Drew Nelson
Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Emeritus
Bio
Research involves development of improved methods for predicting the fatigue life of engineering materials, incuding the effects of manufacturing processes, and investigation of new approaches in the field of experimental mechanics, such as determination of residual stresses using optical methods.
Academic Appointments
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Emeritus Faculty, Acad Council, Mechanical Engineering
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Member, Bio-X
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Member, Cardiovascular Institute
Honors & Awards
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Hetenyi award, Society for Experimental Mechanics (1994)
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Spergel Memorial Award, 32nd IWC Symposium (1984)
Professional Education
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PhD, Stanford, Mechanical Engineering (1978)
2024-25 Courses
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Independent Studies (8)
- Engineering Problems
ME 391 (Spr) - Engineering Problems and Experimental Investigation
ME 191 (Spr) - Experimental Investigation of Engineering Problems
ME 392 (Spr) - Honors Research
ME 191H (Spr) - Ph.D. Research Rotation
ME 398 (Spr) - Ph.D. Teaching Experience
ME 491 (Spr) - Practical Training
ME 299A (Spr) - Practical Training
ME 299B (Spr)
- Engineering Problems
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Prior Year Courses
2022-23 Courses
- Experimental Stress Analysis
ME 348 (Aut) - Fatigue Design and Analysis
ME 345 (Win)
2021-22 Courses
- Experimental Stress Analysis
ME 348 (Aut) - Fatigue Design and Analysis
ME 345 (Win)
- Experimental Stress Analysis
Stanford Advisees
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Doctoral (Program)
Dongwon Ka
All Publications
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Experimental Methods for Determining Residual Stresses and Strains in Various Biological Structures.
Exp Mech
2013
View details for DOI 10.1007/s11340-98606-6
- Review of Methods for Determining Residual Stresses in Biological Materials. In: Exp Appl Mech, Springer 2012: 191-202
- Optical Methods Practical Residual Stress Measurement Methods Wiley. 2012: 279–302
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Method for efficient computation of stress intensity factors from weight functions by singular point elimination
ENGINEERING FRACTURE MECHANICS
2011; 78 (16): 2713-2730
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2011.07.006
View details for Web of Science ID 000295955800001
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Hole-Within-a-Hole Method for Determining Residual Stresses
JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME
2011; 133 (2)
View details for DOI 10.1115/1.4003496
View details for Web of Science ID 000288807400020
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Residual Stress Determination by Hole Drilling Combined with Optical Methods
EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS
2010; 50 (2): 145-158
View details for DOI 10.1007/s11340-009-9329-3
View details for Web of Science ID 000274399500001
- Validated High Speed Pull and Shear Test Methodologies to Evaluate Pb-Free BGA Mechanical Strength. In: 43d International Symposium on Microelectronics, International Microelectronics & Packaging Society 2010: 110-118
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A multi-parameter Bragg grating fiber optic sensor and triaxial strain measurement
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
2008; 17 (3)
View details for DOI 10.1088/0964-1726/17/3/035033
View details for Web of Science ID 000256544300034
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Techniques for predicting the lifetimes of wave-swept macroalgae: a primer on fracture mechanics and crack growth
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
2007; 210 (13): 2213-2230
Abstract
Biomechanical analyses of intertidal and shallow subtidal seaweeds have elucidated ways in which these organisms avoid breakage in the presence of exceptional hydrodynamic forces imposed by pounding surf. However, comparison of algal material properties to maximum hydrodynamic forces predicts lower rates of breakage and dislodgment than are actually observed. Why the disparity between prediction and reality? Most previous research has measured algal material properties during a single application of force, equivalent to a single wave rushing past an alga. In contrast, intertidal macroalgae may experience more than 8000 waves a day. This repeated loading can cause cracks - introduced, for example, by herbivory or abrasion - to grow and eventually cause breakage, yet fatigue crack growth has not previously been taken into account. Here, we present methods from the engineering field of fracture mechanics that can be used to assess consequences of repeated force imposition for seaweeds. These techniques allow quantification of crack growth in wave-swept macroalgae, a first step towards considering macroalgal breakage in the realistic context of repeated force imposition. These analyses can also be applied to many other soft materials.
