The Turner Research Group investigates problems at the nexus of mechanics, materials, and manufacturing. We aim to understand the underlying mechanics and materials behavior in a range of problems and exploit this understanding to advance the capability of existing technologies and develop novel processes, materials, and devices. Our group has expertise in micro/nano-systems, adhesion and fracture, experimental and computational mechanics, design and optimization, and advanced manufacturing. Current research in the group is organized in three thrusts: (1) materials with programmable mechanical properties, (2) fracture and adhesion of structured and heterogeneous materials, and (3) printed and flexible sensors. Ongoing projects include surfaces with tunable adhesion and friction, electroadhesives for stiffness control in robotics, architected and network materials with high damage tolerance, distortion and residual stress control in additive manufacturing, and cellulose-based biodegradable sensors.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact:

Kevin T. Turner
Professor and Department Chair

Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics
School of Engineering and Applied Science
University of Pennsylvania

e-mail: kturner@seas.upenn.edu
tel: 215.573.7485