Special Seminar: “Control and Analysis of Vibrations in Mechanical Systems”

Abstract: 

In this talk, Dr. Wilbanks will cover both the control and analysis of vibrations in mechanical systems in the automotive and aerospace sector. Two-scale command shaping (TSCS) for mitigating vibrations in nonlinear dynamic systems will be introduced through application to internal combustion engine restart in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain. Analysis of vibrations in aerospace vehicles will also be discussed as they apply to loading and placement of instrumentation for structural dynamics testing. The discussion of structural dynamics for aerospace vehicles will briefly introduce random vibration analysis as well as optimization for both input loads and instrumentation for ground testing of aerospace systems. Future work for these areas will be introduced in order to explore how TSCS can be extended alongside general structural dynamics approaches.

Bio:

Dr. Justin Wilbanks is currently a senior member of the technical staff at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He completed his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering at Clemson University. During his time at Clemson, he worked as a mechanical engineering cooperative education student at Michelin Americas Research and Development Corporation. His interest in research and automotive topics led him to complete his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in mechanical engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, focusing on automotive-based research projects sponsored by Ferrari S.p.A. and the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program. His dissertation project developed and patented a novel feedforward control technique to mitigate powertrain and chassis vibrations during engine restart and shutdown in hybrid electric vehicles using the electric motor of the powertrain. His current research efforts span various facets of dynamics, vibrations, and controls in aerospace systems.