PhD in Mechanical Engineering - Polymers and Composites in Pullman United States | Washington State University

Polymer and composite studies are a key priority for MME. The Composites Science and Engineering Center (CSEC) at WSU offers extensive facilities and resources for teams to perform polymer and composite investigations, covering areas like biopolymers, nanocomposites, fiber composites and processing techniques, multiscale modeling, property analysis, failure mechanisms, and practical applications. Additional research focuses on additive manufacturing/3D printing processes along with extrusion, compression molding, foaming, and solution-based approaches. Scientists are also exploring thermos-mechanical constitutive modeling, applications for micro air vehicle flapping wings, and surface-adaptive robots utilizing shape-memory polymers. These experts specialize in multi-scale modeling to understand deformation and failure in polymer composites, examining how multi-axial, time-dependent properties influence material degradation and failure. Further studies investigate how environmental factors affect composite materials and adhesives, as well as experimental analysis of polymer composites' dynamic behavior. A significant breakthrough involves developing effective methods for recycling fiber composites. Research applications span multifunctional nanocomposites (including CNT, Graphene, and nanofibers) and bio-based materials (such as protein, lignin, and nanocrystalline cellulose) for energy applications, sensing technologies, and aerospace structures.