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faculty.Lawrence
Virgin
Lawrence Virgin, Professor and Chair
Professor Virgin's research is centered on studying the behavior
of nonlinear dynamical systems. This work may be broadly divided
into two components. First, investigation of the fundamental nature
of nonlinear systems based on a mathematical description of their
underlying equations of motion. Both analytical and numerical
techniques are used with special attention focussed on the loss
of stability of dynamical systems. The recent discovery of chaos
has stimulated much research in this area across the breadth of
science and engineering.
The second area of interest is to apply recent results from nonlinear
dynamical systems theory to problems of practical engineering
importance. These include the nonlinear rolling motion of ships
leading to capsize; buckling of axially-loaded structural components;
and aeroelastic flutter of aircraft panels at high supersonic
speeds. Professor Virgin conducts mechanical experiments to complement
these studies.
Education
- Ph.D. - University of London
Sample Publications
[complete publication list]
- L.N. Virgin (1986) 'Parametric studies of the dynamic evolution through a fold,' Journal of Sound and Vibration, 110, pp. 99-109.
- J.A. Gottwald, L.N. Virgin and E.H. Dowell (1992) 'Experimental mimicry of Duffing's equation,' Journal of Sound and Vibration, 158, pp. 447-467.
- P.V. Bayly and L.N. Virgin (1993) 'An empirical study of the stability of periodic motion in the forced spring-pendulum,' Proceedings of the Royal Society of London A, 443, pp. 391-408.
- K.D. Murphy, L.N. Virgin and S.A. Rizzi (1996) 'Characterizing the dynamic response of a thermally loaded, acoustically excited plate,' Journal of Sound and Vibration, 196, pp. 635-658.
- W.T. Fielder, L.N. Virgin and R.H. Plaut (1997) 'Experiments and simulation of overturning of an asymmetric rocking block on an oscillating foundation,' European Journal of Mechanics A (Solids), 16, pp. 905-923.
- S.T. Trickey, L.N. Virgin and E.H. Dowell (2002) 'The stability of limit cycle oscillations in a nonlinear aeroelastic system,' Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, 458, pp. 2203-2226.
- L.N. Virgin and R.B. Davis (2003) 'Vibration isolation using buckled structures,' Journal of Sound and Vibration, 260, pp. 965-973.
- L.N. Virgin and R.H. Plaut (2004) 'Postbuckling and vibration of linearly-elastic and softening columns under self-weight,' International Journal of Solids and Structures, 41, pp. 4989-5001.
Courses Taught
- Plates and Shells (Graduate level)
- Statics and Strength of Materials (Sophomore level)
- Modeling and Measurments in Dynamic Systems (Sophomore/Junior
level)
- Buckling of Engineering Structures (Graduate level)
- Dynamics (Sophomore level)
- Theory of Structures (Junior/Senior level)
- Introduction to Mechanical Vibrations (Senior level)
- Intermediate Dynamics (Graduate level)
- Nonlinear Vibrations (Graduate level)
Research photographs
Many of my research projects have an experimental component,
some photos can be found in the following links showing:
Some of my latest research involves solar sails for deep space
exploration (sponsored by NASA):
Numerical simulation has also played an important role in the
development of dynamics:
Current and Ongoing Research
- Experimental verification of low-order nonlinear dynamical
behavior (including chaos) using mechanical models.
- The interaction between dynamics and buckling including secondary
bifurcation.
- Time series analysis in the context of condition monitoring
and damage detection.
- Dynamic behavior of inflatable and lightwieght structures
for space applications.
- Nonlinear aeroelasticity of airfoils, wings and panels.
- Parametric excitation of slender structural components including
rotorblades and struts.
- Rocking, sliding, bouncing and overturning of rigid blocks
with applications in earthquake engineering and the nuclear
industry.
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