Josh Méndez conducts research at the intersection of engineering, material science, geophysics, and planetary science. Why two insulating materials charge electrostatically when rubbed together is one of the oldest unanswered questions in physics. Are electrons exchanged during contact? Maybe ions? Despite the open issues, this triboelectric charging can generate a wide range of effects, from clumping of freshly-ground coffee to volcanic lightning storms to the coalescence of planetesimals in protoplanetary discs. Josh uses laboratory and field experiments to elucidate the underlying physics of frictional charging. Additionally, he leverages electrostatic phenomena, together with wireless sensor networks, to “see inside” hazardous granular flows like volcanic plumes and wildfire smoke clouds. Separately, Dr. Méndez tackles the multiphase problems associated with coffee preparation and designs tools to help people brew better coffee.
Research Interest and Expertise
- Obscure problems in electrostatics
- Lightning
- Wireless sensor networks
- Amateur radio
- Volcanology
- Coffee
Courses Taught
Links to Research Archives