Rate My Professor Per Isaksson

Per Isaksson is Professor of Solid Mechanics in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Division of Applied Mechanics, at Uppsala University within the Engineering discipline. His research focuses on computational solid mechanics, particularly phase-field modeling of fracture in heterogeneous materials under dynamic and quasi-static loading conditions. Key areas include multiscale modeling of trabecular bone fractures, dynamic crack propagation in rock-like materials, damage mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries, and mechanical behavior of fiber-based composites and additively manufactured lattices. Isaksson employs advanced numerical methods, such as finite element simulations coupled with high-speed imaging and Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar experiments, to bridge experimental observations with predictive models. He has led multiple projects funded by the Swedish Research Council, including "Bone Dynamics" (2026–2029), "Multiscale modeling of dynamic bone fractures" (grant 2016-04608, 3,800,000 SEK), and "Modeling of dynamic deformations in fiber based materials" (2011–2013). As a project member, he contributes to investigations on nanomechanics of tribofilms in extreme conditions (grant 2016-05460_VR, 3,600,000 SEK).

Isaksson's prolific publication record features contributions to leading journals in mechanics and materials science. Prominent works include "A Topology Optimized Spinal Fusion Cage for the Use of Weak but Osteoinductive Bioceramics as Synthetic Bone Grafts" (Applied Materials Today, 2026, with S. Ghandour et al.), "Dynamic fractures in rock-like materials analyzed by high-speed photography and a dynamic phase-field finite element model" (International Journal of Solids and Structures, 2026, with P. Hesammokri and S. Ershadrad), "High-strain-rate fracture behavior of rock-like materials: Insights from Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar testing and dynamic phase-field modeling" (Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics, 2026, with P. Hesammokri and B. Lukic), "Damage Modeling in Batteries by Coupling Lithiation and Mechanics by Means of a Finite Element Method" (Advances in Continuum Physics, 2025, with B.E. Abali), "An improved trabecular bone model based on Voronoi tessellation" (Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 2023, with Y. Zhou and C. Persson), and "Fracture in porous bone analysed with a numerical phase-field dynamical model" (Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 2023, with J. Carlsson et al.). He serves as teacher representative on the Programme Board of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, supervises PhD students, and organizes workshops such as on battery science modeling.