Experimental Solid Mechanics Laboratory

The experimental solid mechanics laboratory at Texas A&M University, led by Dr. Matt Pharr, investigates a wide range of problems in solid mechanics.  Many of the systems we investigate exhibit a strong coupling between mechanics and other fields, such as electronics and chemistry.  Despite the name of the lab, we also emphasize a complementary theoretical understanding of these systems.  Current areas of interest include mechanics of materials for energy storage and conversion, deformation and fracture of soft materials, mechanics of flexible/wearable electronics, coupled electro-chemo-mechanics, mechanics of plants, mechanics of irradiated materials, and mass transport in materials.