Research.Our research is inherently multidisciplinary; however, most of our projects involve at least two of our six major building blocks: Structural Dynamics, Energy Harvesting, Structural Health Monitoring, Metastructures, Integrated Sensing, and Composites.
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...research is what I am doing when I don't know what I am doing. - Wernher von Braun
Research Philosophy at MSL.
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In General.
The general philosophy toward research at MSL is one that requires a constant balance of hard work, focus, flexibility, creativity, and collaboration. The greatest successes in our research endeavors have resulted from:
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Our Approach.
When possible, we prefer to use a combination of both experimental and theoretical methodologies where experiments are used to validate mathematical models/theories, or models are used to explain what is observed in experiments. A well-balanced research philosophy is one that places importance on both answering and posing fundamental scientific questions as well as developing transformative technologies to better our world. Research conducted at MSL benefits from seeking to understand governing scientific principles while developing practical intellectual property based on those understandings. |
Current Research Projects.
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Nanoparticle-based sensor development.
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Epoxies and resins are typically electrical insulators; however, when mixed with conductive nanoparticles such as carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and graphene, they can develop tailorable electrical and mechanical properties. How? When properly mixed, conductive nanoparticles form conductive pathways through the insulating epoxy or resin. If these pathways grow long enough and there are enough of them formed, then the resulting cured resin/nanoparticle material will be conductive. This research seeks to develop modeling tools and experimental procedures that will help predict and understand conductivity formation and the development of other electrical and mechanical properties. If we can tailor these properties, we can utilize nanoparticle mixtures for high-performance integrated sensing.
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Low-power distributed damage sensing in composites.
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This research project focuses on a unique highly efficient measurement method that is able to gather information from a distributed network of sensors while minimizing the weight, bulk, complexity, and required power. Imagine if with the push a button you could immediately generate a high-resolution colormap of a composite structure that displays the existence, location, and severity of damage. Machine learning algorithms will observe this data over the life of the structure and provide an advanced failure prediction warning system. This will enable early detection and monitoring of damage and fatigue so that maintenance can be scheduled and completed before risking catastrophic failure.
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Morphing buildings for wind-induced vibration mitigation.
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We typically don't think of a building facade as something that functions beyond providing aesthetic appeal. While aesthetics are a very important and necessary function, what if they could do more? Traditionally, tall buildings are designed with what can sometimes be very crude estimates of average wind conditions. Because they are influenced by surrounding structures and climate, we cannot assume these wind conditions are unchanging. Even the most modern state-of-the-art buildings sometimes experience significant wind-induced vibration that can potentially cause damage. This research seeks to develop smart morphing facades for tall buildings that will sense both current and approaching wind conditions and change its aerodynamics using a distributed network of actuators to avoid or reduce the effects of wind-induced loading on the building. The facade will also be integrated with the building's heating and cooling system. For example: on a hot day, the facade will be able to "react" to provide shade and reduce cooling demand. These multifunctional facades will make buildings safer, smarter, more efficient, and will allow buildings to be made lighter thus reducing cost... not to mention, they will look pretty neat! For this project, MSL is partnered with Dr. Alice Alipour who is the lead investigator at Iowa State University.
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Detecting, quantifying, and remembering traumatic structural events.
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When you stub a toe or bump your head you feel pain immediately (ouch!) thanks to nerves that are always active. You may also feel soreness or even see bruising days after the trauma. These remnants of pain remind you that you were hurt. Unfortunately, structures can experience traumatic events (such as excessive stresses or temperatures) that go undetected and leave no apparent indication of damage. While one event may not cause damage, many events over the life of the structure will cause premature fatigue failure. This type of failure is very dangerous because it is hard to detect and even harder to predict. This research seeks to develop an integrated sensing technique that will give structures the ability to not only detect but also to quantify and remember traumatic events.
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Nonlinear metastructures for vibration suppression and energy harvesting
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Here, multi-objective optimization techniques are used to design metastructures that have nonlinear dynamics. The two primary objectives sought are: 1) to maximize the vibration-based energy harvesting capabilities, and 2) to maximize the structure's ability to suppress vibration. In general, these are competing objectives which means that maximizing one does not necessarily maximize the other. For example: suppressing vibration leads to a reduction in energy harvesting output.
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Past Research Projects.
Under construction...
