FHWA > Office of Professional and Corporate Development > Universities & Grants Program > DDETFP 2009 Grants for Research / Intern Fellowship Announcement |
|
Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program
|
Name (Last, First, MI) |
For Official Use Only: |
Current Address |
Telephone No.: |
Permanent Address |
Alt. Telephone No.: |
Current educational status: |
RACE (optional) ETHNICITY (optional)__ Hispanic or Latino |
Gender: |
|
U.S. Citizen |
College or University (Current or Pending) |
Academic Dept. |
Name, Title and Address of Faculty Advisor |
Telephone No.: |
Applicant's Major |
Applicant's Field of Study |
Date |
Signature of Applicant (Required) |
Date |
Signature of Faculty Advisor (Required) |
Colleges/Universities |
Dates |
Degrees |
Date |
Employer (most recent first) |
Address |
Name of Supervisor |
Dates of |
From: |
|||
From: |
List Academic Honors, Scholarships, Offices Held in Student /Professional Organizations, etc. |
Community Activities/Organizations: |
Experience in Transportation Education Programs |
|
__ ENO Fellow Year _____ __ UTC Award Year _____ __ DDE Fellowship Year _____ |
__ STIPDG Year _____ __ NSTI Year _____ __ Other Year _____ |
Proposed Plan of Study
Please provide a summary of how your plan of study will impact and enhance the field of transportation and what role transportation takes in your professional goals. Incorporate educational, personal and work experiences, accomplishments, volunteer activities and/or events that support your plan of study. Limit 2 pages.
Determining mechanical properties of human pediatric ribs (Project 1)
A Methodology for determining Human Soft Tissue Properties in-situ (Project 2)
Pavement Shear Strain Response to Dual And Wide Base Tires (Project 3)
Title of Project: Determining mechanical properties of human pediatric ribs
Sponsor: Vehicle Research and Test Center
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Length of Assignment: 12 months
Disciplines: Mechanical Engineering/Biomechanics/Skeletal Biology
Prerequisites: Ph.D. Candidate
Description of Assignment:
Biomechanical testing is not commonly applied to post-mortem pediatric subjects because of obvious ethical issues. Therefore, little is known about the mechanical properties of the human pediatric thorax. This project intends to develop experimental techniques for defining the material and structural properties of pediatric rib tissue from small rib specimens obtained at autopsy. These data will be used to characterize properties of the pediatric thorax to aid in constructing more biofidelic pediatric dummies and computer models.
Quasi-static three-point bend tests have been applied to adult ribs in the past to determine their material properties. There is currently no comparable published data for pediatric ribs. Previous testing has revealed that large variance in gross rib geometry and cross-sectional properties can interfere with measured mechanical variables. This inconsistency provides inaccurate material properties data because the test set-up is non-repeatable. It is desired to formulate an experimental test approach that can produce accurate material property measurements for pediatric ribs with widely varying geometry and material properties.
Additionally, innovative microscopic analyses of the bone specimens should be explored in the biomechanical context. Analyses should include cross-sectional geometric and histomorphometric variables to correlate with strength parameters and child developmental data. The use of skeletal histomorphometric data and non-age based developmental data may provide an improved understanding of the varied response of pediatric bone. The overall goal of this analysis is to obtain a reliable methodology to predict a child’s risk of rib fracture in a vehicular impact.
The results of this study will be: 1) methodological advances in test technique for obtaining accurate material properties of pediatric ribs, and 2) description and quantification of how the microscopic changes of pediatric ribs during development can affect their material and structural properties.
Academic Credit: To be determined by the university
Expected Outcome: A report, or thesis, (1) delineating an experimental approach for testing pediatric rib specimens that provide accurate material properties and (2) a methodology for relating pediatric rib strength to the living child’s development.
Technical Advisor:
Bruce R. Donnelly, Ph.D.
Chief, Applied Biomechanics Division
Vehicle Research and Test Center
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
P.O. Box B37 10820 SR 347
East Liberty, Ohio 43319-0337
Tel # 937-666-3291 or 937-666-4511 x211
bruce.donnelly@dot.gov
GRF Project #2
Title of Project: A methodology for determining human soft tissue properties in-situ.
