Faculty

Dennis Kochmann

Assistant Professor of Aerospace

Degrees and Appointments

Dipl.-Ing, Ruhr-University, Bochum, 2006; M.S., University of Wisconsin-Madision, 2006; Dr.-Ing, Ruhr-University, Bochum, 2009. Caltech, 2011-.

Research Overview

Professor Kochmann's research combines theoretical, computational, and experimental solid mechanics to study the link between microstructure and macroscopic properties of a variety of engineering materials. One of his areas of research is the simulation of microstructures in crystalline solids (such as metals). In contrast to many current phenomenological theories, Professor Kochmann's research aims at physics-based and hence predictive multiscale models applicable to polycrystal plasticity and twinning. Another of his research areas is the design of novel composite materials with tunable performance, for instance, materials whose stiffness and damping can be tuned by orders of magnitude, reaching viscoelastic stiffness greater than that of a diamond. He designs these materials using a careful composite architecture and utilizing phases with so-called negative-stiffness mechanisms.