From Materials to Performance

Mechanics and Materials research at NC State focuses on understanding, modeling and improving the materials that make up our infrastructure and engineered systems.

Using theoretical, experimental and computational approaches, researchers study how materials behave across scales — from the nano level to full structural systems — to improve performance, durability and resilience.

This work spans a set of core focus areas that advance both fundamental understanding and real-world application of engineering materials.

Focus Areas

Theoretical Mechanics

This area develops the fundamental models that describe how materials deform, fracture and respond to forces over time. Research includes constitutive modeling, damage and fracture mechanics, porous media behavior and scaling theories.

These models form the foundation for predicting material performance in complex engineering systems.

Experimental Mechanics

Experimental Mechanics focuses on observing and measuring how materials behave in real-world conditions.

Researchers use advanced testing methods — from nano-scale measurements to full-system testing — to study durability, fatigue, fracture and material response. This includes nondestructive evaluation and integrated testing across components and systems.

Computational Mechanics

This area uses numerical modeling and simulation to analyze complex material behavior and engineering systems.

Research includes finite element methods, inverse problems, optimization and data-driven modeling. These tools allow engineers to simulate performance, reduce uncertainty and improve design before construction or implementation.

Applications to Specific Materials

This area applies mechanics principles to a wide range of materials used in infrastructure and emerging technologies.

Research includes:

• Asphalt and asphalt concrete
• Cementitious materials and concrete
• Composites, including fiber-reinforced polymers
• Geological materials such as soil and rock
• Metals and alloys
• Sustainable bio-materials

This work connects fundamental research to real-world materials and applications.

Why It Matters

Materials are at the core of every engineering system.

Mechanics and Materials research helps:

• Improve the durability and lifespan of infrastructure
• Advance new and sustainable materials
• Predict and prevent material failure
• Enhance safety and performance across systems
• Bridge the gap between theory and real-world application

From bridges and buildings to emerging materials and technologies, this work ensures that engineering systems are stronger, smarter and built to last.

Key Resources and Facilities

• Mechanics and Materials Program Overview
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• Constructed Facilities Laboratory (CFL)
  • Structural Engineering and Materials Labs
  • Geotechnical Engineering Lab
• Virtual Computing Laboratory (VCL)
• Center for High-Performance Computing
• Analytical Instrumentation Facility (AIF)
• NCSU Nanofabrication Facility
• Nanomechanical Testing Facility
• Integrated Materials and Component Testing Laboratory (iMCTL)
• Asphalt Materials and Testing Laboratory

Faculty and Contacts

• Ange Therese Akono
• Cassie Castorena
• Murthy Guddati
• Abhinav Gupta
• Ghadir Haikal
• Tasnim Hassan
• Youngsoo Richard Kim
• Brina Montoya
• Jason Patrick
• Mo Pourghaz
• Shane Underwood
• Andrew Ziccarelli

Courses and Academic Pathways

Students engage with Mechanics and Materials through coursework in material behavior, computational methods, structural systems and advanced materials, along with laboratory and research-based experiences.