Research Projects

I am interested in using computational and experimental tools to understand the mechanical behavior of materials. Specifically, I am interested in modeling ductile failure of metals for defense, automobile, pipeline and nuclear applications. Experiments in this regard will be carried out at collaborating institutions (Waterloo and CanmetMATERIALS). I will be developing damage-mechanics-based models for modeling ductile failure and a novel element (to be implemented in Abaqus) for modeling failure. Additionally, I am also interested in quantifying the uncertainty associated with failure modeling using statistical methods. 

Novel experiments and models to characterize ductile failure in metals

It is now  accepted that ductile failure in metals is governed by the three invariants of the stress tensor. Characterizing failure surfaces in the deviator, Lode angle and mean stress space, whilst incorporating methods to estimate the uncertainty is a challenge and to address this we have developed a novel multi-failure specimen. 

See our paper (page 300 of pdf) here http://cancam.org/docs/proceedings/eproceedings/Proceedings%20of%20the%2026th%20CANCAM.pdf

To see digital image correlation images of the multi-failure test - click image. Note that there are three distinct failure paths in this test and owing to the full-field measurement, we can relate local deformation to the global load-displacement response of the system. 

click here for animation: 

I am also interested in extending the eXtended finite element method (XFEM) to materials wherein the failure is governed by damage. A novel user element is being developed for this purpose. 

Bayesian methods for uncertainty quantification

Positions available:

I am looking for a Master's student : https://www.uoguelph.ca/engineering/sites/uoguelph.ca.engineering/files/public/poster.pdf