Research

I use finite element models to study how materials and structures respond to loading, from contact and fracture in dental ceramics to the seismic performance of reinforced concrete frames.

Ongoing Research

Microscratch Modeling of Lithium Disilicate Dental Ceramics

University of Connecticut · Connecticut Manufacturing Simulation Center

Advisor · Prof. Jeongho Kim

I model single-point microscratch tests in which a sliding indenter applies a gradually increasing normal load to a lithium disilicate specimen. I compare the predicted force–penetration response with experimental measurements.

  • Implemented a pressure-dependent extension of the Johnson–Cook model in a VUMAT to represent the effect of confinement on material strength beneath the indenter.
  • I am now investigating cohesive zone modeling to represent crack initiation and growth along candidate fracture planes.

Tools · Abaqus/Explicit, VUMAT, and Python

Published Research

Strengthening Non-Engineered Buildings Using Vegetal FRCM Retrofitting

First author · Structures · 2024

Supervisor · Assoc. Prof. Kshitij Charan Shrestha

We evaluated whether plant-fiber fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) retrofits could improve the seismic performance of non-engineered reinforced concrete buildings in Nepal.

  • Compared predicted flexural capacity with experimental results for FRCM-strengthened beams.
  • Used eigenvalue, nonlinear pushover, and fragility analyses to compare unretrofitted and retrofitted frames.
  • The retrofitted models showed higher base shear capacity, greater ductility, and lower estimated seismic vulnerability.

Tools · DIANA FEA 10.3, MATLAB, and AutoCAD

Read the article in Structures
Reinforced concrete frame with a vegetal FRCM retrofit
Reinforced concrete frame with the FRCM retrofit.

Research Interests

  • Nonlinear finite element analysis and experimental validation
  • Structural dynamics, earthquake engineering, and seismic retrofit
  • Contact mechanics, fracture, and constitutive modeling
  • Computational tools and automation for civil engineering
View Publications