Department of Mechanical Engineering

Robert L. West


Robert L. West



Associate Professor

204 Randolph Hall
540-231-7185
540-231-9100- FAX

westrl@vt.edu



Education Research
Teaching
Experience
Honors
Publications


Education

Ph.D. University of Missouri, Columbia 1988
M.S. University of Missouri, Columbia 1984
B.S. University of Missouri, Columbia 1979

 

Research

The general area of this research is in computational modeling, which includes model formulation, large-scale numerical solution and the correlation of numerical results with experimental data. Finite element modeling, system identification (model updating) and design optimization are the primary research areas.

  • Large-scale acoustic finite element modeling of gas turbine combustors for combustion stability.
  • Finite element modeling and structural optimization of adhesive joints.
  • Finite element material model identification of adhesive/adherend material systems.
  • Elasto-dynamic finite element modeling of the shoulder for loads induced by throwing.
  • Constitutive material model identification for rate-dependent loading applied to shoulder soft tissue.


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Teaching Activities

  • ME 3614- MECHANICAL DESIGN I: Design of mechanical components subject to static and fatigue loads. Design using screws, fasteners, springs and bearings. Computer-aided design using transfer matrix and finite element methods. Pre: 3604, ESM 2004, MATH 2214. (3H,3C). II,III.
  • ME 4624- FINITE ELEMENT PRATICE IN MECHANICAL DESIGN: Application of the finite element method to stress analysis problems in mechanical design. Modeling techniques, proper use of existing computer programs, interpreting of results, application to design modification. Pre: 3614. (3H,3C). I.
  • ME 4984- INDEPENDENT STUDY
  • ME 4994- UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
  • ME 5634- FINITE ELEMENTS IN MACHINE DESIGN: Advanced analysis and design of machine components with emphasis on the finite element method of analysis. Pre: 3614; (3H,3C). II.
  • ME 6624- ADVANCED FINITE ELEMENT APPLICATION IN MACHINE DESIGN: Advanced application of the finite element method to mechanical design problems. Nonlinear analysis techniques; geometric nonlinearity, material nonlinear elastic and inelastic response, moving boundary conditions, multi-component contact problems. Dynamic response analysis; direct integration, mode superposition. Pre: 5634 or equivalent linear finite element background; (3H,3C). I. Alternate years.


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Experience

No experience listed


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Honors

No honor listed

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Publications

  • Blotter, J.D., and West, R.L., "Experimental and Analytical Energy and Power Flow Using a Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer," Shock & Vibration, special issue on Vibration Measurement by Laser Techniques, page numbers not available at this time.

  • Montgomery, D.E., West, R.L., "A Least-Squares Discrete Finite Element Method for Modeling Three-Dimensional Velocity Response Fields Measured by a Scanning LDV," Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, Vol. 10, No. 4, July 1996, pp. 471-495.

  • Blotter, J.D., and West, R.L., "Identification of Energy Sources and Sinks to Enhance Noise Control in Plates," Noise Control Engineering Journal, Vol. 44, No. 2, March-April 1996, pp. 61-68.

  • Montgomery, D.E., and West, R.L., "Three-Dimensional Experimental Spatial Dynamic Modeling of a Reciprocating Freon Compressor Housing," Optics and Lasers in Engineering, special issue on Vibration Measurement by Laser Techniques, Vol. 25, pp. 265-288.

  • Lindholm, B. E., and R. L. West, "A Bayesian Statistics Approach to Updating Finite Element Models with Frequency Response Data(Part I: Theory)," Proceedings of the 14th International Modal Analysis Conference, IMAC-XIV, Vol. 2, February 12-15, 1996, Dearborn, Michigan, pp. 1451-1457.

  • Montgomery, D.E., West, R.L., and Burdisso, R.A., "Acoustic Radiation Prediction of a Compressor Housing from 3-D Experimental Spatial Dynamics Modeling," Applied Acoustics, Vol. 47, No. 2, pp. 165-185.

  • Montgomery, D.E., and West, R.L., "Visual Statistical Analysis of Three-Dimensional Structural Dynamics Data," The Journal of Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, Vol. 9, No. 3, pp. 299-316.

  • Lindholm, B. E., and R. L. West, "Updating Finite Element Models with Experimental Dynamic Response Data using Bayesian Parameter Estimation," Proceedings of the AIAA, ASME, ASCE, AHS and ASC 36th Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, April 10-12, 1995, New Orleans, Louisiana. pp. 794-802.

  • Montgomery, D.E., and West, R.L., "Computer Animation of Complex Dynamic Response of One, Two-, and Three-Dimensional Structures," Modal Analysis: The International Journal of Analytical and Experimental Modal Analysis, Vol. 10, No. 1, January, 1995, pp. 1-18.

  • Sandgren, E., and West, R.L., "Shape Optimization of Cam Profiles Using a B-Spline Representation," ASME Journal of Mechanisms, Transmissions and Automation in Design, Vol. 11, June 1989, pp. 195-201.


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