Multiphysics Computational Mechanics for Extreme Events: Advancing National Security, Aerospace, and Climate Resilience

Georgios Moutsanidis, PhD
Assistant Professor
Civil Engineering
Stony Brook University

Abstract 
Modern aerospace, structural, and other engineering systems, are increasingly exposed to extreme environments and conditions stemming from global military threats, the demands of space exploration, the pursuit of faster and more efficient air travel, and the intensifying climate events caused by global warming and climate change. The interaction of these systems with extreme environments presents inherently complex multiphysics challenges. Thus, designing such systems effectively requires advanced multiphysics computational tools that offer accurate predictive capabilities for the mechanical behavior when direct measurements and experiments are too costly or not readily available. However, contemporary computational tools often rely on single-physics or decoupled methods, which may overlook critical interactions between different physical phenomena. In this talk, motivated by an interest in developing holistic multiphysics computational mechanics approaches for analyzing and designing engineering structures under extreme events, recent advancements in state-of-the-art computational methods aimed at addressing these challenges will be presented. Specifically, the talk will present the integration of Isogeometric Analysis, Meshless Methods, and Phase-Field Modeling for the development of robust multiphysics computational tools. These tools enable the analysis of various structural systems subjected to extreme events across diverse applications, including aerospace engineering, defense, ocean energy harvesting, and climate resilience. The talk will conclude with a discussion of a long-term research vision and potential future directions in this field.

Biography
Dr. Georgios Moutsanidis is an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at Stony Brook University. He earned his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering and Computational Science from University of California, San Diego, his M.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. His research focuses on developing high-fidelity multiphysics computational tools to tackle complex challenges in solid and structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, fluid-structure interaction, and fracture, applying them to aerospace engineering, defense, energy sustainability, and climate resilience. His work has been supported by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.