Sponsor: Vehicle Research and Test Center
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Length of Assignment: 12 months
Disciplines: Mechanical Engineering
Prerequisites: Ph.D. Candidate
Description of Assignment:
Although numerical modeling of the human body is advancing rapidly the usefulness of results are limited by our minimal knowledge of the mechanical properties of human tissues under high-rate impact loading. This project intends to develop a methodology and experimental technique for measuring applied displacements and reaction force for human tissue in-situ under compressive, tensile and shear loading. These data will be used to generate material constitutive relationships for human tissue.
Traditionally material property studies of human tissue have been done by removing an organ from a post-mortem human subject and excising tissue samples for testing in standard engineering tests such as compressive or tensile tests. Because the response of most human tissue is rate dependent, non-linear, inelastic and non-isotropic these traditional methods have proven to provide less than accurate material properties. The act of obtaining tissue samples (cutting) changes the properties dramatically and process of storage, mounting and measuring force and displacement during testing greatly affect the results. It is desired to make force versus displacement measurements at high rates of loading (high frequency) with the parent organ in-place in the body and without excising samples by cutting tissue, i.e., a minimally invasive technique.
The goal of this methodology is to obtain material property data from autopsy subjects during the post-mortem examination without interfering with the medical procedure and without additionally damaging the subject. This approach will provide more accurate data from intact organs with natural boundary conditions.
It is anticipated that this project will utilize innovative techniques and mechanical equipment to impart small displacements at high frequencies on the tissue of in-situ organs. Forces are expected to be in the range of 0.01 to 5 N with displacements in the millimeter to centimeter range and frequencies from 0 to several hundred Hz.
The results of this study will be a theoretical description of the approach, a conceptual design for the equipment and fabrication of equipment sufficient to obtain proof-of-concept data obtained from animal tissue and/or post-mortem human subject tissue.
Academic Credit: To be determined by the university
Expected Outcome: A report, or thesis, developing (1) the theoretical basis for obtaining post-mortem tissue material properties in–situ and (2) a prototype and a demonstration test of the experimental equipment developed to make the measurements.
Technical Advisor:
Bruce R. Donnelly, Ph.D.
Chief, Applied Biomechanics Division
Vehicle Research and Test Center
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
P.O. Box B37 10820 SR 347
East Liberty, Ohio 43319-0337
Tel # 937-666-3291 or 937-666-4511 x211
bruce.donnelly@dot.gov
GRF Project #3
Title Of Project: Pavement Shear Strain Response to Dual And Wide Base Tires
Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration
Length of Assignment: 12 months
Disciplines: Engineering Mechanics, Pavements, Experimental Stress Analysis
Prerequisites: Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Description Of Assignment: FHWA is interested in the effects of wide base tires which are seeing increased usage in the United States. The intent of this study is to process and analyze data collected from instrumented pavements sections that were loaded by a truck equipped with both dual and wide base tires in hot weather conditions. The data was collected from the SPS-8 pavement test sections at the Ohio Test Road. The pavement was instrumented with strain gage rosettes oriented in the vertical direction to capture shear strains induced from the passing wheel loads at different speeds and tire inflation pressures. The data will be used to show relative shear strains induced in pavement surface layer due to the changing experimental loading conditions. In addition to the strain data, other information that is needed for complete analysis includes the lateral wheel path offset position, ambient temperature, vehicle configuration, sensor location, tire-pavement interface pressure distribution and materials characterization. While all this data exists, it is in various locations and needs to be sorted through and pulled together for analysis. The integration of this package of information would then be used to verify the accuracy of existing computer models with respect to their ability to predict pavement response for the given loading, structural and material conditions.
The analysis of data from these experiments may reveal the relative strains induced by each tire type and design. This work is meant to compliment ongoing work on a 3D FEM tire model at the University of Florida, 3D FEM Pavement modeling at the University of Illinois and the Vehicle-Pavement Interaction work as part of the Asphalt Research Consortium at the University of Nevada – Reno, as well as Transportation Pooled Fund solicitation #1175, "The Impact of Wide-Base Tires on Pavement Damage: A National Study. http://www.pooledfund.org/projectdetails.asp?id=1175&status=1 . It is anticipated that the research fellow will be coordinating his or her efforts with these universities in the course of this fellowship.
