Adaptive Structures & Intelligent Systems
NAU Mechanical Engineering research projects
Our research in the field of adaptive structures and intelligent systems is world renowned and includes a focus on magnetic materials, thermal actuation, and energy harvesting. Details on some of our research projects in adaptive structures and intelligent systems are described below. Please contact the lead faculty to learn more about any of our research projects.
Project abstracts
Multifunctional Carbon Fiber Composites Accordion Closed
Lead: Cornel Ciocanel
Keywords: Power storage, supercapacitor, lightweight, structural
This research is focused on the development of a carbon fiber based composite material with power storage capability. Embedding supercapacitor-like power storage in structural components facilitates weight and volume reduction, as well as extended operation, for electrically powered systems (e.g. UAVs, laptop, phones, etc.).
Fracture magneto-mechanics of Ni-Mn-Ga Accordion Closed
Lead: Cornel Ciocanel
Keywords: Fracture toughness, microindentation, crack growth
This research is focused on the fracture toughness and rate of crack growth for a Ni-Mn-Ga alloy, contributing to the comprehensive characterization of this relatively new material. The fracture toughness is investigated using micro- and nano-indentation techniques, while the crack growth rate is investigated using the pulsed current potential drop method (DCPD).
Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys Accordion Closed
Lead: Heidi Feigenbaum
Keywords: adaptive materials, magnetic materials, magnetic shape memory alloys
Magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMAs) can undergo a recoverable deformation in the presence of a magnetic field or mechanical load. In this project, our group has developed several thermodynamic based models to predict the magneto-mechanical behavior of MSMAs, the most recent of which is fully three-dimensional. We are also trying to optimize use of MSMAs for various applications, most notably current work focuses on power harvesting with MSMAs.
Twisted Polymer Actuators Accordion Closed
Lead: Heidi Feigenbaum and Michael Shafer
Keywords: biomimetic, artificial muscles, twisted polymer actuators, super coiled
Magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMAs) can undergo a recoverable deformation in the presence of a magnetic field or mechanical load. In this project, our group has developed several thermodynamic based models to predict the magneto-mechanical behavior of MSMAs, the most recent of which is fully three-dimensional. We are also trying to optimize use of MSMAs for various applications, most notably current work focuses on power harvesting with MSMAs.