An educational program, based on Java programming, is being developed to teach the subjects in ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation. A UROP student will assist a graduate student in writing programming codes in Java. Design of Composite Structures Design of a structure made of composite materials requires sophisticated design procedure. In addition, the student may also be involved in writing a Java program that analyzes the behavior of composite structures. The nondestructive evaluation laboratory conducts research in nondestructive health assessment of concrete, steel and composite structures.
Special focus is on ultrasonic nondestructive testing and laser ultrasonic methods.
A UROP student may help graduate students conduct research in this field by running experiments and surveying literatures. By acting as bridging ligaments in concrete cracks, the fibers provide improved mechanical, degradation, and environmental impact properties. During the early stages of concrete hardening, thermal differentials and thermal shrinkage induced by hydration heat can cause cracking in concrete. Through the proper inclusion of fibers, this early age cracking can be significantly reduced. By reducing cracking, especially at early ages, the life of a structure can be extended considerably.