Björn Kiefer

Professor Björn Kiefer, Ph.D. serves as Professor of Engineering Mechanics – Solid Mechanics at the Institute of Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics, Freiberg University of Mining and Technology, Germany. His academic career spans prestigious institutions including TU Dortmund University and the University of Stuttgart in Germany, and Texas A&M University in the USA.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University (2006), with doctoral thesis "A Phenomenological Constitutive Model for Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys" under Dr. Dimitris C. Lagoudas
• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering/Applied Mechanics from Ruhr University Bochum (2001), with diploma thesis "Revisit and Characterization of a Thermomechanically Coupled Constitutive for the Description of Polycrystalline Shape Memory Alloys" under Prof. Dr.-Ing. Otto T. Bruhns

Professor Kiefer's research expertise centers on continuum mechanics with geometric and physical nonlinearities, constitutive modeling of active materials, and electromagnetic-mechanical coupling phenomena. His work integrates computational mechanics, micromechanics, and multiscale modeling approaches to address complex problems in phase transformations, plasticity, damage mechanics, and fracture analysis. His research has significant applications in developing advanced multifunctional materials for engineering systems.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Elected Fellow of ASME (2021)
• Multiple invited professorships in France
• Prestigious early-career recognition programs
• Graduate student awards including best paper presentation

Professor Kiefer actively contributes to the academic community as Treasurer (and former Secretary 2020-2021) of the ASME Aerospace Division's Adaptive Structures and Material Systems Branch since 2011. He serves on technical committees for active materials and adaptive systems, and reviews for numerous top-tier mechanics journals. He has organized multiple international conferences including symposia at ASME events and GAMM meetings, demonstrating leadership in his field.

His teaching portfolio includes Continuum Mechanics, Higher Strength Theory, Plasticity, and core Technical Mechanics courses covering statics and strength of materials.