The mission of the Mechanical Properties and Mechanics Group (MP&M) is to conduct applied research and development to support the missions of the U.S. Department of Energy in the creation of scientific knowledge and technological solutions to increase the availability of clean, abundant energy; restore and protect the environment; and contribute to national security. MP&M also works with Universities, Industry and other agencies of Federal and State Governments.

MP&M specializes in the mechanical evaluation and characterization of structural and functional materials; in experimental mechanics and in the development of test methods; in establishing relations between processing, microstructure and mechanical properties and how these evolve as a function of time, stress and environment; in the development of design codes; and in life-prediction and failure analysis.

MP&M manages a large collection of unique mechanical testing equipment with capabilities to conduct uni- and multi-axial tests from cryogenic to very high temperatures in controlled environments. MP&M staff members have expertise with a wide range of materials. including metals, monolithic ceramics, polymer, metal and ceramic matrix composites, concrete, and functional materials (magnetic, electronic, biomaterials). MP&M also has capabilities for finite-element stress analysis and probabilistic analysis of materials and structures.