Abstract: Can living systems survive and adapt to the harsh environment of space? Even though
there have been numerous experimental investigations at the cellular and organism level
to understand the effect of extreme space environments on a living system, there has been
no study to understand how the essential ingredients of any lifeform (constituting of nucleobases,
DNA, and RNA) respond under these extremes. Fundamental research is being
proposed to understand the response of living systems exposed to space environment (at
the level of nucleobases, DNA, RNA) based on extensive quantum chemical and molecular
dynamic investigations aided with relevant experiments to be carried out terrestrially
as well as on CubeSats. The comprehensive knowledge gained can provide insight into
more resilient and robust future space technology.
Funded: Air Force Office of Scientific Research [AFOSR] (2026-2029)
Abstract: While there is a substantial body of published works on energetic crystals and polymer binders, the constituents of energetic composites, our understanding of the role of interfaces in composite material performance is still limited. The presence of an interface between two different materials induces changes to the electronic environment of both materials. Based upon the covalent and non-covalent interactions at the interface (from the electronic environment perspective), the study enumerates how the interface alters the non-equilibrium energy transport between the two materials in an energetic composite subjected to some applied loading conditions as well as how the interface alters the reaction pathway of the decomposition of the energetic composite.
Funded: Air Force Office of Scientific Research [AFOSR] (2025-2028)
Abstract: Lightweight vests for soldiers as well as lightweight armor vehicles contains laminated composites. These laminated composites may undergo delamination under dynamic loading conditions (such as shock and/or projectile impact). A coordinated effort involving numerical simulations at multiple length scales (atomistic to that of continuum) and experimental investigations (shock and impact tests with spectroscopy) will be undertaken in this proposal to comprehend the behavior of interface in laminated composites. The study will accomplish detailed characterisation of bonds between polymer adhesives and fiber mat substrates based on atomistic investigations considering electronic charge transfer; comprehend the dynamics of bonds at the composite is subjected to applied loads using molecular/atomistic simulations and supporting experiments; develop a novel continuum constitutive model for the interface considering the lower length scale physics of bond behavior. Apart from a fundamental comprehension of interface dynamics in laminates composites, this study is anticipated to help in development of “new materials by design initiative” through which better interface can be developed with desired performance metrics.
Funded: Army Research Office [ARO] (2025-2028) 