Biography
Professor Laurence Brassart graduated with a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the Université catholique de Louvain in 2007, and with a PhD in Engineering Sciences from the same university in 2011. She then successively held postdoctoral positions at Harvard University (Fellow of the Belgian American Educational Foundation) and the Université catholique de Louvain (Chargé de Recherche FNRS).
From 2015 to 2019, Laurence was a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Monash University (Melbourne). She joined the Department of Engineering Science in August 2019.
Laurence’s research focuses on the development of original constitutive models and micromechanical approaches for a broad range of materials. Her current research focuses on modelling multiphysics couplings in soft materials and energy materials.
Most Recent Publications
Rate dependent fracture behavior of highly cross-linked epoxy resin
Mishra K, Brassart L & Singh A (2022), Engineering Failure Analysis, 140, 106558-106558
Constitutive modelling of hydrolytic degradation in hydrogels
Pan Z & Brassart L (2022), Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, 167, 105016-105016
Effect of angled layers on failure regimes in brick-and-mortar structures
Hunter G, Djumas L, Brassart L & Molotnikov A (2022), Materials and Design
Controlling failure regimes in Brick-and-Mortar structures
Hunter G, Djumas L, Brassart L & Molotnikov A (2021), Extreme Mechanics Letters
Transitions in the strain hardening behaviour of tempered martensite
Wang L, Wu Y, Sun W, Bréchet Y, Brassart L et al. (2021), Acta Materialia
Research Interests
Laurence’s research focuses on the development of advanced mathematical theories that are useful to understand and predict the mechanical behaviour of a broad range of materials, from metallic alloys and composites to polymers and biomaterials. The general objective of her research is to elucidate the complex relationships between microstructure and macroscopic properties. Understanding these relationships is essential for the rational design of advanced materials and structures in many engineering fields.
Laurence’s research relies primarily on continuum mechanics, thermodynamics and applied mathematics. Her main areas of interest include:
- Micromechanics, multiscale modelling, homogenisation theory
- Constitutive modelling (elasticity, plasticity, large deformations)
- Multiphysics couplings in materials
- Computational mechanics
Her current projects focus on solid mechanics problems that involve a strong coupling between mechanics and chemistry (diffusion and chemical reactions in solids), for example in the context of energy-storage materials and soft materials (rubbers, hydrogels).
Most Recent Publications
Rate dependent fracture behavior of highly cross-linked epoxy resin
Mishra K, Brassart L & Singh A (2022), Engineering Failure Analysis, 140, 106558-106558
Constitutive modelling of hydrolytic degradation in hydrogels
Pan Z & Brassart L (2022), Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, 167, 105016-105016
Effect of angled layers on failure regimes in brick-and-mortar structures
Hunter G, Djumas L, Brassart L & Molotnikov A (2022), Materials and Design
Controlling failure regimes in Brick-and-Mortar structures
Hunter G, Djumas L, Brassart L & Molotnikov A (2021), Extreme Mechanics Letters
Transitions in the strain hardening behaviour of tempered martensite
Wang L, Wu Y, Sun W, Bréchet Y, Brassart L et al. (2021), Acta Materialia
DPhil Opportunities
I am looking for talented and motivated graduate students with a keen interests in solid mechanics and materials modelling to join my group.
Current available projects focus on the mechanics of polymers, such as elastomers, hydrogels, and biodegradable plastics, for applications in engineering and industry.
Interested students are invited to email me to discuss possible research projects, before applying.
Most Recent Publications
Rate dependent fracture behavior of highly cross-linked epoxy resin
Mishra K, Brassart L & Singh A (2022), Engineering Failure Analysis, 140, 106558-106558
Constitutive modelling of hydrolytic degradation in hydrogels
Pan Z & Brassart L (2022), Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, 167, 105016-105016
Effect of angled layers on failure regimes in brick-and-mortar structures
Hunter G, Djumas L, Brassart L & Molotnikov A (2022), Materials and Design
Controlling failure regimes in Brick-and-Mortar structures
Hunter G, Djumas L, Brassart L & Molotnikov A (2021), Extreme Mechanics Letters
Transitions in the strain hardening behaviour of tempered martensite
Wang L, Wu Y, Sun W, Bréchet Y, Brassart L et al. (2021), Acta Materialia
