in crystalline solids, using holographic dualities developed to study string theory in anti-DeSitter space to learn about strongly coupled condensed matter systems. Understanding plasticity serves the pressing societal need for light-weight, high-strength, resilient metallic materials for energy-efficient transportation, built infrastructure, and defense. Furthering convergence, we are demonstrating how a common set of mathematical modeling and analysis tools, developed to study our main focus, can be applied to societally significant problems ranging from geophysics to complex fluids. We are experimentally validating our work on the test-bed of understanding plasticity and phase transformation in polycrystalline structural materials, observed by cutting-edge experimental tools.
Our team was recently profiled by the CMU College of Engineering.
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PhD Students and Affiliated Researchers