John Everett Dolbow

Professor in the Thomas Lord 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 the use of modern computational methods to model quasi-static and dynamic fracture of structural components and the evolution of interfaces. A native of New Hampshire, Dr. Dolbow received his Bachelor's Degree in mechanical engineering from the University of New Hampshire.  In 2020, he became an Assistant Vice President for Research for Duke University.  

Appointments and Affiliations

  • Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
  • Professor of Mathematics
  • Bass Fellow

Contact Information

  • Office Location: 319 Gross Hall, Box 90287, Durham, NC 27708
  • 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
  • Robert J. Melosh Medal, Best Student Paper in Finite Element Analysis. Duke University. 1999
  • Computational Science Graduate Fellow. U.S. Department of Energy. 1997
  • Walter P. Murphy Graduate Fellowship. Northwestern University. 1995
  • Presidential Scholar. University of New Hampshire. 1991

Courses Taught

  • MENG 552: Master of Engineering Supplemental Internship
  • MENG 551: Master of Engineering Internship/Project Assessment
  • MENG 550: Master of Engineering Internship/Project
  • ME 758S: Curricular Practical Training
  • ME 524: Introduction to the Finite Element Method
  • CEE 622: Fracture Mechanics
  • CEE 530: Introduction to the Finite Element Method
  • CEE 520: Continuum Mechanics

In the News

Representative Publications

  • Saha, S., J. E. Dolbow, and O. Lopez-Pamies. “A Griffith description of fracture for non-monotonic loading with application to fatigue.” Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids 191 (October 1, 2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmps.2024.105754.
  • Larsen, C. J., J. E. Dolbow, and O. Lopez-Pamies. “A variational formulation of Griffith phase-field fracture with material strength.” International Journal of Fracture 247, no. 3 (September 1, 2024): 319–27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10704-024-00786-3.
  • Dolbow, John, and Oscar Lopez-Pamies. “Data from: A Griffith description of fracture for non-monotonic loading with application to fatigue,” July 1, 2024. https://doi.org/10.7924/r4wd4323c.
  • Liu, Y., P. Zhong, O. Lopez-Pamies, and J. E. Dolbow. “A model-based simulation framework for coupled acoustics, elastodynamics, and damage with application to nano-pulse lithotripsy.” International Journal of Solids and Structures 289 (March 1, 2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2023.112626.
  • Zhang, H., J. E. Dolbow, and J. Guilleminot. “Representing model uncertainties in brittle fracture simulations.” Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 418 (January 5, 2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cma.2023.116575.