His background
My first study cycle entailed structural engineering, emphasizing in seismic-resistance design techniques and finite elements. After spending a few years in the structural industry, I decided to rejoin academia. The desire to combine structural mechanics and sound, led to a research masters in the mechanics of mammalian hearing. After this inspiring detour, I am pursuing this PhD which effectively combines elastic wave propagation and structural mechanics.
Key facts
Naturally interested in interdisciplinary topics.
Addicted to history readings and good music, preferably combined.
Summary of his thesis
Mechanical guided waves hold great potential in detecting structural defects in steel cables. A successful evaluation methodology entails trustworthy wave propagation modeling. Current simulation techniques accurately predict real-life behavior, but only in cables comprised of a relatively small number of wires.
This thesis aspires to extend our modeling capabilities to multi-layered, multi-stranded cables encountered in modern applications. Utilizing analytical tools from the fields of Contact Mechanics, Granular Media and Periodic Media, we aspire to provide a simplified wave propagation modeling methodology, at reduced computational cost. Experimental and numerical validation will subsequently verify analytical results. Successful implementation of this novel technique will pave the way towards more effective non-destructive structural health evaluation in multi-wire cable systems.
What's next?
An academic career that combines wave phenomena and structural mechanics.