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| Joel A. Hetrick |
| Joel A. Hetrick Assistant Professor |
| 353 Mechanical Engineering Building 1513 University Avenue Madison, WI 53706-1572 |
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Tel: 608/262-6142 Fax: 608/265-2316 E-mail: hetrick@engr.wisc.edu |
Professor Hetrick’s research interests include machine design, design automation, and structural optimization as applied to the areas of compliant mechanisms, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), and smart structures. Fundamental research issues include understanding the capabilities and limitations of these systems and developing mathematically appropriate techniques to model and optimize their physical attributes (materials, topology, geometry, etc.).
Computational modeling and optimization techniques are being developed to design “compliant-smart” systems which undergo prescribed shape changes, exhibit specified dynamic responses, and provide desired force and motion characteristics. Applications for these technologies encompass a broad range of engineering sciences including advanced MEMS sensors and actuators, shape changing structures such as adaptive airfoils and hydrofoils, novel actuator systems including inch worm and peristaltic actuators, biomimetic systems such as swimming and crawling devices, and medical applications including prosthetics and minimally invasive surgical devices.
With all design tools, emphasis is placed on verifying optimality and convergence through analytic and computational models. Designs are also physically realized and tested to validate performance.
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Copyright 2005 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System Date last modified: Wednesday, 25-Jul-2001 15:03:16 CDT Content by: hetrick@engr.wisc.edu Thank you for visiting! |
