Professors Blanchard, Kammer, Malkus, Plesha and Witt make up an informal computational mechanics group. Their current research focuses on developing and applying computer methods for solving static and dynamic nonlinear structural and fluid mechanics problems, analyzing the dynamics of large orbiting space structures, and solving inverse structural dynamics problems.

Generally, developing new algorithms is a cornerstone of their research. Efforts in this area include developing discrete numerical methods (e.g. finite elements, finite differences and spectral methods) for contact-friction problems, incompressible media, and deployment of flexible space structures with strong geometric nonlinearities. Applications of this work include understanding the materials science of ceramic composite materials at high temperatures, understanding the behavior and mechanical properties of thin films, investigating the possibility of material instabilities in polymeric fluids that lead to "spurt" phenomena (and dramatic enhancement of processing speeds in industrial applications), and effective deployment and control of space structures. Developing discrete element methods is also an active research area. These methods are used for modeling the behavior of particulate materials that occur in geomechanics and industrial processing problems involving particulate materials and powders.

Dynamics systems theory work is also underway for dynamics analysis, nonlinear control, and identifying flexible structures. Some possible applications include aerospace structures and vehicle dynamics.