Hooper Group
Our research focuses on the physics of explosives and high strain-rate deformation of materials. We pursue both experimental and computational work in our group, ranging from high-velocity impact testing to atomistic scale simulations of new explosives.
Welcome
Joe Hooper, Assistant Professor of Physics
Office: Spanagel 102B
Email: jphooper@nps.edu
Phone: (831) 656-2601
Department of Physics
833 Dyer Way, Bldg 232, Room 102B
Monterey, CA 93943
Group photo, December 2012: (left to right) LT. Arbi Chokri, Ms. Yi Ming Tan, Dr. Joe Hooper, LT Amy Lees, LTJG Pat Smith, LT Brian Curran, Dr. Sufian Alnemrat
Student Thesis Opportunities:
Thermobaric warhead materials:
There is a great deal of interest in expanding the lethality of warheads by including combustible materials (such as metals or thermites) that burn rapidly following detonation. We have several ongoing projects examining the fragmentation, combustion, shock response, and mechanical properties of candidate thermobaric composites.
Environmental effects on IED signatures:
We are developing models to predict the movement of trace gases and liquids around IEDs. We are using quantum mechanical simulations to fill in large gaps in our experimental knowledge of environmental properties of explosives and their degradation products.
Updated Dec. 2012. Students interested in the above or in other topics related to conventional weapons are encouraged to email jphooper@nps.edu or stop by Spanagel 102B.
Molecular-scale shock sensors:
In collaboration with NSWC Indian Head and UCSB, we are developing molecular scale sensors that aid in mapping out local stresses following dynamic loading. Thesis topics including modeling of candidate molecules as well as impact testing on the NPS gas gun.
B. Beiermann et al. Macro Lett. 1, 163 (2012).