Dr. Vernerey's research group applies mechanics principles to study evolving dynamic network materials in nature, concentrating on cellular aggregates in both animal and plant tissues as well as insect swarms (fire ants). These materials are complex systems that continuously change, adapt or grow over time due to the dynamical interactions between interconnected components. This research has dual objectives: (a) to gain a fundamental understanding of the mechanics and dynamics of complex physical networks through theoretical exploration and computational modeling. (b) to apply this knowledge to the evolution, adaptation, and stability of living matter in changing environments, with applications to bioengineering, swarm intelligence and dendroclimatology.
keywords
Theoretical and computational mechanics of soft and living matter, cell mechanics, collective interactions and emerging behaviors, mechanics of growth and morphogenesis
APPM 6950 - Master's Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Spring 2023
May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
MCEN 2043 - Dynamics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2024
Covers dynamic behavior of particle systems and rigid bodies. Topics include 2-D and 3-D kinematics and kinetics, impulse, momentum, potential and kinetic energy, and work and collision. Degree credit not granted for this course and CVEN 3111.
MCEN 2063 - Mechanics of Solids
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Covers axial forces, transverse forces, bending moments and torque on beams, shafts, columns and tensile members. Calculations of stresses from each of these loads, stresses in pressure vessels, stress concentrations. Stress transformation, principal stresses and maximum shear stress using Mohr�s circle, combined load, failure criteria. Hooke�s law, deflection and statically indeterminate structures, thermoelasticity. Degree credit not granted for this course and CVEN 3161.
MCEN 4228 - Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2024
Subject matter to be selected from topics of current interest. May be repeated up to 15 credit hours. Same as MCEN 5228.
MCEN 4293 - Mechanics of Soft Matter
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
Provides a general overview of fundamental concepts behind the mechanical behavior of soft matter. The term soft matter (which includes polymers, colloids, liquid crystals and surfactants, to name a few) is typically used to describe classes of materials whose structural unit is much larger than atoms, making their response more complex and often richer that of traditional solids. The objective of this class is to understand how chemical and mechanical forces between these small units yield macroscopic behaviors that one can observe in everyday life. Key engineering applications will also be discussed. Approved for the Biomedical Option and Biomedical Minor. Same as MCEN 5293.
MCEN 5228 - Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2024
Subject matter to be selected from topics of current interest. May be repeated up to 30 credit hours.
MCEN 5293 - Mechanics of Soft Matter
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
Provides a general overview of fundamental concepts behind the mechanical behavior of soft matter. The term soft matter (which includes polymers, colloids, liquid crystals and surfactants, to name a few) is typically used to describe classes of materials whose structural unit is much larger than atoms, making their response more complex and often richer that of traditional solids. The objective of this class is to understand how chemical and mechanical forces between these small units yield macroscopic behaviors that one can observe in everyday life. Key engineering applications will also be discussed. Approved for the Biomedical Option and Biomedical Minor. Recommended prerequisite: knowledge comparable to that gained through MCEN 2063. Same as MCEN 4293.
