This talk will include: 1) discussions on the various challenges and issues in modeling advanced polymer based composite material systems, and 2) discussions on the various research opportunities in Engineering Sciences at the Army Research Office at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. To meet Army’s transformation requirements, the future vehicle and soldier systems have to be ultra lightweight. There are challenging scientific hurdles to overcome in order to meet the technological requirements in several multidisciplinary research areas. The short and long term research focuses are on latest developments in computational mechanics, nanomechanics, biomechanics, rotor dynamics, smart structures and materials, heterogeneous materials, etc. Research opportunities in programs, such as SBIR, STTR, MURI, and other Army initiatives are also addressed.

Dr. A. M. “Raj” Rajendran serves as the Chief Scientist and technical advisor for the Engineering Sciences Directorate of U.S. Army Research Office, Army Research Laboratory (ARL), RTP, NC, 27709. He serves in several high-level DoD / DOE / NASA evaluation panels as a member. Dr. Rajendran is an Adjunct Professor at the North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. He serves in Ph.D committees and also supports National Research Council (NRC) Associates at NC State University.

Dr. Rajendran has won several research awards: ICCES -2007 Prof. Eric Reissner Medal for the original contributions to the “Impact and Penetration Mechanics” research area, 1998 - Army’s R&D achievement award, 1991-University of Dayton Research Institute’s (UDRI) top research award (Wohlleben/Hochwalt Award), and 1988-Martin-Marietta's "Manned Space Systems Award.” Dr. Rajendran has authored approximately 150 publications and over 150 presentations.

Dr. Rajendran is a Fellow of the Army Research Laboratory, Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), served in the ASME JEMT review board (2000-2004), Secretary / Treasurer for the Executive Committee of Materials Division, ASME. He is also in the Editorial Board of three international journals: Journal of Computer Modeling and Simulation in Engineering, International Journal of Plasticity, and Composites Part B: Engineering. Dr. Rajendran obtained his Ph.D. (1981) in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Washington, Seattle, WA.