A research team led by Dr. Mohammad Naraghi is receiving funding support over the next three years from the U.S. Army Research Office to explore the protective potential of hybrid nanomaterials for armor applications.
A class of hybrid 1D and 2D nanomaterials, where 1D materials reinforce 2D materials, shows promise in providing superior resiliency. However, there are significant unknowns about the hybrid materials’ mechanical performance that the research team hopes to answer.
In developing ideas, they have found inspiration in tree leaves. The team compared the nanomaterials to the venation system (vein pattern) and epidermis of leaves. Although the main function of the leaves’ venation system is arguably not load-bearing, it certainly contributes to deflecting the propagating cracks.
FEATURED RESEARCHER
Dr. Mohammad Naraghi
- Associate Professor