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


Honors & Awards


  • Hetenyi award, Society for Experimental Mechanics (1994)
  • Spergel Memorial Award, 32nd IWC Symposium (1984)

Professional Education


  • PhD, Stanford, Mechanical Engineering (1978)

2023-24 Courses


Stanford Advisees


  • Doctoral (Program)
    Dongwon Ka

All Publications


  • Experimental Methods for Determining Residual Stresses and Strains in Various Biological Structures. Exp Mech Nelson, D. 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 Nelson, D. 2012: 191-202
  • Optical Methods Practical Residual Stress Measurement Methods Nelson, D. Wiley. 2012: 279–302
  • Method for efficient computation of stress intensity factors from weight functions by singular point elimination ENGINEERING FRACTURE MECHANICS Mawatari, T., Nelson, D. V. 2011; 78 (16): 2713-2730
  • Hole-Within-a-Hole Method for Determining Residual Stresses JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME Makino, A., Nelson, D. V., Hill, M. R. 2011; 133 (2)

    View details for DOI 10.1115/1.4003496

    View details for Web of Science ID 000288807400020

  • Residual Stress Determination by Hole Drilling Combined with Optical Methods EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS Nelson, D. V. 2010; 50 (2): 145-158
  • 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 Ahmad, M., Assudan, R., Nelson, Youssef, A. 2010: 110-118
  • A multi-parameter Bragg grating fiber optic sensor and triaxial strain measurement SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES Mawatari, T., Nelson, D. 2008; 17 (3)
  • Techniques for predicting the lifetimes of wave-swept macroalgae: a primer on fracture mechanics and crack growth JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY Mach, K. J., Nelson, D. V., Denny, M. W. 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

