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Solid mechanics research
NAU Mechanical Engineering research projects
Our research in solid mechanics includes a variety of techniques (experimental, computational, and theoretical) and materials (polymers, metals, composites, magnetically active materials, biomaterials). Details on some of our research projects in solid mechanics 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).
Predicting Fracture Parameters for Interface Cracks Accordion Closed
Lead: Ernesto Penado
Keywords: Stress intensity factors, frictional interfacial crack, orthotropic materials, composite materials, bonded joints
Many important engineering problems involve cracks at bimaterial interfaces. For example, crack propagation and delamination at composite ply interfaces, and the fracture of adhesively bonded joints. Our research aims at developing novel techniques for the determination of fracture parameters at interface cracks in both conventional and advanced composite materials.
Enhancing Performance of a Precision Optical Interferometer Accordion Closed
Lead: Ernesto Penado
Keywords: Navy Precision Optical Interferometer, optical interferometry, wavefront correction, optomechanical tracker, frequency response, finite element analysis
The Navy Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI) in Flagstaff, Arizona uses discrete smaller telescopes spaced along a Y-array and used simultaneously to simulate an equivalent single large telescope. Our research aims at using advanced engineering methods in order to enhance the system and achieve improved fringe contrast, sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratios, and fringe-tracking capabilities. Ultimately, this will allow more and fainter stars to be studied and cataloged.
Multiscale mechanobiology of calcific aortic valve disease Accordion Closed
Lead: Amirhossein Arzani
Keywords: structural mechanics, systems biology, growth and remodeling
In this research, we are developing spatially and temporally multiscale mechanobiology models to couple the biological and mechanical pathways involved in the progression of calcific aortic valve disease.
Plastic Deformation Accordion Closed
Lead: Heidi Feigenbaum
Keywords: plastic deformation, metals, cyclic loading
Plastic deformation occurs when a material is loaded beyond the elastic limit, and it is especially difficult to predict because it is highly non-linear and history dependent. This project uses models for yield surface distortion to try to improve predictions of multi-axial ratcheting, the accumulation of plastic deformation due to cyclic plastic loading. Predicting ratcheting is especially difficult because any small errors in one cycle accumulate over several cycles, and predicting ratcheting is especially important to foresee and prevent material failure in any structure subject to earthquakes, extreme weather, and/or cyclic mechanical and thermal service conditions.
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.
Periodic Freezing of Water and Melting of Ice in Asphalt as a Porous Medium subject to Diurnal Temperature Oscillations Accordion Closed
Lead: Peter Vadasz
Keywords: porous medium, asphalt, periodic freezing and melting
The analysis and solution to a variation of the classical Stefan-Neumann problem of melting and solidification in a porous medium is the topic of this research. The specific novel aspect is the subjecting of the top boundary to periodic freezing and melting conditions and the application of the latter to water saturated asphalt. The anticipated results are that a sequence of chasing fronts from the surface to the interior will emerge.