Use of Highly Nonlinear Solitary Waves for NDE and Structural Health Monitoring applications

Piervincenzo Rizzo, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

In this presentation we propose the use of highly nonlinear solitary waves (HNSWs) for the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of structural materials. HNSWs are mechanical waves that can form and travel in highly nonlinear systems, such as one-dimensional chains of particles, where they are generated by means of a mechanical impact. HNSWs have a constant spatial wavelength and are characterized by the important property that their speed, amplitude, and duration can be tuned by modifying the particles’ material or size, or the velocity of the impactor (striker).

In the studies presented here we investigate the application of HNSWs on the material characterization and flaw detection of several structural materials such as aluminum, cement, and concrete, and for the noninvasive assessment of dental implants stability. For each application we describe the advantaged and limitations and we discuss the challenges associated with the implementation of the HNSW-based technology in the field.

Ximing Cai, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering  University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign

Abstract

The continuous interaction between humans and natural systems has resulted in the development of coupled human-natural systems (CHNS), which are characterized by the patterns and processes, reciprocal interactions and feedbacks, co-evolution of biophysical and socioeconomic states, and system emergence rooted in local phenomena. With growing human interference in hydrological processes over space and time, water resources systems, from a simple reservoir to a complex river basin, have evolved to become typical CHNS. New systems analysis techniques are needed to address the complexity of CHNS, with greater attention on stakeholder participation, ecological resilience and sustainability principles. This modeling approach, Integrated Hydrologic-economic modeling using a centralized, top-down approach can provide insights on the reciprocal effects between hydrologic variability and decision making, there are some important shortcomings: it is limited in describing emergent properties; it is computationally difficult; and more seriously, it is institutionally unrealistic by assuming a “super hand” for basin-wide water resources management. These limitations have motivated studies on distributed, bottom-up approaches based on the theory of complex systems. In these studies, the watershed is depicted as a multiple-agent system (MAS), in which human and natural water users are defined as agents. The watershed is then modeled as a self- organizing system characterized by disaggregated but interactive decision processes at the agent level, with a coordination mechanism leading to the interactions among individual decision processes. A distributed optimization algorithm based on the decentralized control theory is developed to solve the MAS model developed for studying basin-wide water allocation in the Yellow River Basin in China

Chris Cherry, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Department of Civil Engineering

 University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Abstract

For the past decade China has rapidly motorized, but not in the way that you often hear of in the media. Rising car use makes headlines, but a parallel story has unfolded-- the largest and most rapid adoption of an alternative fuel vehicle in the history of mankind. Over 100 million electric bicycles and scooters (e-bikes) now run on China’s streets, transforming China’s mobility and motorization pathways compared to what other countries have experienced. Moreover, as China electrifies its transportation system, traditional pollution-exposure-health assessments are transformed, making alternative fuel comparisons challenging. This seminar describes the explosive growth e-bikes, China’s approach to electric cars, potential behavioral changes that might be underway, and the environmental and health implications of these transitions. Finally, some implications of this technology for domestic mobility will be described.

Research Proposal Presentation

Graduate Students

Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics

University of Arizona

Abstract

Students enrolled in CE 596A class will be organized into several groups based on research interest. Each group will present a research proposal that will consist of objective, background, hypothesis, methodology, preliminary results, and expected results. Appropriate funding resources will be identified and discussed.