News

9/2024 Congratulations to our PhD student Max Sevcik who passed his PhD qualifying exam. Woohoo!
8/2024 Congratulations to our PhD ~~student~~ candidate Finnegan Wilson who passed his PhD proposal defense. Yay!
2/2024 Congratulations to our PhD ~~student~~ candidate Grace Rabinowitz who passed her PhD proposal defense. Well done!
2/2024 Congratulations to our PhD student Max Sevcik who just had his second first-author paper accepted for publication Dual feed progressive cavity pump extrusion system for functionally graded direct ink write 3D printing. Congrats!
12/2023 Congratulations to our PhD student Grace Rabinowitz who just got her first paper Experimental investigation of cylindrical shock wave interactions accepted for publication!
9/2023 Congratulations to Dr Heng Liu who just got his paper "Two-Dimensional Geometrical Shock Dynamics for Blast Wave Propagation and Post-Shock Flow Effects" published!
8/2023 Welcome to our newest PhD students James Verheyden and James Frishkoff, and MS Thesis student Josh Gallaher!

More news »

Recent publications

M.J. Sevcik*, J. Golson*, G. Bjerke*, I. Snyder**, G. Taylor**, F. Wilson*, G.I. Rabinowitz*, D.J. Kline, M.D. Grapes, K.T. Sullivan, J.L. Belof, V. Eliasson, Dual feed progressive cavity pump extrusion system for functionally graded direct ink write 3D printing, HardwareX, ISSN 2468-0672, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ohx.2024.e00515, 2024

G.I. Rabinowitz, F. Wilson, G. Bjerke, K.J. Tucker, R.R. Kustic, J.G. Nederbragt, M.P. Anderson, J. Golson, R. Chaves Morales and V. Eliasson, Experimental investigation of cylindrical shock wave interactions, Online first, https://doi.org/10.1007/s41939-023-00360-9, 2023

M.J. Sevcik, G. Bjerke, F. Wilson, D.J. Kline, R. Chavez Morales, H.E. Fletcher, K. Guan, M.D. Grapes, S. Seetharaman, K.T. Sullivan, J.L. Belof, and V. Eliasson, Extrusion parameter control optimization for DIW 3D printing using image analysis techniques, Progress in Additive Manufacturing, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40964-023-00470-3, 2023

More publications »

Events & Visits

We particiated in the 17th International Detonation Symposium, and presented one talk, in Kansas City, MO, August 4-9, 2024.
We particiated in the SEM Annual Conference, and presented two talks, in Vancouver, WA, June 3-6, 2024.
We presented two posters at the Energetic Materials Gordon Research Conference, and presented two talks, in Newry, Maine, June 2-7, 2024.
We presented a talk at the CIE/IGUS-EPP conference, in Manchester, UK, April 28-May 3, 2024.
We particiated in the SEM Annual Conference, and presented a talk, in Orlando, July 5-8, 2023.
We particiated at the SEM Annual Conference, and presented two talks, in Pittsburgh, June 12-16, 2022.
Dr Eliasson presented the Springer/Nature Young Investigator Lecture at the annual SEM Annual Conference, Virtual, June 14-17, 2021.
We presented four talks at the APS/DFD 2019 in Seattle, Nov 23-26, 2019.
We presented two talks at the IMECE in Salt Lake City, NV, Nov 11-14, 2019.

Research Team

QUESTIONS: [1] If you have a chance to travel around the world, which place would be your first choice? [2] What is your favorite movie? [3] Who is a person that inspires you? [4] If you were a superhero, what superpower would you have? [5] What is your favorite car?

Veronica Eliasson [CV]

Associate Professor

Office: CK 202
Lab: BB120, BB145 and ERL
[1] Ascension Island
[2] V for Vendetta
[3] Astrid Lindgren
[4] Super strength
[5] 1966 Mustang, V8, 289...!

Energetic Materials Shock Wave Dynamics High Strain Rate Impacts Fracture Mechanics High-speed Photography

Or, simply put, we hit things really hard and try to understand what happens.

