Dr. Spencer Taylor is a Senior Engineer at Veryst Engineering. His background centers on experiments and numerical modeling of high-strain rate phenomena, with specific focus on the thermomechanical effects of impact. In his graduate studies, he collaborated with NASA to determine the physical link between particle impact, plastic deformation, and ignition in rocket engines. He also assessed novel coatings as a mitigation strategy, exploring various compositions and application methods.
Some of Dr. Taylor's previous research projects also include the shock response of 3D-printed composite structures and the development of lightweight superalloys for aircraft engines, and he was awarded the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship in 2020. His work currently utilizes his experience in solid mechanics, numerical methods, and materials science to analyze material behaviors under a range of thermal and mechanical loading conditions.
Education
Ph.D., Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT, 2025
M.S., Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT, 2022
B.S., Materials Science and Engineering, University of North Texas, 2019
Publications and Patents
Publications
"Particle impact ignition-resistance of a ductile phase toughened glass-ceramic coating," Surface and Coatings Technology, Vol. 502, p. 131925, 2025 (with TD Iskandar, B Ziertman, SE Kooi, and ZC Cordero).
"The role of target melting in particle impact ignition with inert particulate," JOM, 2024 (with SE Prameela, JM Tylka, NC Ochoa, MA Charpagne, ZC Cordero).
"Shock response of periodic interpenetrating phase composites," APL Materials, Vol. 10, No. 11, 2022 (with M Gonzales, ZC Cordero).
Patents
"Delamination resistant barrier coatings for environmental protection," PCT/US2023/081137 (with I Gupta and ZC Cordero).