  • Death by small forces: a fracture and fatigue analysis of wave-swept macroalgae JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY Mach, K. J., Hale, B. B., Denny, M. W., Nelson, D. V. 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 Mach, K., Nelson, D., Denny, M. 2007; 210: 2213-2230
  • Residual stress determination using hole drilling and 3D image correlation EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS Nelson, D. V., Makino, A., Schmidt, T. 2006; 46 (1): 31-38
  • Residual Stress Determination Using Digital Image Correlation Exp Mech Nelson, D., Makino, A., Schmidt, T. 2006; 1 (46): 31-38
  • Stable crack growth and instability prediction in thin plates and cylinders Workshop on Fundamentals and Applications of the Crack-Tip-Opening-Angle (CTOA) Hampton, R. W., Nelson, D. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD. 2003: 469–91
  • A study of small crack growth in aluminum alloy 7075-T6 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FATIGUE Donnelly, E., Nelson, D. 2002; 24 (11): 1175-1189
  • Small crack growth in combined bending-torsion fatigue of A533B steel FATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS & STRUCTURES Park, J., Nelson, D., Rostami, A. 2001; 24 (3): 179-191
  • 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 Park, J., Nelson, D. 2000; 22 (4): 349-349
  • Evaluation of an energy-based approach and a critical plane approach for predicting constant amplitude multiaxial fatigue life INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FATIGUE Park, J., Nelson, D. 2000; 22 (1): 23-39
  • In-Phase and Out-of-Phase Combined Bending-Torsion Fatigue of a Notched Specimen In: Multiaxial Fatigue and Deformation: Testing and Prediction, ASTM STP Park, J., Nelson, D. 2000; 1387: 246-265
  • Analysis of Time-Varying Biological Data Using Rainflow Cycle Counting Comput Meth Biomech Biomed Eng Jacobs, C., Yellowley, C., Nelson, Donahue, H. 2000; 1 (3): 31-40
  • A fiber optic sensor for transverse strain measurement EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS Lawrence, C. M., Nelson, D. V., Udd, E., Bennett, T. 1999; 39 (3): 202-209
  • Understanding thermal behavior in the LENS process MATERIALS & DESIGN Griffith, M. L., Schlienger, M. E., Harwell, L. D., Oliver, M. S., Baldwin, M. D., Ensz, M. T., Essien, M., Brooks, J., Robino, C. V., Smugeresky, J. E., Hofmeister, W. H., Wert, M. J., Nelson, D. V. 1999; 20 (2-3): 107-113
  • Residual Stress Determination by a Holographic-Hole Drilling Technique In: Multiaxial Fatigue of an Induction Hardened Shaft, SAE AE28 Nelson, D., Makino, A., Foss, S. 1999: 53-60
  • An embedded fiber optic sensor method for determining residual stresses in fiber-reinforced composite materials JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MATERIAL SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES Lawrence, C. M., Nelson, D. V., Bennett, T. E., Spingarn, J. R. 1998; 9 (10): 788-799
  • Thermal behavior in the LENS process 9th Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) Symposium Griffith, M. L., Schlienger, M. E., Harwell, L. D., Oliver, M. S., Baldwin, M. D., Ensz, M. T., Smugeresky, J. E., Essien, M., Brooks, J., Robino, C. V., Hofmeister, W. H., Wert, M. J., Nelson, D. V. UNIV TEXAS AUSTIN. 1998: 89–96
  • Biaxial fatigue of A533B pressure vessel steel JOURNAL OF PRESSURE VESSEL TECHNOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME Nelson, D. V., Rostami, A. 1997; 119 (3): 325-331
  • Advances in multiaxial fatigue life prediction for components with stress concentrations INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FATIGUE Tipton, S. M., Nelson, D. V. 1997; 19 (6): 503-515
  • The holographic-hole drilling method for residual stress determination OPTICS AND LASERS IN ENGINEERING Nelson, D. V., Makino, A., Fuchs, E. A. 1997; 27 (1): 3-23
  • In-Phase and Out-of-Phase Combined Bending-Torsion Fatigue of A533B Steel. J Press Vessel Technol Nelson, D., Rostami, A. 1997; 3 (119): 325-331
  • Determination of sub-surface distributions of residual stresses by a holographic-hole drilling technique JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME Makino, A., Nelson, D. V. 1997; 119 (1): 95-103
  • Determination of biaxial residual stresses by a holographic-hole drilling technique JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME Makino, A., Nelson, D. V., Fuch, E. A., Williams, D. R. 1996; 118 (4): 583-588
  • Multi-parameter sensing with fiber Bragg gratings 2nd Pacific Northwest Fiber Optic Sensor Workshop Lawrence, C. M., Nelson, D. V. SPIE - INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 1996: 24–31
  • EFFECT OF SURFACE CONDITION AND PRIOR PLASTIC-DEFORMATION ON X-RAY EFFECTIVE ELASTIC PARAMETERS IN A STEEL AND ITS WELD EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES Hampton, R. W., Nelson, D. V. 1995; 19 (4): 25-28
  • FATIGUE AND FRACTURE ESTIMATION FOR METALLIC COMPONENTS - SOME CURRENT METHODS AND FUTURE-DEVELOPMENTS JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL DESIGN Nelson, D. V., Sheppard, S. D. 1995; 117: 121-127
  • Fatigue and Fracture Estimation: Some Current Methods and Future Developments J Mech Des Nelson, D., Sheppard, S. 1995; 117: 121-127
  • 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 Nelson, D. V., YUCE, H. H., CHOW, L. G. 1994; 17 (11): 1357-1369
  • RESIDUAL-STRESS DETERMINATION BY SINGLE-AXIS HOLOGRAPHIC-INTERFEROMETRY AND HOLE DRILLING .1. THEORY EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS Makino, A., Nelson, D. 1994; 34 (1): 66-78
  • RESIDUAL-STRESS DETERMINATION BY SINGLE-AXIS HOLOGRAPHIC-INTERFEROMETRY AND HOLE DRILLING .2. EXPERIMENTS EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS Nelson, D., Fuchs, E., Makino, A., Williams, D. 1994; 34 (1): 79-88
  • Residual Stress Determination by Single-Axis Holographic Interferometry and Hole Drilling - Part I: Theory Exp Mech Makino, A., Nelson, D. 1994; 1 (34): 66-78
  • Residual Stress Determination by Single-Axis Holographic Interferometry and Hole Drilling - Part II: Experiments. Exp Mech Nelson, D., Fuchs, E., Makino, A., Williams, D. 1994; 1 (34): 79-88
  • ON THE USE OF THE HOLE-DRILLING TECHNIQUE FOR RESIDUAL-STRESS MEASUREMENTS IN THIN PLATES JOURNAL OF PRESSURE VESSEL TECHNOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME Hampton, R. W., Nelson, D. V. 1992; 114 (3): 292-299
  • 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 London, B., Nelson, D. V., SHYNE, J. C. 1989; 20 (7): 1257-1265
  • 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 London, B., Nelson, D. V., SHYNE, J. C. 1988; 19 (10): 2497-2502
  • RESIDUAL-STRESS DETERMINATION THROUGH COMBINED USE OF HOLOGRAPHIC-INTERFEROMETRY AND BLIND-HOLE DRILLING EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS Nelson, D. V., MCCRICKERD, J. T. 1986; 26 (4): 371-378
  • REVIEW OF FATIGUE-CRACK-GROWTH PREDICTION METHODS EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS Nelson, D. V. 1977; 17 (2): 41-49
  • FLUID PIVOT JOURNAL BEARING JOURNAL OF LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME Nelson, D. V., HOLLINGSWORTH, L. W. 1977; 99 (1): 122-128