Chiara Daraio

CONTACT
113 Firestone
MC 105-50
Pasadena, CA 91125

Tel.: 626-395-4479
Email: daraio@caltech.edu
Web site: http://www.daraio.caltech.edu

EDUCATION
Ph.D: 2006, University of California, San Diego
M.S.: 2003, University of California, San Diego
B.S.: 2001, University of Ancona, Italy

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Highly nonlinear acoustic metamaterials: I’m interested in the study of highly nonlinear wave phenomena in solids. The vision behind this is to design and test new “artificially” composite materials presenting unprecedented mechanical properties. The engineering applications pursued include: novel energy trapping devices, acoustic band gaps phononic crystals, tunable acoustic lenses. Possible extensions to optical systems will be also explored. Nanomaterials as building blocks of future technologies: The expansion of the nonlinear behavior in structured solids is most desirable at the smaller scales. I’m interested in exploring and exploiting the potential hidden at the nanoscale to discover new interesting physical phenomena and develop novel materials and devices. Applications pursued in this area include: small shock protecting layers for electronic devices coupled to thermal dissipation, nanocomposites and new biomimetic adhesives layers. Advanced and in-situ characterization of nano- and biological materials: A quest for the “Origin of Life”: this NASA supported project aims at discovering a signature of organic and biogenic processes in the oldest sedimentary rocks found on earth. The work, now mostly focused on the use of High Resolution TEM, SEM and synchrotron X-Ray analysis is targeted at discovering and understanding the relationship between carbon nanostructures found bin rocks and their geological origin. Other characterization approaches (atomic force microscopy, Raman, EELS, optical and tomography) will be also explored. Mechanics of Biomaterials: I’m interested in creating new avenues of research to study the mechanics of biological systems and cells. Learning how cell react under the application of external stresses would provide an interesting spin to the understanding of important medical issues. I am exploring the possibility to apply the developed knowledge on nano-mechanics and characterization to the study of the mechanics of blood coagulation and platelets.

CURRENT TEAMS

Bio-inspired Materials and Energy