Abstract Organic semiconductors have a number of unique properties that can be exploited to achieve electronic functionalities not possible with traditional inorganic semiconductors. In this talk, I will highlight several applications enabled by these unique materials. To start I will discuss the ability to achieve net zero energy (NZE) greenhouses through the integration of semitransparent organic solar cells (OSCs). Greenhouses vastly increase agricultural land-use efficiency. However, they also consume significantly more energy than conventional farming due in-part to conditioning the…

Abstract This seminar will present an overview of multibody dynamics research taking place in the Engineering Mechanics and Space Systems Lab at NC State, with a focus on space systems and renewable energy applications. After a brief introduction, advances in tethered aerospace systems and bio-inspired planetary rovers will be presented, followed by recent advances in tethered multibody systems used to extract energy from ocean currents. Tethered aerospace systems have a vast array of applications, including artificial gravity, in-space energy generation,…

Abstract Engineers make system architecture and product configuration decisions while working in situations that are often poorly understood. The ramifications of such decisions are non-trivial – new product launches are infrequent, resources often cannot be reallocated, and predicting all possible future scenarios is impossible. This talk will highlight our recent efforts in helping engineers understand ‘what is going on here?’ when designing consumer products for heterogenous markets and engineered systems that operate for many years in a constantly changing world.…

Abstract: Mechanical instabilities have historically been viewed as a failure mechanism in materials and engineering structures. Over the past decade, the incredible advantages of controllable surface and structural instabilities have been harnessed in soft materials at all scales for functionalities, including stretchable electronics, surface-related multifunctionality, and soft robotics. In this talk, I will discuss our recent work on leveraging mechanical instability in soft materials and structures for achieving extreme properties and high performances. First, I will discuss mechanics of surface…