OXFORD,
Miss. – A University of Mississippi civil engineering research group is
featured in the December issue of the Engineering Mechanics Institute’s
online newsletter.
The Nano-Infrastructure Research Group, which
applies recent developments in nanotechnology to the more traditional
areas of civil engineering, was reported as one of the first in the
nation to have made advancements in such research.
Nanotechnology
refers to the use of matter on an atomic and molecular scale.
Generally, it deals with structures that measure only 100 nanometers or
smaller, and involves developing materials or even tiny machines within
that size. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter.
The EMI of
the American Society of Civil Engineers is one of the nation’s premier
professional organizations focusing on developing applied mechanics.
Alexander
Cheng, chair and professor of civil engineering, said his article
presents the research group’s goals, which include understanding the
mechanics of nanomaterials and using the nanomaterials to improve the
nation’s infrastructure (i.e. buildings, roadways, bridges, etc.). A
sampling of the group’s research topics and research projects, lists of
selected publications and links to relevant Web pages are also included.
“This
newsletter was sent to about 2,000 members of EMI and about another
2,000 nonmembers, Cheng said. “We look forward to continue working in
this forefront research area.”
Amar Chaker, director of the EMI,
said the organization in pleased that the UM research group’s
achievements are among the first to be spotlighted in the newsletter.
“Dr.
Cheng’s article will undoubtedly encourage others EMI members to submit
similar reports profiling their research groups for future
publication,” Chaker said.
To view Cheng’s article in EMI News, visit http://email.asce.org/emi/documents/NanoInfrastructureResearchGroupatOleMiss.pdf
For
more information about civil engineering at the University of
Mississippi, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/civil?engineering or
call 662-915-7191.