A. J. Durelli

A. J. Durelli was one of the most outstanding experimental stress analysts in the world during the second half of twentieth century. Known primarily for his work in brittle lacquer techniques, photoelasticity, and moiré methods, throughout his career, Dr. Durelli consistently sought out new methods to solve problems rather than to solve new problems with existing methods. He often challenged his students and colleagues to view the world from a different perspective, and bestowed on our Society some of its greatest gifts – productive, caring, and competent people.

The purpose of this award is to recognize a young professional who has introduced, or helped to introduce, an innovative approach and/or method into the field of experimental mechanics. The individual’s contribution shall be distinguished in that it departs from the norm and/or challenges the existing train of thought in the Society.

The award in question is designed to recognize a relatively young individual for distinguished, innovative work in experimental mechanics; one of the qualities that A.J. recognized and instilled so well in others.

Initially, this award was intended to be presented every two years. In 2009 the Honors Committee recommended that this award be presented annually and this change was approved by the Executive board in June 2009.

Award Guidelines      Award Nomination Form

 

2021 Recipient

Picture of Yong Zhu

For the development and application of innovative methods to study the interfacial mechanics of nanomaterials on polymers.

Yong Zhu
Yong Zhu is a Professor and University Faculty Scholar in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, with joint appointments in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, at North Carolina State University. He received his PhD at Northwestern University in 2005 and did his postdoc at the University of Texas at Austin before joining NC State in 2007. His group conducts research at the intersection of solid mechanics and micro/nano-technology, including nanomechanics, interfacial mechanics, microelectromechanical systems, and nanomaterial-enabled stretchable electronics. His work has been recognized with a number of awards such as ASME/Pi Tau Sigma Gustus L. Larson Memorial Award (2019), ASME Sia Nemat-Nasser Early Career Award (2015), and SEM JSA Young Investigator Lecture Award (2013). He is currently an Associate Editor for Journal of Applied Mechanics and Experimental Mechanics.

 
The Society acknowledges the following individuals who were given the A. J. Durelli Award in the past.
 
2020 - Piervincenzo Rizzo 2019 - Pascal Lava 2018 - Jennifer Jordan
2017 - Eric N. Brown 2016 - Junlan Wang 2015 - Frank W. DelRio
2014 - Satoru Yoneyama 2013 - Ioannis Chasiotis 2012 - Michael B. Prime
2011 - K.J. Grande-Allen 2010 - Cosme Furlong 2008 - George H. James III
2006 - Hugh A. Bruck 2004 - Peter G. Ifju