Ares Rosakis

Ares Rosakis is the Theodore von Kármán Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He has served as Chair of the Division of Engineering and Applied Science (2009–2015) and Director of the Graduate Aeronautical Laboratories (GALCIT) (2004–2009). Rosakis holds visiting professorships at Nanyang Technological University (2018–2023) and Northwestern University (2018).

• Education: B.A. and M.A. in Engineering Science (Oxford, 1978); Sc.M. and Ph.D. in Engineering (Solid Mechanics, Brown University, 1980–1982)
• Academic Career: Caltech faculty since 1982 (Assistant, 1982; Associate, 1988; Full Professor, 1993)

As a world-leading expert in dynamic failure mechanics of solid materials, Rosakis has pioneered research in dynamic ductile failure of metals, intersonic/supershear ruptures in composites and earthquakes, and Coherent Gradient Sensing (CGS) interferometry. His work spans experimental mechanics, solid mechanics, geophysics, and thin film stress measurement.

His 15 most recent articles (2010–2014) focus on dynamic shear ruptures, fault mechanics, brittle failure, high-strain-rate deformation, and laboratory earthquake simulations, reflecting his cross-disciplinary expertise in materials science, geophysics, and mechanics.

Scientific Awards & Recognitions

• Foreign Member of the Royal Society (2024)
• Two Honorary Doctorates (2023)
• U.S. National Academy of Engineering (2011)
• NASA Group Achievement Award (2009)
• Timoshenko Medal (2018)
• Multiple SEM and ASME awards (1989–2013)

Research Leadership includes directing GALCIT and developing advanced optical and infrared diagnostic methods for real-time crack propagation and temperature measurement. His work bridges fundamental mechanics with applied material failure analysis, influencing aerospace, seismology, and nanotechnology.