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Current NIA Graduate Student: Erik Nelson |
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Graduate Student: Erik Nelson, M.S. Candidate, Virginia Tech
Research Project: Unitized Curvilinear Structural Design and Analysis
University Advisor: Prof. Rakesh Kapania, Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, Virginia Tech
NASA Mentor: Karen Taminger, Advanced Materials and Processing Branch
A structural design and optimization methdology has been developed at Virginia Tech to design unitized structural panels with curvilinear stiffeners optimized to carry complex panel loading at minimum weight. The student project will entail using this methodology to design several panels: one with straight stiffeners, one with curvilinear stiffeners optimized for a combined compression-shear load, and one with curvilinear stiffeners optimized for several different complex loading configurations. The student will conduct finite element analysis of the panel designs to predict buckling loads and buckling modes. These panels will be integrally machined from thick plate, using emerging high strength and high toughness aluminum alloys. The research will also involve structural testing the panels and analyzing the resulting data to validate the FEM predictions. The different panels will be used to determine if any structural performance or weight advantage can be achieved through curved stiffener designs.
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