Illinois State engineering student Isaiah Kerr is researching how small changes in design can make mechanical components stronger and safer.
As the College of Engineering's first FIREbird grant recipient, Kerr worked with Dr. Hafizur Rahman to test different notch designs using 3D-printed components and computer simulations.
“I planned to do research at some point in my college career,” said Kerr, a mechanical engineering major from Normal. “I didn’t think I would get the opportunity until I was in my third or fourth year. So when Dr. Rahman offered me this opportunity, I accepted, because I was like, ‘Oh, I like this. This is manufacturing. It’s what I want to do.’”
Computational analysis showed that replacing sharp-edged notches with rounded geometries, or implementing a patterned notch configuration instead of a single notch, reduced maximum von Mises stress by approximately 40%. Experimental analyses further showed a nearly 25% enhancement in load-bearing capability.
“These findings suggest that careful geometric design, particularly the use of curvature at stress risers, can substantially enhance structural performance and delay failure under applied loads,” Kerr’s research abstract states.
Read the latest issue of
#RedbirdScholar to learn how Kerr is gaining hands-on research experience as Illinois State’s engineering program takes shape:
go.illinoisstate.edu/4ywDnqL
ALT Dr. Hafizur Rahman has been mentoring Isaiah Kerr on the College of Engineering's first FIREbird-supported project.
ALT The researchers used a tabletop tensile testing device to measure the stress concentration of different geometrically shaped notches.