04/23/2024
By Danielle Fretwell

The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, invites you to attend a Doctoral Dissertation Proposal defense by George Barlow on "Understanding Natural Variation Using Multiple Applications Of The Finite Element Method."

Candidate Name: George Barlow
Degree: Doctoral
Defense Date: Wednesday May 1, 2024
Time: noon to 2 p.m.
Location: Southwick 240

Committee:

  • Advisor: Scott Stapleton, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Murat Inalpolat, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Lei Chen, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • David Mollenhauer, Materials Research Engineer, Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate

Brief Abstract:
Computational models including the finite element method (FEM) have become an important part of the structural design process for various applications. Finite element models can be used to match experimental results using matching geometry, the models can also include natural variations within a model geometry or configuration to study how these variations impact the model’s results. This work will examine the inclusion of variations within two finite element models; a model using the commercial finite element solver LS DYNA to understand the blunt impact performance of combat helmets and a fiber scale model of the compaction of tows within a textile using the Air Force Research Lab’s Virtual Textile Morphology Suite (VTMS) and commercial finite element solvers. The helmet blunt impact model was sampled to understand the natural variation in the impact response of the helmet system found in experimental testing where the headform fit was changed. The sampling of the helmet model was used to identify the change in peak linear acceleration response of the headform when the headform’s starting position in the helmet shell was varied. Fiber entanglement within the tows of textile composites leads to natural variation in the compaction response of the dry textile. The textile compaction model was developed to introduce entanglement to the tows within a textile model to study how changes in the amount of entanglement introduced to a tow can affect the final geometry and compaction response of the textile. Through the application of the finite element method, an understanding of the natural variation found in both the helmet blunt impact modeling and fiber entanglement found within woven textile materials an understanding.