The fundamental mechanisms responsible of mechanical properties of materials are studied mainly by means of ultrasound and atomic force microscopy techniques. The specific systems under scope are crystalline solids, where dislocations type defects interact with sound waves, fluid gas mixtures, suspensions, granular materials, natural bioceramics and their macromolecules as well as membranes and living cells. In addition, the effect of macromolecules on the bioceramics growth from solution is investigated by means of “in situ” atomic force microscopy.
The understanding of a variety of phenomena associated to granular material flows is one of the major goals of the area, 'specially those features that are relevant for practical applications of these materials in local industry. Numerical simulations, statistical mechanics theory and intense experimental activity are developed together for these purposes.