Research Interests
Mechanics of materials, with emphasis on complex hierarchical materials and polymer based systems, and merging concepts of data science into materials. Nanoscale and bulk scale experimental characterization, modeling and simulation of the behavior of materials, including physics based and machine learning approaches. Current research foci include nanostructured polymers, interfacial behavior, structural metamaterials and data platforms for material query and design.
Bio
The Brinson lab’s research objective is to characterize and model advanced materials systems, bridging across scales, to develop new understanding of material mechanisms and transfer knowledge into FAIR datasets towards novel material design. The research activities include nanoscale experimental investigations, especially using AFM methodologies, computational predictions of material behavior using finite element analysis and micro mechanics approaches, and application of AI methods including surrogate modeling, optimization, and natural language processing. Target material systems include multiphase polymer systems, nancomposites, bioplastics, metamaterials and 3d printing materials.
Education
- B.S. Virginia Polytech Institute and State University, 1985
- M.S. California Institute of Technology, 1986
- Ph.D. California Institute of Technology, 1990
- Northwestern University, 1997
- Northwestern University, 2003
- Northwestern University, 2017
- Northwestern University, 2017
- Northwestern University, 2013
- Northwestern University, 2017
Positions
- Sharon C. and Harold L. Yoh, III Distinguished Professor
- Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Awards, Honors, and Distinctions
- A.C. Eringen Medal. Society of Engineering Science (SES). 2022
- Fellow. American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). 2020
- Nadai Medal. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). 2014
- Fellow. American Academy of Mechanics. 2013
- Fellow. American Society of Mechanical Engineers. 2009
- Fellow. Society for Engineering Science. 2007
- Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Prize. Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. 2006
- Thomas JR Hughes Young Investigator Award. American Society of Mechanical Engineers. 2003
- National Science Foundation CAREER Awards - Multiple Sciences. National Science Foundation (NSF). 1995
Courses Taught
- ME 758S: Curricular Practical Training
- ME 592: Research Independent Study in Mechanical Engineering or Material Science
- ME 591: Research Independent Study in Mechanical Engineering or Material Science
- ME 582: Applications in Data and Materials Science
- ME 555: Advanced Topics in Mechanical Engineering
- ME 492: Special Projects in Mechanical Engineering
- ME 491: Special Projects in Mechanical Engineering
- ME 392: Undergraduate Projects in Mechanical Engineering
- ME 391: Undergraduate Projects in Mechanical Engineering
- COMPSCI 583: Applications in Data and Materials Science
- CEE 521: Elasticity (GE, BB)
- BME 526: Elasticity (GE, BB)
In the News
- A Fun, Free Crash Course on How Modern Materials Shape Our World (Feb 7, 2022 | Pratt School of Engineering)
- Brinson Named 2022 A.C. Eringen Medalist (Jan 13, 2022 | Pratt School of Engineering)
- Innovative Textile Vents to Release Heat When You Sweat (Jan 5, 2022 | Pratt School of Engineering)
- Duke MEMS: Writing New Recipes for High-Performance Materials (Feb 26, 2021 | Pratt School of Engineering)
- Brinson Named Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (Nov 25, 2020 | Pratt School of Engineering)
- Six From Duke Elected Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (Nov 24, 2020)
- Cate Brinson: In the Kitchen with NanoMine (Nov 19, 2020 | Rate of Change Podcast | Duke Engineering)
- aiM: AI for Understanding and Designing Materials—Filling an AI and Materials Science Training Gap (Sep 21, 2020 | Pratt School of Engineering)
- Women’s History Month 2020: Reflections from Duke Women (Mar 4, 2020 | Duke Today)
- Duke Adds 21 Faculty to Distinguished Faculty Rank (May 7, 2019)
Representative Publications
- Karimi Mahabadi, R., Z. Chen, A. C. Ogren, H. Zhang, C. Daraio, C. Rudin, and L. C. Brinson. “Graph-based design of irregular metamaterials.” International Journal of Mechanical Sciences 295 (June 1, 2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2025.110203.
- Bastawrous, M. V., Z. Chen, A. C. Ogren, C. Daraio, C. Rudin, and L. C. Brinson. “A multiscale design method using interpretable machine learning for phononic materials with closely interacting scales.” Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 440 (May 15, 2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cma.2025.117833.
- Saito, I., R. J. Sheridan, S. Zauscher, and L. C. Brinson. “Pushing AFM to the Boundaries: Interphase Mechanical Property Measurements near a Rigid Body.” Macromolecules 58, no. 2 (January 28, 2025): 980–88. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.macromol.4c01993.
- Taillon, J. A., E. S. Barnard, L. M. Bartolo, M. K. Y. Chan, E. A. Stach, M. L. Taheri, L. C. Brinson, and P. W. Voorhees. “MaRDA FAIR materials microscopy and LIMS data working groups’ community recommendations.” MRS Bulletin, January 1, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1557/s43577-025-00882-2.
- Zhang, H., R. K. Mahabadi, C. Rudin, J. Guilleminot, and L. C. Brinson. “Uncertainty quantification of acoustic metamaterial bandgaps with stochastic material properties and geometric defects.” Computers and Structures 305 (December 1, 2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107511.