Rachel uses molecular dynamics simulations to probe material behaviors at the atomistic scale under extreme conditions such as shock. Current projects include characterizing the phase changes and spallation observed in silicon carbide under shock and exploring the effects of helium heterogeneities on copper under shock.
Gaia studies the mechanical behavior or single crystalline iron at extreme conditions (high pressure and strain rates). Diamond anvil cell experiments can reach pressures up to 50GPa while laser shock compression can reach up to 350GPa, giving us a complete picture of how single and nanocrystalline iron behaves at high pressures.
