The Structural Mechanics and Concepts Branch conducts analyses and experiments to develop innovative structural concepts for all environments and to determine the response of complex metallic and composite structures subjected to static and time-dependent loading conditions and temperatures ranging from cryogenic to elevated temperature and investigates structural behavior, develops advanced methods of analysis and design, and validates analyses by performing tests of subcomponents and large-scale structures.

The Structural Mechanics and Concepts Branch also develops structurally efficient, cost-effective, durable, reliable, high-precision, deployable and inflatable structural concepts that integrate the benefits of advanced composite and metallic materials and conceives of new test techniques and measurement technologies for static and time-dependent combined-loading conditions.

• Develop verified innovative thermal structures concepts and technologies to enable advanced aircraft, spacecraft and space transportation systems.
 
• Develop verified advanced structures technologies that provide the underlying scientific basis for reducing structural weight, and risk for advanced aircraft, rotorcraft, spacecraft, and space transportation systems.
 
• Develop and demonstrate advanced light-weight structural concepts that exploit new materials and material concepts using cost-effective fabrication processes to enable advanced vehicles.
 
• Develop and verify the underlying mechanics and design technologies for advanced aerospace structures technologies for all loading conditions and all environments.
 
• Develop and maintain unique experimental capabilities for aerospace structures research and development.