A study conducted by a mechanical engineering professor has been published in Select, a worldwide physics journal published by the Institute Of Physics.
Mark F. Horstemeyer conducted the shearing study, titled “A Multi-scale Analysis of Fixed-end Simple Shear Using Molecular Dynamics, Crystal Plasticity and a Macroscopic Internal State Variable Theory.” The study involved shearing nickel in three different numerical frameworks at three different scales-the atomic scale, the micron scale and the macro scale, Horstemeyer said.
Shearing would be like holding the bottom of a cube and moving the top of the cube sideways, Horstemeyer explained.
Horstemeyer said many things shear in their natural state. The purpose of conducting studies on this process is to take a closer look at the defects happening inside of a material because of shearing.
Horstemeyer said his love of physics and engineering stem from his religious beliefs.
“Being a Christian, I have a passion to really understand how God made things,” he said.
Before arriving at Mississippi State little more than a year ago, Horstemeyer spent 15 years working on weapons projects at Sandia National Laboratories in California. He was a part of the Columbia space shuttle accident investigation team and contributed to studies on the physics of baseball as part of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
He now serves as the head of MSU’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems and teaches mechanical engineering classes.
Glenn Steele, head of mechanical engineering, said Horstemeyer’s expertise has benefited the university.
“He’s brought a lot of energy and ideas to the department,” Steele said.
Horstemeyer said his favorite thing about teaching is his relationship with his students.
“I love the interaction with the students,” he said.
Being both a professor and the head of an imperative research site keeps Horstemeyer busy, but he said he enjoys it.
“My goals changed when I became a Christian,” he said. “That means giving 100 percent in whatever I do.”
Horstemeyer’s openness with his religious faith has been an influence on at least one of his colleagues.
Justin Crapps, a senior in mechanical engineering who works under Horstemeyer, said he has been a Christian influence on many students and people in the department.
“Many of us really appreciate that,” Crapps said.
Crapps also said that Horstemeyer has been a great mentor to students seeking advice on career choices or graduate school.
“I believe he makes it very clear that he is looking for what is best for you,” Crapps said.”He doesn’t try to convince you one way or the other.”
Matthew Tucker, also a senior in mechanical engineering who works for Horstemeyer, said he thinks it is a great thing to have a faculty member of Horstemeyer’s caliber at the university.
“He’s very knowledgeable about a lot of things,” Tucker said. “He’s right up there with the world experts in what he does.”