The 2020 Nonlinear Mechanics and Dynamics Research Institute

Abstract

The 2020 Nonlinear Mechanics and Dynamics (NOMAD) Research Institute was successfully held from June 1 5 to July 30 , 20 20 . NOMAD brings together participants with diverse technical backgrounds to work in small teams to cultivate new ideas and approaches in engineering mechanics and dynamics research. NOMAD provides an opportunity for researchers ? especially early career rese archers - to develop lasting collaborations that go beyond what can be established from the limited interactions at their institutions or at annual conferences. A total of 1 1 students participated in the seven - week long program held virtually due to the CO VID - 19 health pandemic. The students collaborated on one of four research projects that were developed by various mentors from Sandia National Laboratories, the University of New Mexico, and other academic and research institutions. In addition to the rese arch activities, the students attended weekly technical seminars, various virtual tours, and socialized at virtual gatherings. At the end of the summer, the students gave a final technical presentation on their research findings. Many of the research disc overies made at NOMAD 2020 are published as proceedings at technical conferences and have direct alignment with the critical mission work performed at Sandia.