View details for DOI 10.1242/jeb.001560
View details for Web of Science ID 000248304900009
View details for PubMedID 17575028
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Death by small forces: a fracture and fatigue analysis of wave-swept macroalgae
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
2007; 210 (13): 2231-2243
Abstract
Wave-swept macroalgae are subjected to large hydrodynamic forces as each wave breaks on shore, loads that are repeated thousands of times per day. Previous studies have shown that macroalgae can easily withstand isolated impositions of maximal field forces. Nonetheless, macroalgae break frequently. Here we investigate the possibility that repeated loading by sub-lethal forces can eventually cause fracture by fatigue. We determine fracture toughness, in the form of critical strain energy release rate, for several flat-bladed macroalgae, thereby assessing their resistance to complete fracture in the presence of cracks. Critical energy release rates are evaluated through single-edge-notch, pull-to-break tests and single-edge-notch, repeated-loading tests. Crack growth at sub-critical energy release rates is measured in repeated-loading tests, providing a first assessment of algal breakage under conditions of repeated loading. We then estimate the number of imposed waves required for un-notched algal blades to reach the point of complete fracture. We find that, if not checked by repair, fatigue crack growth from repeated sub-lethal stresses may completely fracture individuals within days. Our results suggest that fatigue may play an important role in macroalgal breakage.
View details for DOI 10.1242/jeb.001578
View details for Web of Science ID 000248304900010
View details for PubMedID 17575029
- Techniques for Predicting Lifetime: a Primer on Fracture Mechanics and Crack Growth in Wave-swept Macroalgae J Exp Biol 2007; 210: 2213-2230
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Residual stress determination using hole drilling and 3D image correlation
EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS
2006; 46 (1): 31-38
View details for DOI 10.1007/s11340-006-5859-0
View details for Web of Science ID 000236205400003
- Residual Stress Determination Using Digital Image Correlation Exp Mech 2006; 1 (46): 31-38
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Stable crack growth and instability prediction in thin plates and cylinders
Workshop on Fundamentals and Applications of the Crack-Tip-Opening-Angle (CTOA)
PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD. 2003: 469–91
View details for Web of Science ID 000179832800009
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A study of small crack growth in aluminum alloy 7075-T6
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FATIGUE
2002; 24 (11): 1175-1189
View details for Web of Science ID 000178298500007
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Small crack growth in combined bending-torsion fatigue of A533B steel
FATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS & STRUCTURES
2001; 24 (3): 179-191
View details for Web of Science ID 000169065000003
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Evaluation of an energy-based approach and a critical plane approach for predicting constant amplitude multiaxial fatigue life (vol 22, pg 23, 2000)
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FATIGUE
2000; 22 (4): 349-349
View details for Web of Science ID 000086663400008
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Evaluation of an energy-based approach and a critical plane approach for predicting constant amplitude multiaxial fatigue life
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FATIGUE
2000; 22 (1): 23-39
View details for Web of Science ID 000084704800003
- In-Phase and Out-of-Phase Combined Bending-Torsion Fatigue of a Notched Specimen In: Multiaxial Fatigue and Deformation: Testing and Prediction, ASTM STP 2000; 1387: 246-265
- Analysis of Time-Varying Biological Data Using Rainflow Cycle Counting Comput Meth Biomech Biomed Eng 2000; 1 (3): 31-40
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A fiber optic sensor for transverse strain measurement
EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS
1999; 39 (3): 202-209
View details for Web of Science ID 000082166700006
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Understanding thermal behavior in the LENS process
MATERIALS & DESIGN
1999; 20 (2-3): 107-113
View details for Web of Science ID 000080437300007
- Residual Stress Determination by a Holographic-Hole Drilling Technique In: Multiaxial Fatigue of an Induction Hardened Shaft, SAE AE28 1999: 53-60
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An embedded fiber optic sensor method for determining residual stresses in fiber-reinforced composite materials
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MATERIAL SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES
1998; 9 (10): 788-799
View details for Web of Science ID 000083303700002
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Thermal behavior in the LENS process
9th Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) Symposium
UNIV TEXAS AUSTIN. 1998: 89–96
View details for Web of Science ID 000082420400009
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Biaxial fatigue of A533B pressure vessel steel
