Kube LabPENN STATE
WAVE MECHANICS & MATERIALS
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WAVES AS A WINDOW

Different questions.
Connected by waves.

From the physics of a single wave to the complexity of a material in the making. Explore five connected directions in our research.

01

INSIDE THE SIMULATION

Computational wave mechanics

See the wave. Understand the material.

Follow a wave through a landscape of grains. Computation lets us isolate the effects of structure, anisotropy, and stress—then connect the field to a measurable response.

ElastodynamicsSimulationAnisotropy
Explore computational wave mechanics
Elastic-wave energy moving through aluminum · Kube Lab simulation
02

STRUCTURE LEAVES A SIGNATURE

Scattering & microstructure

The scattered field is full of clues.

A material is more than a uniform block. Grains and interfaces scatter sound, changing echoes and diffuse fields. We investigate what those changes reveal about the structure within.

Multiple scatteringPolycrystalsDiffuse fields
Explore scattering & microstructure
How homogeneous, periodic, and heterogeneous structures shape ultrasonic responses · Kube Lab animation
03

BEYOND LINEAR BEHAVIOR

Nonlinear & stressed materials

Small changes. A different response.

Stress and nonlinear elasticity can change the way waves travel and interact. We connect constitutive physics with acoustic measurements to investigate material state.

Nonlinear elasticityAcoustoelasticityResonance
Explore nonlinear & stressed materials
THE SHAPE OF A SIGNALINTERACTIVE
With second harmonicReference

Move the slider to reshape the wave. Conceptual illustration, not experimental data.

04

FROM SIGNAL TO INSIGHT

Ultrasonic characterization

Look inside. Leave it intact.

Ultrasound offers a window into components without cutting them apart. We bring modeling and measurement together to connect inspection signals with material properties.

Nondestructive evaluationSensingMaterial properties
Explore ultrasonic characterization
Connecting component inspection, microstructure, and ultrasonic sensing · Kube Lab animation
05

SCIENCE IN THE MAKING

Additive manufacturing

Listen while the material takes shape.

Manufacturing is a moving target: heat, flow, and structure evolve together. We investigate ultrasonic monitoring to understand processes and characterize the materials they produce.

In-process monitoringMelt poolsPorosity
Explore additive manufacturing
Melt-pool cross-section simulation · Kube Lab research media · FLOW-3D

HOW WE WORK

One question.
Three perspectives.

01

Experiment

Probe real materials with ultrasonic measurements and complementary characterization techniques.

02

Theory

Build physical descriptions that connect elastic behavior, wave interactions, and measurable quantities.

03

Computation

Resolve complex wave fields and isolate the roles of geometry, stress, and microstructure.

QUESTIONS LEAD TO DISCOVERY

Let’s explore
what’s possible.

Interested in wave mechanics, materials,
or a new research collaboration?

Get in touch