Office of Research

National Academy Member

James Asay

Institute for Shock Physics

James Asay was named to the National Academy of Engineering for his leadership in engineering research and management of shock waves and for the development of tools that have contributed to national security. He is also noted for his research in using pulse power for shock-wave applications. He has led the development of new, pulsed power techniques for magnetically compressing materials to very high pressures. His work has also given rise to to experimental capabilities for accurate equation-of-state measurements at pressures unachievable with conventional methods.

Professor Asay was a leading scientist at Sandia National Laboratories before joining the Institute for Shock Physics in 2002. At Sandia, as the deputy director of Shock Physics Applications, he led several research programs on high-pressure material response .

He has served on several national committees, including a National Academy of Sciences panel that evaluated space debris  hazards and on a National Security Advisory Committee to assess nuclear defense technologies.

Biography

James Asay received his degrees in physics. He earned a B.S. in 1964 from San Jose State University, an M.S. in 1968 from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in 1971 from Washington State University.

Asay is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and was named a Distinguished Scientist by the Hypervelocity Impact Society. He is also a Senior Institute Fellow of the U.S. Army Institute of Advanced Technology, a Fellow of the International Aeroballistic Range Association, a member of the founding Board of Directors for the International Hypervelocity Impact Society, and has chaired several professional societies.

Awards and Honors

 

James Asay


James Asay is internationally known for his work in shock-wave research and high-pressure science.

 

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