Mark Ilton

Mark Ilton is an Associate Professor of Physics at Harvey Mudd College, leading the PoSM Lab (Physics of Soft Matter). His research focuses on soft matter physics, particularly green technologies involving soft materials such as polymers, rubbers, and gels. He explores fundamental physics behind mechanical energy storage and release in soft systems, with applications in environmental technologies and bioinspired robotics.

• Research Areas: Soft matter physics, elastodynamics, non-Newtonian fluids, green technologies
• Key Projects: Mechanical batteries, water-processible polymers, latch-mediated spring actuation

His recent publications highlight interdisciplinary collaborations, analyzing biological and engineered systems where thermal energy and mechanical stresses interact at mesoscopic scales (10 nm–100 µm). Notable work includes:

• 2024: Equal-rate energy efficiency in biological springs
• 2023: Kinematic trade-offs in elastic mechanisms
• 2022: Polymerization effects on bottlebrush elastomers