Eric P. Fahrenthold

Dr. Eric Fahrenthold earned his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Rice University in 1984. He joined the faculty of The University of Texas at Austin in 1984.

Dr. Fahrenthold’s research uses nonlinear models for dynamic systems. He develops computer simulations that show how space debris, which ranges from dust to pieces of old satellites, can damage spacecraft like the International Space Station and NASA’s space shuttles. Because space debris can hit vehicles at a very high velocity, the impact of even small pebbles can cause considerable damage but is difficult to test in a lab. Fahrenhold’s simulations account for both element and particle representations. His research has allowed others to study debris-spacecraft impacts to develop better shielding which is necessary as space missions become longer.

Research Interests:

• System Dynamics
• Impact Dynamics
• Constitutive Modeling