Dr. Shaowen Xu, Mech. Eng.

Objectives and research questions: The goal of this research is to fully understand the interaction of the structures in the anisotropic materials, and investigate how a wave propagates in such materials, and determine the dynamic property of the materials in impact loading condition. The research results are expected to be used for improving the design of aerospace vehicles.

Equipment and methods: The REU students will learn and use the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) tracking and image registration techniques for accurate 2D and 3D measuring the changes in images. They will learn to use the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) seen in Fig. 7.1 for determining response of material and dynamic property under high strain rate (500-20,000/s) loading condition.

Educational outcomes: The REU students are expected to 1) learn the response of anisotropic materials and wave propagation during impact, and 2) learn to use Digital Image Correlation System and Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB), 3) design experiments for determining the dynamic response of material and property under high strain rate loading condition. With the stereo-microscope or SEM, students will explore the behavior of materials in micro and nano-scales. REU students will produce a draft paper and a poster for presentation.