Current PhD Students

Macey Brown

Undergraduate student in the Chemical Engineering Department
Project: Everything
[1] I would go scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia
[2] Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind by Hayao Miyazaki
[3] Marie Curie
[4] Jack of all trades
[5] 1968 Cutlass S Class Convertible

Kealy Faughnan

PhD Student, Spring 2024-present
Undergraduate Degree: Colorado School of Mines, Chemical Engineering
Project: Advanced energetic materials
[1] Kathmandu, Nepal
[2] How to Train Your Dragon
[3] Amelia Earhart
[4] Thermokinesis
[5] 1997 Mini Cooper Mk VII

Lee Fronapfel

PhD student, Fall 2022-present
Edgar Mine Manager
Undergraduate Degree: Colorado School of Mines, Mining Engineering
Project: Explosives and mining
[1] I'd like to go mining at Mars
[2] I don't watch movies, I'd rather ride my bike
[3] My dad, a former POW
[4] See through anything: imagine all the gold I could mine
[5] The 2023 Raptor!

Kadyn Tucker

PhD student, Fall 2023-present
Undergraduate Degree: Southern Utah University, Mechanical Engineering
Project: Blast wave dynamics
[1] Japan
[2] Inception
[3] My great-grandfather
[4] Teleportation
[5] Lexus LFA

Grace Rabinowitz

PhD Candidate, Winter 2021-present
Undergraduate Degree: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Materials Science and Engineering (major), Psychology (minor)
Project: Interaction of Multiple Shock Waves
[1] Japan to go skiing
[2] The Devil Wears Prada
[3] Mickey Mantle - I remember reading The Quality of Courage with my dad when I was young
[4] Teleportation
[5] Audi RS 3 Avant

Max Sevcik

PhD Student, Summer 2021-present
Undergraduate Degree: Colorado School of Mines, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Project: 3D printing of advanced materials
[1] Iceland
[2] Django Unchained
[3] Eliud Kipchoge (marathon runner)
[4] Flying
[5] Audi R8

Finnegan Wilson

PhD student, Summer 2022-present
Undergraduate Degree: Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering
Project: Blast wave dynamics
[1] I would travel to Ireland
[2] Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
[3] My dad inspires me
[4] Flight
[5] Reliant Robin

James Verheyden

PhD Student, Fall 2023-present
Undergraduate Degree: Cal Poly SLO, Mechanical Engineering
Project: ACME
[1] Above the Karman Line
[2] Raiders of the Lost Ark
[3] My Grandfather
[4] Time dilation, more time to complete assignments
[5] Vought F4U Corsair

Matthew Frederick Villena

PhD Student, Fall 2023-present
Undergraduate Degree: Cal Poly SLO, Materials Engineering
Master of Science Degree: Cal Poly SLO, Polymers and Coatings Science
Project: Explosives
[1] Japan - If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life, it would be Japanese food
[2] Batman: The Dark Knight
[3] My grandfather
[4] No doubt teleportation - I hate traffic
[5] I’ve wanted a Jeep Wrangler for as long as I can remember

Former PhD Students

Dr. Chuanxi Wang PhD Defense: June 13, 2013. Thesis Title: Converging shocks in water and material effects
Dr. Gauri Khanolkar PhD Defense: August 7, 2015. Thesis title: Shock wave response of in situ iron-based metallic glass matrix composite
Dr. Orlando Delpino Gonzales PhD Defense: April 27, 2016. Thesis title: On the dynamic fracture behavior of polymeric materials subjected to extreme conditions
Dr. Qian Wan PhD Defense: April 27, 2017. Thesis title: Numerical investigation of shock wave attenuation
Dr. Hongjoo Jeon PhD Defense: June 8, 2017. Thesis title: An experimental study of shock wave attenuation
Dr. Shi "Stone" Qiu PhD Defense: June 8, 2017. Thesis title: Numerical study of focusing effects generated by the coalescence of multiple shock waves
Dr. Stylianos Koumlis PhD Defense: June 9, 2017. Thesis title: An experimental model of blunt-impact induced traumatic brain injuries
Dr. Rodrigo Chavez Morales PhD Defense: December 14, 2020. Thesis title: Dynamic response of polymeric materials subject to extreme environments under dynamic fracture and impact conditions
Dr. Heng Liu PhD Defense: September 16, 2021. Thesis title: Numerical study of shock focusing phenomena using geometrical shock dynamics

