Model and Strategy
Next-generation energy-efficient vehicles will demand a new class of structural materials that are lightweight, durable and efficiently produced. Drawing inspiration from the impact-resistant clubs of the mantis shrimp -- a crustacean that has been optimized through 500 million years of evolution -- the Kisailus Lab will fabricate environmentally friendly and scalable high-strength fibers for ultra light structural composites.
This technology will impact and promote the automotive, aerospace, wind energy and sports industries in California and beyond.
Impact
A successful implementation of ultra-lightweight and impact resistant materials in the automotive sector ultimately could save 41.1 Billion gallons of fuel per year (based on current US automotive fuel consumption of 137 Billion gallons), reduce annual CO2 emission by 411 million tons, save $98.4B annually, and reduce health impacts from traffic injuries.
Leadership
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Dr. David Kisailus
Professor and Winston Chung Endowed Chair of Energy Innovation