Education

Research Description

Dr. Pankow's long-term goal is to contribute to the advancement of our understanding of high impact bio-mechanics with an emphasis on the mechanical effects on the skull-brain system. Dr. Pankow is presently studying the underlying failure mechanisms in blast loading on composite materials. This study is being performed experimentally and is drawing its data largely from high-speed image capture of blast samples. The results can be applied to blast resistant structures (aircraft, buildings, etc). He is also currently studying blast structure-human interaction. This study examines the effects of shock-wave loading on skull-brain systems that vary in their mechanical properties. This research is aimed at applications that reduce the risks of traumatic brain injury.

Publications

Advanced Dual-Pull Mechanism for Deployable Spacecraft Booms

Firth, J. A., & Pankow, M. R. (2019), JOURNAL OF SPACECRAFT AND ROCKETS. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.A34243

Soft body armor time-dependent back face deformation (BFD) with ballistics gel backing

Goode, T., Shoemaker, G., Schultz, S., Peters, K., & Pankow, M. (2019), COMPOSITE STRUCTURES, 220, 687–698. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2019.04.025

Strain state dependent anisotropic viscoelasticity of tendon-to-bone insertion

Kuznetsov, S., Pankow, M., Peters, K., & Huang, H.-Y. S. (2019), MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES, 308, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mbs.2018.12.007

The effect of the through-thickness yarn component on the in- and out-of-plane properties of composites from 3D orthogonal woven preforms

Midani, M., Seyam, A.-F., Saleh, M. N., & Pankow, M. (2019), JOURNAL OF THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE, 110(3), 317–327. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405000.2018.1481722

A generalized analytical model for predicting the tensile behavior of 3D orthogonal woven composites using finite deformation approach

Midani, M., Seyam, A.-F., & Pankow, M. (2018), JOURNAL OF THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE, 109(11), 1465–1476. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405000.2018.1425107

High-speed polarization imaging of dynamic collagen fiber realignment in tendon-to-bone insertion region

Wu, X., Pankow, M., Huang, H.-Y. S., & Peters, K. (2018), JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS, 23(11). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JBO.23.11.116002

Composition and structure of porcine digital flexor tendon-bone insertion tissues

Chandrasekaran, S., Pankow, M., Peters, K., & Huang, H. Y. S. (2017), Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A, 105(11), 3050–3058. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm.a.36162

Dynamic polarization microscopy for in-situ measurements of collagen fiber realignment during impact

Wu, X. Y., Huang, H. Y. S., Pankow, M., & Peters, K. (2017), In Mechanics of biological systems and materials, vol 6 (pp. 61–66). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41351-8_9

Exploring how optimal composite design is influenced by model fidelity and multiple objectives

Joglekar, S., Von Hagel, K., Pankow, M., & Ferguson, S. (2017), Composite Structures, 160, 964–975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2016.10.089

High-speed 3D digital image correlation of low-velocity impacts on composite plates

Flores, M., Mollenhauer, D., Runatunga, V., Beberniss, T., Rapking, D., & Pankow, M. (2017), Composites. Part B, Engineering, 131, 153–164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2017.07.078

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Grants

Experimental Characterization of Textile Composites for Validation of Virtual Weaving

US Air Force (USAF)(5/20/19 - 8/02/21)

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Experimental Characterization of Textile Composites for Validation of Virtual Weaving

Sponsor: US Air Force (USAF)

Start Date: 5/20/19

End Date: 8/02/21

Abstract

Textile composites offer the ability to provide enhanced damage and durability protection for composite materials. The damage is inherently linked to the unique weaving signature’s imperfections and capturing this in a virtual manner will enable woven composites to be explored using an ICME framework through virtual building and testing. This work will build off of the digital element approach implemented through VTMS and developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This multi-institution effort will help to develop the capabilities of the VTMS software along with providing a verification and validation of some of the damage initiation and growth analysis for complex textile composites. The results of this effort will help mature some of the methodologies and develop faster, more user friendly capabilities for researchers.

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Dynamic Characterization of Nonwoven Properties - NWI Core Project

NCSU Nonwovens Institute(1/01/19 - 12/31/19)

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Dynamic Characterization of Nonwoven Properties - NWI Core Project

Sponsor: NCSU Nonwovens Institute

Start Date: 1/01/19

End Date: 12/31/19

Abstract

This work is investigating non woven materials under dynamic loading conditions

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MRI: Acquisition of a Nano-Computed Tomography System for Nondestructive 3D Microstructural Imaging

National Science Foundation (NSF)(8/01/18 - 7/31/19)

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MRI: Acquisition of a Nano-Computed Tomography System for Nondestructive 3D Microstructural Imaging

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 8/01/18

End Date: 7/31/19

Abstract

We propose to acquire a high-resolution nano-computed tomography (nano-CT) system capable of nondestructive 3D imaging of microstructural features in a wide range of materials. The nano-CT system will produce images with spectacular volumetric detail and enable the evaluation of intricate and often hidden structures in many materials (e.g., bone, vasculature, orthopaedic implants, metals foams and meshes, composites, etc.), providing critical information like porosity, connectivity, and permeability. Existing CT systems in the region provide volumetric images but lack the resolution to capture important sub-micron microstructural features. Other tools that have sufficient resolution, such as scanning electron, atomic force, and transmission electron microscopes, require tedious sample preparation, have very limited field of view, and cannot characterize internal features nondestructively. The proposed nano-CT system will fill this critical gap, and it will be made broadly available to NC State, regional, and national users by locating it within the Analytical Instrumentation Facility, a leading, open-access materials characterization facility. In addition to specific AIF workshops and K-12 outreach programs we have planned, this instrument and image analysis associated with it may be used in many undergraduate and graduate courses within six different engineering and textiles departments.