Current undergraduate student researchers

Aaron Puffinbarger

Undergraduate student in the Mechanical Engineering Department
Project: Everything
[1] Beirut - Lebanon
[2] The Lord of The Ring: The Two Towers
[3] Dr. Nikola Kaylar Puffinbarger for being a loving mother beyond the call of duty
[4] Teleportation so I could Ski without driving on the I-70
[5] 1993 Mazda RX-7 Twin Turbo

Lily Rockwell

Undergraduate student in the Engineering, Design, and Society Department
Project: Everything
[1] New Zealand
[2] The Sandlot
[3] My mom
[4] Super strength or super memory!
[5] 1990 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon or a 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX

Alex Nicholson

Undergraduate student in the Chemical Engineering Department
Project: Advanced Energetic Materials
[1] Antarctica
[2] Dr. Strangelove
[3] My Mother, a computer forensic scientist
[4] Teleportation
[5] My 2007 Tacoma

Previous undergraduate student researchers are listed in Dr. Eliasson's CV.

Journal Publications

Eliasson Graduate Advisee*, Eliasson Undergraduate Advisee**

Published or In print

M.J. Sevcik*, J. Golson*, G. Bjerke*, I. Snyder**, G. Taylor**, F. Wilson*, G.I. Rabinowitz*, D.J. Kline, M.D. Grapes, K.T. Sullivan, J.L. Belof, Veronica Eliasson, Dual feed progressive cavity pump extrusion system for functionally graded direct ink write 3D printing, HardwareX, ISSN 2468-0672, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ohx.2024.e00515, 2024
G.I. Rabinowitz*, F. Wilson*, G. Bjerke*, K.J. Tucker*, R.R. Kustic**, J.G. Nederbragt**, M.P. Anderson, J. Golson*, R. Chaves Morales and V. Eliasson, Experimental investigation of cylindrical shock wave interactions, Online first, https://doi.org/10.1007/s41939-023-00360-9, 2024
H. Liu* and V. Eliasson, Two-dimensional geometrical shock dynamics for blast wave propagation and post-shock flow effects, 10(10), 838 https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace10100838, 2023
M.J. Sevcik*, G. Bjerke*, F. Wilson*, D.J. Kline, R. Chavez Morales, H.E. Fletcher, K. Guan, M.D. Grapes, S. Seetharaman, K.T. Sullivan, J.L. Belof, and V. Eliasson, Extrusion parameter control optimization for DIW 3D printing using image analysis techniques, Progress in Additive Manufacturing, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40964-023-00470-3, 2023
D.J. Kline, M.D. Grapes, R. Chavez Morales, G.C. Egan, J.D. Sain, Z.D. Doorenbos, H.E. Fletcher, E.A. Avalos, B.M. English, V. Eliasson, K.T. Sullivan, J.L. Belof, In situ laser profilometry for material segmentation and digital reconstruction of a multicomponent additively manufactured part, 56, Additive Manufacturing, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addma.2022.102896, 2022
R. Chavez, J. Baek, D. Sharp, A. Aderounmu, H. Wei, J.-S. Chen, and V. Eliasson, Mode-II Fracture Response of PMMA Under Dynamic Loading Conditions, Journal of Dynamic Behavior of Materials, 8, 104–121, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40870-021-00320-9, 2022
L. Zheng**, B. Lawlor**, B.J. Katko*, C. McGuire**, J. Zanteson** & V. Eliasson, Image processing and edge detection techniques to quantify shock wave dynamics experiments, Experimental Techniques,45, 483–495, 2021
R. Chavez Morales & V. Eliasson, The Effect of Moisture Intake on the Mode-II Dynamic Fracture Behavior of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites, Journal of Dynamic Behavior of Materials, 7, 21–33, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40870-020-00260-w, 2021
