Ioannis Vardoulakis
Encyclopedia
Ioannis Vardoulakis was an eminent scientist who is known for his major contributions in the modeling of geomaterials, geo-hazards and geotechnical processes. He was the pioneer of the bifurcation theory
of geomechanics
, which has led to a better understanding of the long-standing problem of mesh-dependency in the Finite Element Modeling
. He also contributed to the enriched continuum modeling, which allowed for the first time the constitutive modeling of shear band
s and worked extensively in experimental geomechanics, having developed ingenious devices to test geomaterials.
, Crete, in 1949. He obtained his Diploma of Civil Engineering in Structural Engineering (1972) from the National Technical University of Athens, Greece, and the Doctor of Engineering (1977, Dr.-Ing., 'Mit Auszeichnung', with the Highest Honors) in Soil Mechanics. University of Karlsruhe, W. Germany. He was Chair of Technical Committee 34 (TC34) on Deformation of Earth Materials, of ISSMGE. We was awarded the Bishop Medal 1996 (Geotechnical Research Award of the Institution of Civil Engineers U.K.) and the Medal of the Japanese Geotechnical Society (2002) for "fundamental contributions to Geomechanics".
Bifurcation theory
Bifurcation theory is the mathematical study of changes in the qualitative or topological structure of a given family, such as the integral curves of a family of vector fields, and the solutions of a family of differential equations...
of geomechanics
Geomechanics
Geomechanics is the geologic study of the behavior of soil and rock. The two main disciplines of geomechanics are soil mechanics and rock mechanics. The former deals with the behaviour of soil from a small scale to a landslide scale...
, which has led to a better understanding of the long-standing problem of mesh-dependency in the Finite Element Modeling
Finite element method
The finite element method is a numerical technique for finding approximate solutions of partial differential equations as well as integral equations...
. He also contributed to the enriched continuum modeling, which allowed for the first time the constitutive modeling of shear band
Shear band
A shear band is a narrow zone of intense shearing strain, usually of plastic nature, developing during severe deformation of ductile materials....
s and worked extensively in experimental geomechanics, having developed ingenious devices to test geomaterials.
Biography
Vardoulakis was born in ChaniaChania
Chaniá , , also transliterated Chania, Hania, and Xania, older form Chanea and Venetian Canea, Ottoman Turkish خانيه Hanya) is the second largest city of Crete and the capital of the Chania peripheral unit...
, Crete, in 1949. He obtained his Diploma of Civil Engineering in Structural Engineering (1972) from the National Technical University of Athens, Greece, and the Doctor of Engineering (1977, Dr.-Ing., 'Mit Auszeichnung', with the Highest Honors) in Soil Mechanics. University of Karlsruhe, W. Germany. He was Chair of Technical Committee 34 (TC34) on Deformation of Earth Materials, of ISSMGE. We was awarded the Bishop Medal 1996 (Geotechnical Research Award of the Institution of Civil Engineers U.K.) and the Medal of the Japanese Geotechnical Society (2002) for "fundamental contributions to Geomechanics".
See also
- Continuum MechanicsContinuum mechanicsContinuum mechanics is a branch of mechanics that deals with the analysis of the kinematics and the mechanical behavior of materials modelled as a continuous mass rather than as discrete particles...
- Geotechnical engineeringGeotechnical engineeringGeotechnical engineering is the branch of civil engineering concerned with the engineering behavior of earth materials. Geotechnical engineering is important in civil engineering, but is also used by military, mining, petroleum, or any other engineering concerned with construction on or in the ground...
- plasticityPlasticity (physics)In physics and materials science, plasticity describes the deformation of a material undergoing non-reversible changes of shape in response to applied forces. For example, a solid piece of metal being bent or pounded into a new shape displays plasticity as permanent changes occur within the...
External links
- Obituary from the ALERT - Geomaterials Network
- Personal web page at NTUA