Michael Ploch Conducts Research at the Army Research Lab
Chemical Engineering PhD student and member of the Lustig Lab, Michael Ploch has begun a six-month research internship at the Army Research Lab (ARL) at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. As part of Associate Professor Steve Lustig’s continued collaboration with the ARL, Ploch is currently studying the mechanics of Kevlar® fibers. The first part of Ploch’s project involves using atomic force microscopy to analyze Kevlar® fibers that have been used for ballistic tests. The results of this work will then be used to determine the mechanisms that lead to fiber failure. This knowledge will help the design of stronger fibers and more protective personal armor.