Researcher at University of Washington Acquires Funding to Secure Nuclear Power Stations with Particle Barriers
University of Wyoming Researcher Developing Advanced Seismic Protection for Critical Structures
The University of Wyoming's SUMMIT Lab, led by Dr. Ankit Saxena, is making strides in the field of structural protection. Dr. Saxena, an assistant professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, is using a unique approach to design particle dampers aimed at providing seismic protection for nuclear power plants and other critical structures.
The technology Dr. Saxena is using is called particle dampers. These devices are extremely challenging to design due to their complex dynamic behavior. To overcome this, Dr. Saxena employs topology optimization, a trial-and-error computational method that systematically tailors the damper's internal structure to optimize performance under seismic loading conditions. Once an optimized topology is obtained, 3D printing is used to fabricate these particle dampers with precise geometries that would be difficult or impossible to produce through traditional manufacturing methods.
This approach allows for customized, effective vibration damping solutions that can help protect vital infrastructure from earthquake-induced damage. The research project, which is conducted in UW's SUMMIT Lab, is not limited to the Terra Power nuclear reactor in Kemmerer but encompasses nuclear reactors in general.
Dr. Saxena's research has received nearly $200,000 in funding from the National Science Foundation. The funding will enable the research team to explore advanced materials and smart structures using 3D printing and other advanced tools.
Chad Baldwin, the UW Director of Institutional Communications, provided an explanation on how the particle dampers will work in theory. "The particle dampers work by absorbing energy from seismic waves, reducing the amount of vibration that is transmitted to the structure, and thus reducing the potential for damage," he said.
Dr. Saxena's research could potentially help protect buildings and other structures in the private sector as well. The research led by Dr. Saxena does not focus solely on the Terra Power nuclear reactor in Kemmerer but has the potential to benefit a wide range of critical infrastructure.
- For enhancing both health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise practices, the advancements in 3D printing technology could be leveraged to create personalized fitness equipment, such as custom-made ankle braces or ergonomic dumbbells, optimized for individual users based on topology optimization.
- In the realm of education-and-self-development, the same concept of topology optimization and 3D printing can be applied to design learning tools that cater to diverse learning styles, providing students with a unique, personalized learning environment, fostering a more effective and engaging educational experience.
