Mechanical Engineering
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  • Adaptive Structures

Contact the Department of Mechanical Engineering

Email:
ceias​@nau.edu
Call:
928-523-2704

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.).

photo of multifuctional carbon fiber composites research lab equipment

Fracture magneto-mechanics of Ni-Mn-Ga Accordion Closed

photo of data from fracture magneto-mechanics of ni-mn-ga

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

photo from the magnetic shape memory alloys research

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

photo of twisted polymer actuators

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.

 

Mechanical Engineering
Location
Building Building 69
Engineering
15600 S. McConnell Dr. NAU bldg. 69
Flagstaff, AZ 86001-5600
Mailing Address
Northern Arizona University PO Box: 15600
Flagstaff, AZ 86001-5600
Email
CEIAS@nau.edu
Phone
928-523-2704