Strain Localization Evolution and Failure

High speed imaging is combined with high strain rate loading to probe the evolution of strain localization leading up to failure in Mg alloys. From this study pathways for deformation are identified which lead to undesired shear band formation and crack formation. Show below is a comparison of the strain localization that occurs at...

Continue reading

ARVO 2016 Seattle, WA

Jourdan Colter and Dr. Brittany Coats attended the 2016 ARVO conference to present research from our lab to other ophthalmologists around the world.  Jourdan’s work is currently optimizing a drug delivery system to patients through the use of hydrogels on the surface of eyes.  She has been using computer models to figure out which...

Continue reading

Dan Shedd and Nik Benko Level Up

Congratulations to Dan Shedd and Nik Benko for successfully completing their dissertation proposal and qualifying exam, respectively.  Dan’s proposal focused on characterizing long-term visual dysfunction following blast exposure. Nik presented a literature review on wave propagation theory and proposed potential solutions for altering blast wave propagation through the eye during blast exposure. Both members performed admirably and are one...

Continue reading

Joseph Phillips

Name:  Joseph Phillips Hometown:  Rexburg, Idaho Previous Degrees, Institutions:  BS (in progress) – University of Utah, Mechanical Engineering CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician), DATC Research Interests/Project:  Hydrogel material characterization; Retinal vasculature characterization. Honors/Awards:  Dean’s list 2015, Recipient of the C.S. and D.E. Foundation Scholarship, 2015, Member of Tau Beta Pi, inducted 2016 Interests outside of Research: Competitive drumline, music...

Continue reading

New publication investigates the effect of cyclic loading on pediatric TBI

Our manuscript, “Cyclic Head Rotations Produce Modest Brain Injury in Infant Piglets” was recently accepted by Journal of Neurotrauma for publication in 2016. The paper evaluates the time-dependent response of axonal injury and extra-axial hemorrhage following a continuous or episodic cyclic head rotation as compared to a single head rotation. Authors on the paper are Brittany Coats (UofU) Gil Binenbaum...

Continue reading

PAC Research Highlighted on KSL

KSL recently aired a news story on our research of the arachnoid trabeculae in mild traumatic brain injury. Through optical coherence tomography imaging and finite element modeling, we’ve shown that these microstructures dictate force distribution from the skull to the brain. By implementing the natural variability of the structures into our models, we’ve been able...

Continue reading