Graduate Programs in the Life Sciences

Research Focus

Our understanding of the connection between microscopic physical phenomena and the macroscopic mechanical behavior of engineering materials has grown significantly over the past several decades.  As this link continues to strengthen, we are bound to reach a point where the paradigm of structural engineering will shift to the analysis and optimization of design at all length scales, from the atomic to the macroscopic. This shift in the design paradigm is more than a mere desire. It is required to solve many of societys most challenging problems, such as the transition to a hydrogen economy.  My research is aimed at understanding the connection between microscopic physical phenomena and the macroscopic deformation and failure of engineering materials by coupling cutting-edge computing technologies with state-of-the-art simulation techniques.  Within this theme, my current research interests involve: 

• Deformation and failure mechanisms of micrometer structures and MEMS

• Grain boundary engineering and the exploration of grain boundary mechanical properties

• The mechanisms of hydrogen and irradiation embrittlement in metals

Recent computational approaches have involved: atomistic simulations with empirical potentials, discrete dislocation dynamics simulations, finite element continuum simulations of polycrystals with crystal plasticity and cohesive zone methodologies, and concurrent multi-scale methods coupling molecular dynamics and discrete dislocation dynamics

 

Educational Background

• PhD - Johns Hopkins University - 2006
• MS - Johns Hopkins University - 2004
• BS - Saint Francis University - 2002

Derek Warner joined the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering in October 2007. Prior to this he was a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Division of Engineering at Brown University, where he worked in the Mechanics of Solids Group. His research is aimed at understanding the underlying physical mechanisms that control the deformation and fracture of engineering materials.