J.C. Dela Cueva**, L. Zheng**, B. Lawlor**, K. Nguyen**, A. Westra**, J. Nunez**, J. Zanteson**, C. McGuire**, R. Chavez Morales*, B.J. Katko*, H. Liu* & V. Eliasson, Blast wave interaction with structures: an application of exploding wire experiments, Multiscale and Multidisciplinary Modeling, Experiments and Design, 3, 337–347, DOI: 10.1007/s41939-020-00076-0, 2020
W. Mellor*, E. Lakhani*, J. C. Valenzuela, B. Lawlor**, J. Zanteson** & V. Eliasson, Design of a multiple exploding wire setup to study shock wave dynamics, Experimental Techniques, 44, 241-248, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40799-019-00354-8, 2020
A. Ivanov**, N. Fassardi**, C. Scafidi**, T. Shemen** & V. Eliasson, Shock wave attenuation using rigid obstacles with large and small scale geometrical features, Multiscale and Multidisciplinary Modeling, Experiments and Design, https://doi.org/10.1007/s41939-019-00053-2, 2019
Q. Wan*, R. Deiterding & V. Eliasson, Numerical investigation of shock wave attenuation in channels using water droplets, Multiscale and Multidisciplinary Modeling, Experiments and Design, DOI 10.1007/s41939-018-00041-y, 2019
I.-C. Cheng, J.P. Kelly, E. Novitskaya, V. Eliasson, A.M. Hodge, and O.A. Graeve, Mechanical properties of an Fe-based SAM2x5-630 metallic glass matrix composite with tungsten particle additions, Advanced Engineering Materials, DOI: 10.1002/adem.201800023, 2018
S. Koumlis*, H. Cheng, T.E. Morgan, C.E. Finch & V. Eliasson, Glial Model for Traumatic Brain Injury: network strain field and inflammation induced by repeated mechanical impacts in vitro, 58, 125-135, Experimental Mechanics, DOI 10.1007/s11340-017-0338-3, 2018
Q. Wan*, H. Jeon*, R. Deiterding & V. Eliasson, Numerical and experimental investigation of oblique shock wave reflection off a water wedge, Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 826, 732-758, 2017
H. Jeon* and V. Eliasson, Shock wave interactions with liquid sheets, Experiments in Fluids, 58(24), 2017. doi:10.1007/s00348-017-2300-7
T.Q. Phan, J.P. Kelly, M.E. Kassner, V. Eliasson, O.A. Graeve, & A.M. Hodge, Bulk Mechanical Properties Testing of Metallic Marginal Glass Formers, Journal of Metallurgy, Article ID 6508597, 8 pages, 2016. doi:10.1155/2016/6508597
O. Delpino Gonzales*, K. Luong**, H. Homma** & V. Eliasson, Experimental investigation of dynamic fracture initiation in PMMA submerged in water, Dynamic Behavior of Materials, 2, 391-398, 2016. DOI: 10.1007/s40870-016-0074-2
S. Qiu*, K. Liu* & V. Eliasson, Parallel implementation of geometrical shock dynamics for two dimensional converging shock waves, Computer Physics Communications, 207 186-192, 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.cpc.2016.06.003
G.R. Khanolkar*, M. Raouls, J.P. Kelly, O.A. Graeve, A.M. Hodge & V. Eliasson, Shock Wave Response of Iron-based In Situ Metallic Glass Matrix Composites, Scientific Reports, 6, Article number:22568, Doi:10.1038/srep22568, 2016
O. Delpino Gonzales*, A.J. Nicassio** & V. Eliasson, Evaluation of the effect of water content on the stress optical coefficient in PMMA, Polymer Testing, DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2016.01.004, 2016
J.P. Kelly, S.M. Fuller, K. Seo, E. Novitskaya, J.C. Farmer, V. Eliasson, A.M. Hodge & O.A. Graeve, Designing In Situ and Ex Situ Bulk Metallic Glass Composites via Spark Plasma Sintering in the Super Cooled Liquid State, Materials and Design, 93, 26-38, 2016
