Microstructure and material properties define the functionality of all engineered composites, from advanced fiberglass-epoxy automotive body panels to composite biomaterials such as wood, bone, or myelinated axons. For full exploitation of these advanced materials, variability of microstructure, loading conditions and manufacturing processes must be addressed simultaneously. This career plan is focused on development of a set of novel, unified predictive tools for improved selection and repair of fibrous materials, validated in each focus area with tightly coupled experiments. A new set of mechanics techniques, referred to collectively as the Fiber Network Theory, is used to allow applications of the research to three distinct fields of engineering endeavor: power storage; structural design; and human biology. The investigator will develop both undergraduate and graduate curricula and integrate them into research activities. In addition, this CAREER plan will explore the teaching techniques and encourage women and minority students to participate in engineering and research.
