Capability Summary
Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s mechanical properties research leverages state-of-the-art experimental platforms to characterize how materials respond to diverse modes of stress – tension, compression, shear, bending, biaxial, triaxial, and hydrostatic – across a broad range of length scales and environments. These measurements underpin materials design, selection, modeling, and simulation by providing critical insight into both elastic and plastic behavior.
Through custom-designed experiments, researchers investigate how processing affects microstructure and defect populations, which in turn govern mechanical performance. Special emphasis is placed on identifying and engineering stress-relief mechanisms through control of chemistry, composition, and microstructural features. This integrated approach enables the design and deployment of high-performance materials tailored for demanding applications.
Equipment & Facilities
- Infrared, resistance, and radiofrequency heating
- Digital image correlation and laser interferometry
- New facility with enhanced ambient temperature and humidity control
Contact
Dr. Erik Herbert is the Group Leader for Mechanical Properties & Mechanics at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, specializing in the mechanical behavior of materials. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Dr. Herbert has received multiple recognitions for his innovative research in structure-property-processing relationships and advanced mechanical testing. His work uses novel macro- and microscale mechanical testing techniques to elucidate how microstructure and defects control behavior across length scales, in controlled atmospheres, and at high homologous temperatures – leading to enhanced constitutive models, more accurate simulations, and accelerated materials design. Connect with Dr. Herbert at [email protected] to explore potential collaborations.