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

March 27, 2021: Brandon's paper, "Shape Optimization of Rectangular Plates for Vibration-based Fatigue Testing" is available at Journal of Applied Mechanics.

Feb 24, 2020: Another good showing at the MAE Departmental Awards! Congratulations to:

1. Fiona Van Leeuwen as Undergraduate Researcher of the Year
2. Weston Craig as MS Researcher of the Year
3. Robert Hansen as Outstanding Doctoral Scholar of the Year
4. Dr. Berke as Graduate Research Mentor of the Year

Dr. Berke also won for this year at the College of Engineering level too.

Dec 17, 2020: Adam Smith defends his M.S. Thesis titled "Development of a Variable Extensometer Method for Measuring Ductility Scaling Parameters." Congratulations Adam!

Nov 30, 2020: Micah, Tanner, and Hannah are accepted into USU's Engineering Undergraduate Research Program (EURP). Congratulations!

Nov 16-19, 2020: The lab presents a combined nineteen (19) posters/talks at the ASME-IMECE  Virtual Conference.

Sept 21, 2020: Prof. Berke is awarded a $160,000 Infrastructure Grant from the USDOC Nuclear Energy University Program

News Archive