Category Archives: News

Welcome onboard, Nathan!

The FSML welcomes Nathan Spann, currently a junior undergraduate student at Tennessee Tech. Nathan’s research interests include computational fluid dynamics and optimal design. Welcome to the group, Nathan!

New paper published in Smart Materials and Structures

Our latest paper, titled “Photochromic webbing structures for monitoring UV-induced mechanical strength degradation”, authored our PhD student Sina Kazemipour, our collaborators Drs. John Ohanian and Maurizio Porfiri, and PI Dr. Peng Zhang, has been published in the journal Smart Materials and Structures. This study introduces a novel class of photochromic webbing structures that can afford noninvasive monitoring of UV-induced degradation of their mechanical strength. Experimental observations are complemented by a physics-based mathematical model that provides insights into the webbing’s sensing mechanism. Read the paper here.

New paper published in Applied Mathematical Modelling

Our latest paper, titled “Large deformation of trees in a strong wind”, authored by Dr. Peng Zhang, has been published in the journal Applied Mathematical Modelling. This study introduces a geometrically accurate, physics-based model for analyzing the dynamic, large deformations of trees under strong wind conditions, providing insights into how trees mitigate wind-induced damages. Read the paper here.

Welcome on board, Branson!

The FSML welcomes Branson Blaylock, a junior undergraduate student at Tennessee Tech, to join us as an undergraduate researcher and a prospective Ph.D. student. Branson’s research interests include experimental fluid dynamics and smart materials and structures. Welcome to the team, Branson!

Congratulations to the PCSS VITAL school’s KidWind Challenge team on winning the state-wide competition!

Since Summer 2023, our lab has been collaborating with the Putnam County School System’s (PCSS) Virtual Instruction to Accentuate Learning (VITAL) school to support their KidWind Challenge team. The team consisted of a dynamic group of talented students and dedicated teachers, and following months of hard work, they won the state-wide KidWind Challenge in Nashville, Tennessee in October 2023! Their achievement was recognized by the Putnam County Board of Education in December 2023.

Congratulation to the students and teachers! We wish them success as they showcase their innovative work on the national stage!

Welcome, Sina!

The FSML welcomes Sina Kazemipour, who has joined us as a Ph.D. student. Sina’s research interests include computational fluid dynamics-based analysis of fluid-structure interaction phenomena and non-destructive structural health monitoring using smart materials. Welcome on board!