Research Interests:
Finite element methods for large deformation, fracture and impact; finite element visualization using virtual reality; basic and applied aspects of fracture mechanics, including probabilistic fracture and structural reliability.
Degrees:
Ph.D. Engineering Mechanics, Yale, 1971
M.Phil Engineering Mechanics, Yale,1970
M.S. Engineering Mechanics, Yale 1967
S.B. Mechanical Engineering, MIT, 1966
Recent Publications:
D.W. Nicholson, monograph Finite Element Analysis: Thermomechanics of Solids, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fl.., March 2003. (have contract for 2nd Ed)
A.Kassab, D.W. Nicholson and I. Ionescu,, eds, Developments in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics - XXI, Proceedings of the XXIst Southeastern Conference on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Orlando, Fl, May Rivercross Publ., 2002.
D.W. Nicholson, Accelerated Eigenstructure Computation in FEA, Proc SECTAM XXIII, U. Puerto Rico, 2006.
D.W. Nicholson and B. Lin, On a Fourth Order FEA Multistep Time Integration Method for Lightly Damped Media,, Acta Mechanica, V183, 23-40, 2006.
D.W. Nicholson, "Stiff Arc Length Method for Nonlinear FEA", Acta Mechanica, V175, 123-137, March 2005.
D.W. Nicholson, Iterative Triangularization of Updated Finite Element Stiffness Matrices Acta Mechanica V174, 241-249, Mar 2005.
D.W. Nicholson, Non-iterative solution of finite-element equations in incompressible solids, Acta Mechanica, Vol 165, 189 - 195, 2004.
D.W. Nicholson, On Stresses Conjugate to Eulerian Strains, Acta Mechanica, Vol 165, 87-98, 2003.
D.W. Nicholson, 'Iterative Triangularization of Perturbed Matrices', Developments in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics - XXI, ed. A.Kassab et al, Rivercross Press, 639-644, 2002.
R. Moraes and D.W. Nicholson, 'Combined Effect of Damage and Thermal Softening,with Application to Welds Under Dynamic Loads', Developments in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics - XXI, ed. A.Kassab et al, Rivercross Press, 351-360, 2002.
K. Al Nafaie, D.W.Nicholson, and F. Moslehy, 'Modal Moment Index for Damage Detection in Beam Structures Using Experimental Modal Analysis', Developments in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics - XXI, ed. A.Kassab et al, Rivercross Press, 161-170, 2002.
K. Al Nafaie, D.W.Nicholson, and F .Moslehy, 'Damage Detection in Beam Structures using Experimental Modal Analysis and Wavelets', Proceedings, 9th International Conference on Shock and Vibration, ed. J. Nayfeh, University of Central Florida, 2002.
Scientific and Professional Societies:
ASME
SECTAM Executive Chairman of SECTAM XXI, Orlando, FL
Rubber Division of American Chemical Society
Fracture Mechanics Committee of International Gas Turbine Institute
International Scientific Advisory Committee, BETECH 2004, Orlando, FL
Honors and Awards:
Teaching Incentive Award, UCF, 2001
Executive Chair, SECTAM XXI, Orlando, Fl, May 2002;co-ed Proceedings
'Distinguished Speaker', 169th Tech Meet, Rubber Division of ACS, May 2006, Akron, Ohio
