Gary Cloud

Gary L. Cloud is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU), with a long-standing affiliation as Director Emeritus of the MSU Composite Vehicle Research Center. He has served as faculty advisor for the MSU Formula SAE Racing Team since 1995, contributing to its professionalism and performance. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. from MSU (1966), M.S. and B.S. from Michigan Technological University, and advanced study at Imperial College, London (1977).

Dr. Cloud's research interests span experimental mechanics, optical measurement techniques (photoelasticity, moire interferometry, speckle methods), composite materials, biomechanics, geomechanics, and nondestructive evaluation. His work bridges classical optical methods with modern digital techniques to address problems in engineering, biology, and environmental systems.

His publications emphasize strain measurement in composites (e.g., pin-joints, fiber-reinforced materials), biomechanical applications (equine hoof strain, ocular tonometry), and geomechanical studies (glacier flow). He has pioneered methods like electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) and white-light speckle, often integrating finite element models with optical data.

Notable scientific awards include:

• Fellow, Society for Experimental Mechanics (2001)
• Fellow, Institute of Physics (2001)
• M.M. Frocht Award, SEM (2001)
• University Distinguished Faculty Award, MSU (1994)
• Withrow Senior Distinguished Scholar Award (1995)
• Outstanding Engineering Educator, Mich. Soc. Prof. Eng. (1992)

Dr. Cloud has also played a pivotal role in advising students and fostering research grants, including collaborations with the U.S. Army on composite NDE and patented innovations in digital speckle strain measurement. He directs the MSU Composite Vehicle Research Center, which supports projects like the Formula SAE team.