H. Jeon*, J.R. Gross*, S. Estabrook**, S. Koumlis*, Q. Wan*, G.R. Khanolkar*, X. Tao*, D.M. Mensching**, E.J. Lesnick** & V. Eliasson, Shock wave attenuation using foam obstacles — does geometry matter? Aerospace, 2(2), 353-375, 2015
S. Koumlis*, D. Buecker**, G. Moler**, V. Eliasson & P. Sengupta, HAMr: A mechanical impactor for repeated dynamic loading of in vitro neuronal networks, Experimental Mechanics, 55(8), 1441-1449, DOI: 10.1007/s11340-015-0052-y, 2015
C. Wang*, L. Grunenfelder, R. Patwardhan*, S. Qiu* & V. Eliasson, Investigation of shock wave focusing in water in a logarithmic spiral duct, Part 2: Strong coupling, Ocean Engineering, 102, 185-196, DOI:10.1016/j.oceaneng.2015.04.053, 2015
G.R. Khanolkar*, S. Haghighat, A.M. Hodge, K.M. Flores & V. Eliasson, Effect of loading rate on dynamic fracture morphology of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass, Material Transactions, 56 (6), 2015
O. Delpino Gonzales* & V. Eliasson, Influence of water uptake on dynamic fracture behavior of Poly(methyl methacrylate), Experimental Mechanics, 56 (1), 59-68, DOI:10.1007/s11340-015-0030-4, 2016
Q. Wan* and V. Eliasson, Numerical study of shock wave attenuation in two-dimensional ducts using solid obstacles - How to utilize shock focusing techniques to attenuate shock waves, Aerospace 2, 203-221, DOI:10.3390/aerospace2020203, 2015
O. Delpino Gonzales* and V. Eliasson, Effect of water content on dynamic fracture initiation of vinyl ester, Experimental Mechanics, Online first, DOI: 10.1007/s11340-015-0028-y, 2015
S. Qiu* and V. Eliasson, Interaction and coalescence of multiple simultaneous and non-simultaneous blast waves, 26 (3), 287-297, Shock Waves, DOI: 10.1007/s00193-015-0567-2, 2015
M.E. Kassner, K. Smith, and V. Eliasson, Creep in Amorphous Metals, Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 4 (1), 100-107, 2015
C. Wang*, S. Qiu* and V. Eliasson, Investigation of shock wave focusing in water in a logarithmic spiral duct, Part 1: Weak coupling, Ocean Engineering, 102, 174-184, DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2014.09.012, 2015
C. Wang*, S. Qiu* and V. Eliasson, Quantitative pressure measurement of shock waves in water using a schlieren-based visualization technique Online first, Experimental Techniques, DOI: 10.1111/ext.12068, 2013
K. Balasubramanian* and V. Eliasson, Numerical investigations of the porosity effect on the shock focusing process. Shock Waves, 23 (6), 583-594, 2013
C. Wang* and V. Eliasson, Shock wave focusing in water inside convergent structures, International Journal of Multiphysics, 6, 267-281, 2012
V. Eliasson, M. Mello, A.J. Rosakis & P.E Dimotakis, Experimental investigation of converging shocks in water with various confinement materials. Shock Waves, 20, 395-408, 2010
V. Eliasson, N. Tillmark, A.J. Szeri & N. Apazidis, Light emission during shock wave focusing in air and argon. Physics of Fluids, 19 106106, 2007
V. Eliasson, M. Kjellander & N. Apazidis, Regular versus Mach reflection for converging polygonal shocks. Shock waves, 17, 43-50, 2007
V. Eliasson, N. Apazidis & N. Tillmark, Controlling the form of strong converging shocks by means of disturbances. Shock waves, 17, 29-42, 2007
V. Eliasson, N. Apazidis & N. Tillmark, Shaping converging shock waves by means of obstacles. Journal of Visualization, Vol. 9 No. 3, 240, 2006
V. Eliasson, N. Apazidis, N. Tillmark & Lesser M., Focusing of strong shocks in an annular shock tube. Shock waves, 15 205-217, 2006