FHWA sponsored an international workshop on the use of wide base tires at TFHRC October 25-26, 2007. Many useful references may be found in the minutes to that workshop, which can be found here: http://www.arc.unr.edu/Workshops.html
Academic Credits: 6 - 12 credits
Outputs/Products A research report, conference paper and presentation that demonstrate the relative primary strain response of instrumented pavements to loading from the dual and wide base tire configurations. An organized data set would also be developed and will accompany the report. The report and data set will help lay the foundation for additional validation of pavement primary response models.
Technical Advisor:
Eric Weaver
Phone 202-493-3153
Fax 202-493-3161
HRDI-12
6300 Georgetown Pike
McLean, VA 22101-2296
Rm. F-209
GRF Project #4
Title Of Project: Assessing Sustainability: Pavement Construction and Network Sustainability Management
Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration
Length of Assignment: Phase 1: 18 months – Construction, Phase 2: 18 months – Network Sustainability Management
Disciplines: Engineering, Pavements, Environmental, Economics
Prerequisites: Masters of Science in Engineering
Description Of Assignment: FHWA is interested in assessing the sustainability of pavement construction practices and in understanding the role of sustainability in the asset management of pavements.
There is increased interest in understanding and assessing sustainable practices throughout the transportation community in the United States. Programs such as Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Green Globes have been developed to assess the eco-efficiency of a variety of building types and communities, which include some aspects of transportation. Recent studies have adapted these and other approaches to focus more on transportation investments.
The first phase of this project will build on these new methodologies to focus more on the quantifiable impacts of pavement design, construction, and operations, including: material selection, constituent materials manufacturing, hauling, production, placement, and the effects of vehicular traffic. The intent is to establish a methodology to reliably evaluate and compare the sustainable impacts resulting from different approaches to design and build a highway pavement. Ideally, the methodology will consider both qualitative and quantitative inputs that can be integrated into the FHWA RealCost life cycle cost analysis program to provide meaningful guidance in the design and construction process. In addition, the methodology will be tested against actual highway projects to explore different "what if" scenarios in the design and construction decision process. These studies should include hot-mix asphalt (HMA), concrete pavement, and preservation techniques with the inclusion of recycled materials and other innovative technologies – such as warm-mix asphalt. It should also consider the contributions of layers beneath the pavement surface, particularly with respect to drainage and runoff.
Phase two of this project will broaden the application of the methodologies to explore various approaches for the inclusion of sustainability in the management of pavement networks. The intent is to develop system/corridor tools to identify network level investment strategies to optimally address areas of risk with regards to network sustainability within a network/corridor. It is intended that these tools could be used by highway agencies to provide meaningful guidance in the management of pavement networks.
The final report should identify the strengths and weaknesses of the methodology and propose strategies for effective use of the tools.
Academic Credits: Phase 1: 6 to 12 credits, Phase 2: 6 to 12 credits
Outputs/Products: A research report for each phase of the study, conference paper and presentation that overview the project and cover the significant findings of the study.
Technical Advisor:
Thomas Harman, Team Leader
Pavement & Materials Technical Service Team (TST)
FHWA Resource Center
10 South Howard Street, Suite 4000
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Voice: 410.962.0134
Mobile: 410.215.2762
FAX: 410.962.3655
2009 DDETFP Applicant Checklist(Keep This Page for Your Records) |
Dear Applicant:
This letter is provided in an effort to ensure that all information is submitted in a timely manner. Incomplete packages will be returned. Please pay attention to all deadlines and information.
Prior to sending your packet to Universities and Grants Programs, 4600 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203, ensure that you have reviewed your application thoroughly and are confident that all materials are enclosed.
If you would like confirmation of delivery provide a Postage Paid Postcard with your return address.
Application Items |
|
- Citizenship |
_____ |
-3 Copies of Application Packet |
_____ |
- Contact Information |
_____ |
o Phone # |
|
o Alt Phone # |
|
o E-mail |
|
Faculty Advisor Signature |
_____ |
Signed Application |
_____ |
Official University Transcripts |
_____ |
Letters of Recommendations |
_____ |
Resume/CV |
_____ |
Approved Project List |
_____ |
Comments:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________