Structural and Mechanical Systems Simulation

Computational Mechanics, Computational Fluid dynamics, Failure Analysis and Simulation, Diagnostics and Prognostics, Biomechanics Modeling, Multiscale Simulation

Recent Highlights

21 October

Improved testing of composite materials

UTA researchers working to develop better modeling methods to test composite materials

23 May

UTA earns equipment grant to expand research into brain injuries

1 November

UTA researcher leads composite testing for aeronautic industry

16 October

UTA aerospace engineer receives Army Research Lab grant to advance limitations of computed tomography

25 September

UTA engineer’s research will lead to longer-lasting aircraft structures

Research Highlights

Better recognition of manufacturing flaws and structural damage of composites

A UTA researcher is improving reconstruction algorithms and software techniques to produce breakthroughs in computed tomography scanning, which will lead to better recognition of manufacturing flaws and structural damage of composites.

Improved testing of composite materials

A team of UTA researchers is working to develop better modeling methods for affordable, sustainable testing of composite materials, then bring those tools into the certification framework to reduce costs and increase efficiency across the industry.

Studying the causes of traumatic brain injuries

UTA researchers are studying structural damage in neurons and the surrounding perineuronal nets area in the brain and determining where mechanical forces may cause damage by simulating a shock wave-induced cavitation collapse in the PNN.

Developing better bridge inspections

UTA civil engineers are using a non-contact testing system to make faster, easier and more accurate determinations about when and where bridge repairs are needed. The system uses sensors mounted to a moving platform that detects mechanical waves created by an automatic impacting instrument striking the surface of the bridge.

High-resolution nondestructive characterization of composite joints and repairs

Major innovations enabling game-changing non-destructive inspection systems include advanced reconstruction algorithms and software tailored for detection of manufacturing irregularities and structural damage.

Prediction of bonded joint quality and strength from material state measurements

Dielectric bond quality and strength technology is based on measurement of dielectric properties of bonded materials and their correlation with the material state enabling safer application of these heterogeneous bonded systems in aerospace structures. DBQS will impact the repair and certification process of adhesively bonded joints.

Discrete Damage Modeling Methodology Development

UTA researchers are developing advanced computational methods for high-performance computing which incorporate state-of-the-art approaches for modeling multisite evolution and interaction of multiple modes of damage in composite materials and structures under static and fatigue loading in different environmental conditions.

Probabilistic Barely Visible Impact Damage Risk Assessment

Enabling on-the-fly risk assessment of impact damage to composite aerospace structures, using partial or incomplete Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) data. The task is achieved by taking probabilistic or partial information from NDE inspection, which is then used to predict the extent of damage, which in turn is used to predict the risk of damage growth or complete failure.

Physics-based, data-driven multiscale modeling of additively manufactured metamaterials.

The process-structure-property-performance relationships of advanced metamaterials and structures are constructed by developing high-fidelity multiscale models and ultra-efficient deep learning models.

Resources

Advanced Materials and Structures Lab

AMSL has unique imaging capabilities for advanced material characterization and structural and microstructural diagnostics, including one-of-a-kind microfocus X-ray computed tomography facilities for large structures and in-situ mechanical testing; versatile state-of-the-art digital image correlation facilities ranging from high-resolution to ultra-high-speed; and state-of-the-art in-situ scanning electron microscopy micro/nanomechanical testing facilities. AMSL also has advanced material testing systems for static, fatigue, and impact loads, thermal analysis and rheology; and manufacturing facilities.

Aerodynamics Research Center

The Aerodynamics Research Center is home to the nation’s only university-based arc-heated, hypersonic wind tunnel, which also features a femtosecond laser system. The facility also boasts low-speed, transonic and supersonic wind tunnels and a hypersonic shock tunnel.

Center for Renewable Energy and Science

CREST serves as a center of excellence in energy research and development in Texas. The technologies and intellectual properties that will accrue from this major initiative address important national energy needs and will promote local and regional economic development by spawning spin-off companies and technology licensing.

Institute of Predictive Performance Methodology

IPPM offers education, research and development experience in simulation, design, and manufacturing of composite materials, sensors and other bioengineering devices, nanomaterial design and fabrication, characterization of material properties and performance under mechanical (including high rate loading), thermal, and electrical/dielectrical applied environments.

Pulsed Power and Energy Lab

The Pulsed Power and Energy Lab studies pulsed power sources and loads, high voltage dielectric breakdown, electrochemical energy storage, mechanical energy storage, electric power delivery systems, microgrids, and power electronics. The lab is ITAR compliant and is flexible in its ability to work with federal and industrial partners.

Center for Advanced Construction Materials (ACM)

ACM is a state-of-the-art interdisciplinary, civil engineering and materials science University Center of Excellence for developing, characterizing, and testing innovative and smart materials for infrastructure.