Research Facilities & Capabilities

Mines’ Explosives Research Laboratory maintains two research facilities: the Outdoor Explosive Research Laboratory Site in Idaho Springs, CO, located at Mines Edgar Mine site, and the Indoor Small-Scale Laboratory on the Mines campus in Golden, CO.

These facilities maintain the capability to

Measure explosive energy and post-detonation gases
Experimentally test energetic material performance
Experimentally study how different types of materials or articles survive blast loading
Study effects of blasting, including measurements of air overpressure and ground vibration, and analyze fragmentation using novel methods
Use novel techniques to create new energetic materials and test them on site

In addition, the Explosives Research Laboratory provides services and technical consulting for industry partners, and our research facilities are used to offer world-class explosives training for a variety of government and private groups.

Large-scale Test Site: The Outdoor Explosives Research Laboratory

The Outdoor Explosive Research Laboratory is a 2000-acre property in Idaho Springs, CO, with the goal of being a world leader in explosives experimentation, testing and characterization.

The laboratory consists of multiple test sites and support facilities. The outdoor range has high-security cameras around the perimeter and security card access with support facilities including an on-site office, preparation and changing rooms, and a machine shop.

The laboratory is fully equipped for electricity, internet, and phone service and has access to earth-moving and other heavy equipment. The site has explosive storage according to ATF and state explosive permits. The outdoor range has an established net explosive weight up to 20 lb for open-air detonation.

We are currently constructing a new drift inside Edgar Mine, in the Sunburst drift, to create an advanced manufacturing facility for energetic materials. Initially, we are expanding the Sunburst drift, and then installation of concrete floors, shotcrete on the walls, electricity, ventilation and safety doors will begin.

Mines Explosives Research Laboratory: Progress being made on the Sunburst Drift

This progress picture is from September 2022, and we expect to move in before winter break.

Small-scale Indoor Blast Laboratory on Mines Campus

The indoor blast laboratory is located on the Colorado School of Mines campus in Brown Hall 120.

The on-campus laboratory includes an indoor blasting chamber, vacuum chamber, and a separate rock fragmentation laboratory. Support facilities include a sample preparation lab; machine shop; fully equipped offices, meeting rooms, and classrooms; one indoor type-two magazine, and oxidizer and flammables cabinets.

The indoor blast laboratory has a 20 g TNT equivalent performance testing limit and includes free-field and underwater aquarium testing.

High-fidelity mobile detonation physics laboratory (HFMDPL)

Recognizing that not all testing can be done in a laboratory environment or at our facilities in Colorado, we have developed the only available High Fidelity Mobile Detonation Physics Laboratory (HFMDPL) in the world with generous support from Los Alamos National Laboratory.

The HFMDPL is a state-of-the-art mobile laboratory, which enables the most precise measurement of detonation properties of both ideal and non-ideal detonations. The HFMDPL enables the our research group to conduct full field-scale testing at any test range location based on client/partner requirements.

Specialized Instrumentation

We have many different types of high-fidelity equipment that can be used for quantitative measurements and observations.

2 dual head flash X-ray system, 450kV, different spot sizes
8 channel Photon Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) system
High-Speed Cameras: Phantom v711, Phantom v7.3 and Photron Fastcam SA-X2
Ultra-High-Speed Cameras: SIM X16 and Shimadzu HPV-X2
Lighting Systems: Alien Bees Flash Unit B1600 and Megasun 15kJ 700us pulse
Velocity of Detonation (VOD) instrumentation: MREL Microtrap (4 channels), MREL Handitrap (2 handhelds)
Manganin Gauges
Free-field piezoelectric pressure sensors: PCB127A23 and PCB103B02 series
Underwater pressure sensors: PCB138A10 series
Signal conditioners: PCB482C05
Delay generating modules: Standford DG535
Oscilloscopes: 2 DPO 72004C (100 GS/s) and 4 MSO 5054 (5GS/s)
Initiation Systems: Exploding-Bridgewire (EBW), electric, electronic, nonelectric (shock tube), and remote wireless firing devices
Exploding wire setup, 50kV, multiple synchronized wires
Schlieren setups: a 25cm-diameter z-folded system and a 15cm-diameter z-folded system
Caustics visualizations (in transmission)
Photoelasticity visualization system

Mines Explosives Research Laboratory: Outdoor Site in Idaho Springs

Our research group is preparing an experiment with simultaneous particle doppler velocimetry (PDV) and flash X-ray diagnostics at Mines Explosives Research Laboratory's outdoor site. September 2022.

Our Mission