Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics
Chair: Professor Christian Meyer, 610 Mudd, 212-854-3143
This project has as its objective the understanding of the deterioration and fracture mechanism in high-strength, low carbon steel wires that are used in cable suspension bridges. Laboratory tests on wires are conducted to determine the corrosion rate and the location of crack initiation. For academic credit, a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week is required.
• structural damage identification
This project focuses on the determination of computer algorithms for the automatic detection of damaged areas in structural systems. These algorithms use the structural response to some known excitations to provide mathematical and physical models that are capable of reproducing the dynamic behavior of the real structure. In this study, computer simulations on numerical and experimental tests are performed. For academic credit, a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week is required.
Contact: Professor Raimondo Betti, , 640 Mudd, 212-854-6388
• novel small-scale mechanical testing techniques
Students will either be involved in the development of a bulge test system to measure the mechanical properties of thin films used in microelectronic industry, or will perform numerical simulations of nanoindentation tests and compare them with parallel experiments.
• novel micro- and nanofabrication techniques
Students will either be involved in the development of an environment cell to perform mechanical self-assembly experiments at the micro- or nanoscale, or will use numerical simulation to study spontaneous buckling and cracking pattern formations in thin films, with applications to nanowire fabrication and protein patterning.
• mechanical integrity of thermal barrier coatings
Students will be involved in the numerical analysis of the failure mechanisms of thermal barrier coatings, including mechanical erosion and CMAS deposition and delamination.
The goal of our research is to use computational and experimental tools to understand the mechanics of material deformation and failure at very small length scales. Students can participate for academic credit or for financial remuneration. Minimum time requirement is 10 hours per week during the academic year and more during the summer.
Contact: Professor Xi Chen, , 628 Mudd, 212-854-3787
This project is aiming at assessing the risk to the civil infrastructure (buildings, bridges, lifelines, etc.) arising from hazards in major metropolitan areas, both natural (earthquake, wind, landslides, etc.) and man-made (accidents, terrorism). Once the risk is assessed, the objective is to introduce innovative ways to mitigate the catastrophic consequences of the various hazards. The approach followed to address this problem is a multidisciplinary one combining knowledge and techniques from the natural sciences, engineering, urban planning, economics, finance, and psychology.
• scientific and aesthetic analysis of large-scale structures
This project is aiming at analyzing a series of large-scale structures (including bridges, buildings, and roof structures) from both a scientific and an aesthetic point of view. The social significance of the structures will also be considered. The concept of structural art is studied and emphasis is given to symbolic and historic structures.
• characterization of microstructure of heterogeneous materials
This project is aiming at developing methodologies to accurately quantify and describe the uncertain microstructure of two-phase materials. Applications in a wide range of materials, including concrete, cellular aluminum, graphite-epoxy fibrous composites, etc.
• response of long-span bridges to earthquake loading
This project is aiming at analyzing some of the long-span bridges that sustained heavy damage or collapsed during recent earthquakes (e.g., San Francisco, Northridge, Kobe). The ultimate objective is to introduce methodologies to strengthen existing bridges to resist future earthquakes and to introduce improved design approaches for new bridges.
• reliability of fatigue-sensitive structures, including aircraft and ships
This project aims at developing techniques to assess the reliability of structures that are sensitive to fatigue. Methodologies are developed to estimate the deterioration of their reliability as a function of time and to introduce optimum nonperiodic inspection schedules. Emphasis is placed on aircraft and ships.
• simulation of stochastic processes and fields
This project aims at developing methodologies to digitally simulate stochastic processes and fields that can be used to model random actions on structures (e.g. earthquakes, wind, blast) or uncertain material and soil properties.
• stochastic finite element methods
This project aims at developing stochastic finite element methodologies for the analysis of structural systems with uncertainties in their system properties and external excitation.
Contact: Professor George Deodatis, , 630 Mudd, 212-854-9728
Shaking table tests will be conducted to investigate the seismic behavior of reinforced soil structures and waste containment liner system. The models will be prepared and subjected to different intensities of earthquake acceleration to investigate the effect of design on the deformation. The results will be used to validate the theory and will also act as references for larger-scale shaking table tests.
• experimental research using 200-g centrifuge
Geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering research will be conducted using the newly installed centrifuge facilities. Different full-scale and time-dependent problems will be simulated utilizing acceleration up to 200 times the gravity.
• revisiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa
To simulate experimentally and numerically the tilting of the Tower of Pisa. The experiment will be conducted using the centrifuge. The bounding surface clay model will be implemented for the numerical simulation using the finite element method.
• tsunami research
The vast scale of the nature environment makes the study of the tsunami/wave extremely difficult. However, the wave can be simulated in a centrifuge for a height n times less that in the ocean by increasing the gravity. In this project, a wave maker will be developed followed by the study of wave impact on the breakwaters, such as composite caisson, as protection against the tsunami hazard.
Contact: Professors Hoe L. Ling (geotechnical; , 632 Mudd,
212-854-1203) or Patricia J. Culligan (geoenvironmental; ,
626 Mudd, 212-854-3154)
A number of research projects are under way in the Carleton Strength of Materials Laboratory to develop environmentally friendly construction materials and recycle solid waste. The materials developed here need to be engineered to satisfy various performance specifications. These concern mechanical properties, long-term durability properties, and the chemical compatibility between the various material components. For academic credit, a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week is required.
• development of high-performance fiber-reinforced cement composites
This opportunity involves lab work to develop high-strength and durable fiber-reinforced concrete products both for architectural and structural applications, such as floor tiles and wall panels for subway station rehabilitation, façade elements, and pavement decking and overlays. For academic credit, a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week is required.
• use of waste plastic material in lightweight concrete
Plastics constitute a major component of solid waste, as few recycling options exist. This project explores ways of foaming the plastic to be used as an ingredient of lightweight concrete with superior thermal insulating and sound absorption properties. Potential applications are curtain wall panels and highway sound screens. For academic credit, a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week is required. Alternatively, there is modest funding available.
• use of tire-derived steel as concrete reinforcement
This project explores the feasibility of using the steel retrieved from used tires as fiber reinforcement for concrete products, combined with slurry-infilled concrete technology. For academic credit, a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week is required.
• beneficial use of dredge material from New York Harbor
This project has as its objective the detoxification and processing of dredge material from New York Harbor, so it can be used as aggregate for concrete products, for example. These products will have to be environmentally safe and the process should be commercially viable. A strong background and interest in basic chemistry is prerequisite. For academic credit, a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week is required.
Contact: Professor Christian Meyer, , 622 Mudd, 212-854-3428
• structural identification
• active control
Laboratory assistant positions, either for academic credit or on a volunteer basis to participate in research projects involving dynamic testing using the medium-scale seismic shake table in the Carleton Laboratory. Research projects include structural system identification, damage detection, and adaptive control. Activities include test-model design and fabrication, dynamic response computer simulation, data acquisition, and library research. Some experience in MATLAB, dynamics/vibrations is desirable.
Contact: Professor Andrew Smyth, , 636 Mudd, 212-854-3369
• vibration and fatigue
• flight structures
• smart structures
Laboratory assistant positions, either for academic credit or on a volunteer basis, to participate in mathematical projects, library research, assembly, or design. The weekly time commitment is 4–8 hours. Students should have a knowledge of Fortran.
Contact: Professor Rimas Vaicaitis, , 610 Mudd, 212-854-2396