Dynamic Matter Lab

Welcome!

We are the Dynamic Matter Research Lab at the Mechanical Engineering Department of Clemson University. Our long-term research vision is to foster a new paradigm of multi-functional structures and material systems with programmable properties and physical intelligence. I refer to them as the “dynamic matter,” and they could take up a variety of forms and functions: such as mechanical metamaterials that can adapt their responses on-demand; soft robot bodies that can perform control tasks with minimal or even no electronics; or large-scale architectural components that can react to ambient environmental changes autonomously. I firmly believe that this concept of dynamic matter can cross-pollinate with many different disciplines — within and outside of mechanical engineering — and fundamentally advance our strategic industries like aerospace, bio-medicine, manufacturing, and robotics.

To build these dynamic matters, we take an integrated approach that encompasses the optimal design, fundamental analysis, and experimental validation. In particular, we focus on creating and harnessing unorthodox relationships between geometry and mechanics. We take many inspirations from art and nature, such as the three-dimensional shapes from origami folding or titled helical arrangement of cellulose fibers in plant tissues. We believe that these geometries can induce new mechanics that can can open the avenues towards our long-term vision. Our research so far has been graciously supported by the National Science Foundation.

Programmable Properties: the ability to prescribe the mechanical responses of materials and structures, and adapt these responses in real-time. 

Physical Intelligence: the ability to observe the environment, learn from memory, decide on the action plan, and execute commands in the mechanical domain.

We are looking for talented students, espcially at the Ph.D. level, to joing our research group. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Suyi Li through his email at suyil [at] clemson.edu.