Speaker: Dr. Mohmad Mohsin Thakur
When: Wednesday, March 12, 11:00AM – 12:00AM
Where: PKI 250 (Omaha), SEC C107 (Lincoln)
Zoom: https://unl.zoom.us/j/95818115498
Title: Mechanics of granular materials and concrete across
multiple length and time scales
Abstract: Abstract: Granular materials (such as soils) and concrete represent an important class of materials with widespread
applications in the built environment. Both these materials feature rich physics and their response to external loading, in both quasi static and dynamic conditions, remains challenging to predict. The continued evidence suggests that the microscale and mesoscale heterogeneities largely dictate the emergent macroscale response in these materials. In this talk, I will discuss novel experiments performed on these materials with in-situ X-ray imaging and mesoscale modeling efforts to highlight the role of grain and pore microstructure on emergent macroscale response. I will further discuss my plans to push the boundaries in my research lab in solving problems that will drive innovation and benefit communities locally and globally. I will also briefly discuss my teaching plans to implement effective pedagogical schemes accounting for differences in the teaching and learning styles of students with my strengths.
Speaker Bio: Mohmad Mohsin Thakur is a postdoctoral research associate at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Previously, he was an assistant research scientist at the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute at Johns Hopkins University. He received his bachelor’s degree from National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, a master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, and a PhD from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in Civil Engineering. His research focuses on understanding the mechanics of multiphase granular materials and concrete. He received several awards for his research including editors’ choice paper recognition in ASCE’s Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering and runner-up in Engineering Mechanics Institute’s student paper competition. He was also involved in organizing ASCE’s Geowall competition and mini symposia at the MACH conference and Engineering Mechanics Institute conference.