Our research focus is in the mechanical characterization of solids and structures in challenging environments, and at high temperatures in particular. We are especially interested in the role that environment plays on a material's ability to withstand heterogeneous failure mechanisms such as fracture, fatigue, and creep.

Our lab uses advanced imaging techniques to extract full-field, in situ strain and temperature measurements across multiple length scales. These techniques are applied to a wide variety of advanced high temperature materials (including metals, ceramics, and composites), with applications geared towards the energy, aerospace, and nuclear industries.

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News

June 2, 2022: Steven's paper, "The Effect of Bit Depth on High-Temperature Digital Image Correlation Measurements" is available at the Journal of Sensors.

April 8, 2022: Dr. Berke is awarded tenure with promotion to Associate Professor. Thank you very much to the students and supporters who helped this to happen.

Feb 24, 2022: Hannah Maxwell is recognized as the MAE Undergraduate Researcher of the Year and Dr. Berke is recognized as the MAE Faculty Researcher of the Year. Congratulations Hannah!

Feb 9, 2022: Ben's paper, "Non-Contact Strain Measurements to Eliminate Strain Gauges in Vibration-based High Cycle Fatigue Testing" is available at the Journal of Strain Analysis for Engineering Design.

Feb 1, 2022: Maggie Lea is the first USU student to be awarded a Matthew Izsakowitz Fellowship for commercial spaceflight. Congratulations Maggie!

Dec 17, 2021: Lindsey Rowley defends her M.S. thesis titled "Improved Digital Image Correlation Techniques at High Speed and High Temperature." Congratulations Lindsey!

Dec 9, 2021: Ben Hill defends his M.S. thesis titled "Calibration Procedure for DIC Strain Measurements During Vibration-based Fatigue Testing." Congratulations Ben!

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