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MECHANICAL TESTING OF COMPOSITES FOR BOEING

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)(11/29/18 - 5/28/20)

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MECHANICAL TESTING OF COMPOSITES FOR BOEING

Sponsor: Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

Start Date: 11/29/18

End Date: 5/28/20

Abstract

This work will be in support of the IDAD program to perform mechanical testing of composites

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Lightweight Strain-Energy Deployed Spacecraft Booms

National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)(6/15/18 - 12/31/19)

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Lightweight Strain-Energy Deployed Spacecraft Booms

Sponsor: National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)

Start Date: 6/15/18

End Date: 12/31/19

Abstract

This proposal will provide NCSU with a flight opportunity for testing of deployable structures.

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Physics-Based Models for Manufacturing of Advanced Materials

US Army - Army Research Laboratory(10/01/17 - 3/01/19)

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Physics-Based Models for Manufacturing of Advanced Materials

Sponsor: US Army - Army Research Laboratory

Start Date: 10/01/17

End Date: 3/01/19

Abstract

Dynamic Characterization of 3D printed metal parts

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Multi-Lens Array, PEC Enhancement Project

Facebook Technologies, LLC (formerly Oculus VR, LLC)(3/01/17 - 12/31/18)

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Multi-Lens Array, PEC Enhancement Project

Sponsor: Facebook Technologies, LLC (formerly Oculus VR, LLC)

Start Date: 3/01/17

End Date: 12/31/18

Abstract

The purpose of this work is study concepts needed to rapidly create molds for multi-lens arrays of small plastic optics. This project will build on previous work in the PEC sponsored by PEC Affiliates and NSF that led to a NCSU/PEC patent on Nano-coining of sub wave-length plastic features. Because the size of the features for this proposal are 100x larger than in the previous work, the concepts will need to be refined to achieve the larger size. In addition, the details of the shape of the individual lenses may need to be modified to create the desired geometry in the replicated lenses.

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Spectral Profile Multiplexing of FBG Sensors to Enable Low-Power Optical Sensor Networks

National Science Foundation (NSF)(9/01/15 - 8/31/19)

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Spectral Profile Multiplexing of FBG Sensors to Enable Low-Power Optical Sensor Networks

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 9/01/15

End Date: 8/31/19

Abstract

We propose to derive and implement a novel multiplexing strategy for large FBG sensor networks that would enable the interrogation of these networks with low-power, low-bandwidth sources. The ultimate goal is to permit the integration of FBG sensor networks into wireless communication systems. The multiplexing strategy is based on identifying the unique spectral profile of each sensor through a rapid, cross-correlation algorithm. The cross-correlation algorithm will be supplemented with penalty functions based on prior information to reduce identification errors. The multiplexing strategy will be demonstrated on two applications: crash testing of automotive composites and lightening strike identification.

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High Repetition-Rate Shape Sensing Using Fiber Bragg Gratings (HISS)

US Dept. of Defense (DOD)(9/09/15 - 11/06/19)

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High Repetition-Rate Shape Sensing Using Fiber Bragg Gratings (HISS)

Sponsor: US Dept. of Defense (DOD)

Start Date: 9/09/15

End Date: 11/06/19

Abstract

The objective of the proposed effort is to develop a technology that will enable high repetition-rate shape sensing in a wide range of settings and can be integrated into the protective materials. The focus of this technology development is to improve the measurement of dynamic back face deformation (BFD) of body armor at a high repetition-rate. This will overcome two deficiencies in existing body armor testing and evaluation. First of all, the measurement system can be embedded into the material that simulates the body and does not require an exposed view of the backing material under test. Furthermore, it enables dynamic measurement of the BFD, not just post impact analysis of the deformed backing material. This allows researchers to perform a more realistic potential blunt force trauma analysis.

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REU Site: Summer Internships in Composites for Extreme Performance

National Science Foundation (NSF)(2/01/15 - 1/31/19)

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REU Site: Summer Internships in Composites for Extreme Performance

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 2/01/15

End Date: 1/31/19

Abstract

Advanced composite materials are revolutionizing the fields of transportation (including the aerospace, naval, automotive, and rail industries), alternative energy generation and infrastructures. In this REU Site, the student interns will be paired with individual research mentors and will spend the majority of their experience working in the laboratory. In addition, the interns will attend weekly interactive research training seminars with their cohort and will participate in two site visits to advanced composite industries in North Carolina. As part of their research experience the interns will prepare and present a poster at the Undergraduate Research Symposium at NCSU. To incentivize the poster quality, the top three posters will be selected from the cohort and the winners will be funded by the REU site program to present their research at the SAMPE meeting in the following spring.

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