JOURNAL OF PRESSURE VESSEL TECHNOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME
1997; 119 (3): 325-331
View details for Web of Science ID A1997XT81300012
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Advances in multiaxial fatigue life prediction for components with stress concentrations
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FATIGUE
1997; 19 (6): 503-515
View details for Web of Science ID A1997YB27600007
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The holographic-hole drilling method for residual stress determination
OPTICS AND LASERS IN ENGINEERING
1997; 27 (1): 3-23
View details for Web of Science ID A1997WE41600002
- In-Phase and Out-of-Phase Combined Bending-Torsion Fatigue of A533B Steel. J Press Vessel Technol 1997; 3 (119): 325-331
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Determination of sub-surface distributions of residual stresses by a holographic-hole drilling technique
JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME
1997; 119 (1): 95-103
View details for Web of Science ID A1997WE85600016
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Determination of biaxial residual stresses by a holographic-hole drilling technique
JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME
1996; 118 (4): 583-588
View details for Web of Science ID A1996VV01100021
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Multi-parameter sensing with fiber Bragg gratings
2nd Pacific Northwest Fiber Optic Sensor Workshop
SPIE - INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 1996: 24–31
View details for Web of Science ID A1996BG27G00004
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EFFECT OF SURFACE CONDITION AND PRIOR PLASTIC-DEFORMATION ON X-RAY EFFECTIVE ELASTIC PARAMETERS IN A STEEL AND ITS WELD
EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES
1995; 19 (4): 25-28
View details for Web of Science ID A1995RL81400005
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FATIGUE AND FRACTURE ESTIMATION FOR METALLIC COMPONENTS - SOME CURRENT METHODS AND FUTURE-DEVELOPMENTS
JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL DESIGN
1995; 117: 121-127
View details for Web of Science ID A1995RK66300018
- Fatigue and Fracture Estimation: Some Current Methods and Future Developments J Mech Des 1995; 117: 121-127
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A STUDY OF THE GROWTH OF SMALL FATIGUE CRACKS IN A HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL USING A SURFACE-ACOUSTIC-WAVE TECHNIQUE
FATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS & STRUCTURES
1994; 17 (11): 1357-1369
View details for Web of Science ID A1994PT67900011
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RESIDUAL-STRESS DETERMINATION BY SINGLE-AXIS HOLOGRAPHIC-INTERFEROMETRY AND HOLE DRILLING .1. THEORY
EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS
1994; 34 (1): 66-78
View details for Web of Science ID A1994NF45800009
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RESIDUAL-STRESS DETERMINATION BY SINGLE-AXIS HOLOGRAPHIC-INTERFEROMETRY AND HOLE DRILLING .2. EXPERIMENTS
EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS
1994; 34 (1): 79-88
View details for Web of Science ID A1994NF45800010
- Residual Stress Determination by Single-Axis Holographic Interferometry and Hole Drilling - Part I: Theory Exp Mech 1994; 1 (34): 66-78
- Residual Stress Determination by Single-Axis Holographic Interferometry and Hole Drilling - Part II: Experiments. Exp Mech 1994; 1 (34): 79-88
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ON THE USE OF THE HOLE-DRILLING TECHNIQUE FOR RESIDUAL-STRESS MEASUREMENTS IN THIN PLATES
JOURNAL OF PRESSURE VESSEL TECHNOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME
1992; 114 (3): 292-299
View details for Web of Science ID A1992JK88900005
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THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPERING TEMPERATURE ON SMALL FATIGUE CRACK BEHAVIOR MONITORED WITH SURFACE ACOUSTIC-WAVES IN QUENCHED AND TEMPERED 4140 STEEL
METALLURGICAL TRANSACTIONS A-PHYSICAL METALLURGY AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
1989; 20 (7): 1257-1265
View details for Web of Science ID A1989AG47100013
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THE EFFECT OF TEMPERING TEMPERATURE ON NEAR-THRESHOLD FATIGUE CRACK BEHAVIOR IN QUENCHED AND TEMPERED 4140 STEEL
METALLURGICAL TRANSACTIONS A-PHYSICAL METALLURGY AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
1988; 19 (10): 2497-2502
View details for Web of Science ID A1988Q491800013
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RESIDUAL-STRESS DETERMINATION THROUGH COMBINED USE OF HOLOGRAPHIC-INTERFEROMETRY AND BLIND-HOLE DRILLING
EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS
1986; 26 (4): 371-378
View details for Web of Science ID A1986F715900012
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REVIEW OF FATIGUE-CRACK-GROWTH PREDICTION METHODS
EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS
1977; 17 (2): 41-49
View details for Web of Science ID A1977CU21300001
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FLUID PIVOT JOURNAL BEARING
JOURNAL OF LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME
1977; 99 (1): 122-128
View details for Web of Science ID A1977CT43100017