This three-year award supports U.S.-France cooperative research in solid mechanics between Xanthippi Markenscoff of the University of California in San Diego and Helmut Kirchner of the Institute of Materials Science at the University of Paris (South). The objective of their research is to develop a mathematical model which addresses dislocation effects in fracture mechanics. Dr. Markenscoff brings to this cooperation innovative approaches to problems involving the dynamics of dislocations in structures and the elasticity of structural materials. This is complemented by the French investigator's extensive experience in dislocation theory and numerical approaches to elasticity problems. The investigators are dealing with important issues in mechanics which are often stumbling blocks to effective evaluation of construction materials. Their joint effort will result in a unified theory and mathematical model which will advance our understanding of the mechanical behavior of structures and the effects of dislocation on fractured solids.
