October 9, 2020

photo of k. ravi-chandarProfessor K. Ravi-Chandar in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics has been awarded the 2020 William Prager Medal from the Society of Engineering Science for his “outstanding work on quasistatic and dynamic fracture of ceramics, metals, polymers, and elastomers based on unique combinations of ingenious experiments and elegant analyses.”

The award is given annually for outstanding research contributions in the areas of theoretical or experimental solid mechanics, or both. Recipients receive a monetary award of $2,000 and are invited to give an address at the annual society meeting.

Ravi-Chandar, who has been a faculty member in the ASE/EM department since 2000, also serves as the associate director of the Center for Mechanics of Solids, Structures, and Materials (CMSSM) and as the editor of the International Journal of Fracture.

His research interests lie in the general area of mechanical behavior of solids with a particular emphasis on high strain rate fracture behavior; current thrusts are in the areas of dynamic fracture, inelastic behavior of polymers and gels, and damage and failure in structural materials. He holds the M.C. (Bud) and Mary Beth Baird Endowed Chair. Learn more about Ravi-Chandar and his research.