John Everett Dolbow

Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Professor John E. Dolbow came to Duke University from Northwestern University, where he received an MS and PhD in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. During the course of his graduate study, John was a Computational Science Graduate Fellow for the Department of Energy, and he spent a summer working at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Dr. Dolbow's research concerns the development of computational methods for nonlinear problems in solid mechanics. In particular, he is interested in modeling quasi-static and dynamic fracture of structural components, the evolution of interfaces with nonlinear constitutive laws, and developing models for stimulus-responsive hydrogels. A native of New Hampshire, Dr. Dolbow received his Bachelor's Degree in mechanical engineering from the University of New Hampshire.

Appointments and Affiliations

  • Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
  • Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • Professor in the Department of Mathematics
  • Faculty Network Member of The Energy Initiative
  • Professor of Mathematics
  • Bass Fellow

Contact Information

  • Office Location: 319 Gross Hall, Box 90287, Durham, NC 27708
  • Office Phone: (919) 660-5202
  • Email Address: john.dolbow@duke.edu
  • Websites:

Education

  • B.S.M.E. University of New Hampshire, 1995
  • M.S. Northwestern University, 1998
  • Ph.D. Northwestern University, 1999

Research Interests

Modeling quasi-static and dynamic fracture of structural components, the evolution of interfaces with nonlinear constitutive laws, and developing models for stimulus-responsive hydrogels

Awards, Honors, and Distinctions

  • R. H. Gallagher Young Investigator Award. U.S. Association for Computational Mechanics. 2005
  • Young Researcher Fellowship Award. First MIT Conference on Computational Fluid and Solid Mechanics. 2001
  • Robert J. Melosh Medal, Best Student Paper in Finite Element Analysis. Duke University. 1999
  • Computational Science Graduate Fellow. U.S. Department of Energy. 1997
  • Highest Technical Content Award. ASME Regional Student Conference. 1995
  • Walter P. Murphy Graduate Fellowship. Northwestern University. 1995
  • Presidential Scholar. University of New Hampshire. 1991

Courses Taught

  • CEE 530: Introduction to the Finite Element Method
  • CEE 622: Fracture Mechanics
  • ME 524: Introduction to the Finite Element Method
  • ME 758S: Curricular Practical Training
  • MENG 550: Master of Engineering Internship/Project
  • MENG 551: Master of Engineering Internship/Project Assessment
  • MENG 552: Master of Engineering Supplemental Internship

Representative Publications

  • Liu, Yangyuanchen, Susanne Claus, Pierre Kerfriden, Junqin Chen, Pei Zhong, and John E. Dolbow. “Model-based simulations of pulsed laser ablation using an embedded finite element method.” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer 204 (May 2023): 123843. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2022.123843.
  • Hu, T., J. E. Dolbow, and Z. Yosibash. “Towards validation of crack nucleation criteria from V-notches in quasi-brittle metallic alloys: Energetics or strength?” Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 402 (December 1, 2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cma.2022.115419.
  • Costa, A., M. Cusini, T. Jin, R. Settgast, and J. E. Dolbow. “A multi-resolution approach to hydraulic fracture simulation.” International Journal of Fracture 237, no. 1–2 (September 1, 2022): 165–88. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10704-022-00662-y.
  • Talamini, B., M. R. Tupek, A. J. Stershic, T. Hu, J. W. Foulk, J. T. Ostien, and J. E. Dolbow. “Attaining regularization length insensitivity in phase-field models of ductile failure.” Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 384 (October 1, 2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cma.2021.113936.
  • Geelen, R., J. Plews, and J. Dolbow. “Scale-bridging with the extended/generalized finite element method for linear elastodynamics.” Computational Mechanics 68, no. 2 (August 1, 2021): 295–310. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00466-021-02032-2.