Grant Awarded to UW Professor for Safeguarding Nuclear Facilities with Particle Control Devices
The University of Wyoming's SUMMIT Lab, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Ankit Saxena, is making strides in the field of structural engineering with its innovative research on particle dampers. This technology, designed to protect structures from seismic activity, could potentially have applications beyond nuclear power plants.
Dr. Saxena's work primarily focuses on the protection of nuclear reactors from earthquakes. The technology, known as particle dampers, is a passive energy dissipation device that uses granular particles enclosed in a cavity within a structure. During an earthquake, the particles collide, converting kinetic energy into heat, thereby reducing vibration amplitude.
The research at the SUMMIT Lab involves a trial-and-error approach called topology optimization. This method determines the optimal material distribution within a given design space, subject to loads such as earthquake forces. By minimizing weight while maximizing stiffness and natural frequency, and by distributing material to redirect or absorb seismic energy, the team aims to create structures that are both robust and capable of withstanding seismic events.
While the specific applications of the SUMMIT Lab's research are not yet documented, the use of topology optimization and particle dampers in seismic protection is recognized in the field of structural engineering. These methods can help enhance seismic resilience, a crucial factor for nuclear facilities where safety is paramount.
Dr. Saxena and his team at the SUMMIT Lab explore advanced materials and smart structures using 3D printing and other advanced tools. The funding for this project, amounting to approximately $200,000, comes from the National Science Foundation.
While the project is primarily focused on nuclear power plants, the potential for particle dampers to protect other structures, such as buildings in the private sector, is not excluded. The goal is to create a hybrid strategy that combines topology optimization with particle dampers, offering superior resilience against unpredictable seismic events.
In summary, Dr. Ankit Saxena's research at the University of Wyoming's SUMMIT Lab is focused on developing particle dampers for seismic protection, with a primary focus on nuclear power plants. While the specific details of the SUMMIT Lab's applications are not yet documented, the use of topology optimization and particle dampers in seismic protection is recognized in the field of structural engineering. For more information, direct inquiries to the lab or review of their published work would be necessary.
Science and education-and-self-development intersect in the University of Wyoming's SUMMIT Lab, where Dr. Ankit Saxena's team is utilizing topology optimization and 3D printing to develop particle dampers for seismic protection, with applications potentially extending beyond nuclear power plants into the realm of technology.
