A. J. Durelli Award

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.

(1) The recipient should be recognized for a contribution early in their career. 

(2) S/he must have introduced, or helped to introduce, an innovative approach and/or method into the field of experimental mechanics. Any area qualifies.

(3) 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.

(4) The recipient should be a member of SEM but need not have held any prior leadership position in the Society. 

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.

Mike received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from U.C. Berkeley in 1994. He has worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory as an R&D Engineer for over 17 years, where he has received four Distinguished Performance Awards and six Defense Program Awards of Excellence. He has worked on nonlinear vibrations, structural health monitoring, residual stress measurement, shock physics, and material failure at high strain rates. He is particularly known for his 1999 invention of the contour method, a groundbreaking but conceptually simple method for determining a cross-sectional map of residual stresses. Mike co-founded the Residual Stress Summit, was the Program Chairman for the 8^th International Conference on Residual Stresses, served as an Associate Technical Editor for Experimental Mechanics, and is the Chair for ASTM Task Group E28.13.02. Mike has 32 journal publications, one patent and has been a guest editor for special issues of two journals. In 1993 Mike set two world records in a Human Powered Vehicle he helped design and build as a student project.