Maurizio Porfiri
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Modeling, design and testing of syntactic foam core sandwich structures for marine applications:
We are investigating vinylester based syntactic foams for marine sandwich composites. We are studying core materials and sandwich composites by extensive theoretical and experimental means. The modeling effort is centered on developing a generalized approach for multi-phase foams and on modeling different failure modes in the composites. Experimental work is focused on understanding the mechanics of failure of foams and sandwich composites under static and dynamic loading conditions, and on characterizing hygrothermal properties.
This research is conducted in collaboration with the Composite Materials and Mechanics Laboratory and is supported by the Office of Naval Research. |
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CAREER: Guidance and control of fish shoals using bio-mimetic robots:
We are developing a comprehensive dynamical systems framework for studying leadership effectiveness in fish shoals comprising live and bio-mimetic robotic fish. We are advancing behavioral models and mathematical methods for analysis and control of complex networks to understand and control the dynamics of fish shoals. We are developing miniaturized robotic fish using multifunctional sensors and actuators based on emerging smart materials. This research will be integrated with an innovative educational experience at the New York Aquarium for elementary, middle, and high school students.
This research is supported by the National Science Foundation. |
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Synchronization of complex networks of chaotic oscillators:
We are studying chaos synchronization over complex time-varying stochastic network topologies. Theoretical work focuses on understanding fundamental mechanisms for chaos synchronization, on establishing general synchronizability criteria, and on advancing pinning-control methods.
Used mathematical tools include graph theory, Lyapunov stability theory, non-linear systems theory, and partial averaging techniques.
Experimental work to support our theoretical research concerns the realization and testing of complex networks of chaotic circuits.
This research is supported by Polytechnic Institute of New York University and
the Honors Center of Italian Universities. |
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Development of a novel functionally gradient composite material:
We are developing a novel lightweight functionally gradient polymer based composite material. This material will have substantially higher energy absorption in quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions compared to other lightweight materials and will find applications in automobile structures, bio-medical implants, sports
equipment and self healing components.
The proposed material is based on
creating a dispersion of hollow micro-particles of glass according to their wall thickness in a
polymeric matrix. The modeling effort is centered on developing rigorous homogenization techniques to predict the mechanical behavior of the proposed composite and will lead to a powerful toolbox for designing novel microstructures.
This research is conducted in collaboration with the Composite Materials and Mechanics Laboratory and is supported by the National Science Foundation.
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Alternative methods for feeding sea animals:
We are developing a new robotic system for feeding marine mammals, including walrus and seals.
The system comprises a submersible remotely controlled vehicle with an attached payload of small fish, that are normally used in feeding the animals.
The vehicle will navigate around the pool, mimicking the path of a school of fish, and will allow the animals to hunt for the fish as they would in the wild.
The robotic system will provide a fundamental tool for marine mammals behavioral studies.
This research is conducted in collaboration with the New York Aquarium and with
the Department of Psycology at Hunter College, and is supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society.
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Applying Mechatronics to Promote Science (AMPS):
AMPS is a collaborative relationship between Polytechnic Institute of New York University and six New York City middle schools involving professors, graduate Fellows, and middle school faculty.
An array of exciting activities will (1) engage middle school students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) studies through mechatronics-enabled science labs and robotics competitions; (2) entice students to pursue STEM education and careers; and (3) provide technology literacy and professional development to teachers.
AMPS will enrich graduate education of 9 Fellows, annually, by enabling them to seamlessly integrate their mechatronics and robotics focused education and research into middle school curriculum. Fellows will use mechatronics-enabled science labs and robotics-based lesson plans to engage middle school students in hands-on scientific explorations.
This research is conducted in conducted in collaboration with different faculty at Polytechnic Institute of New York University and is supported by the National Science Foundation. |
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Smart Material-Based Experimental Platform for Studies of Free Locomotion in Fluid:
We are developing a laboratory scale test-bed based on smart materials for understanding fundamental problems in free locomotion, including hovering of a free flapping body and schooling of swimming bodies. The seed grant will enable interdepartmental collaboration between the Mechanical Engineering Department at NYU-Poly and the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences through joint research, student advising, conference presentations, and publications in peer reviewed journals.
This research is conducted in conducted in collaboration with the Applied Mathematics Laboratory
and is supported by Polytechnic Institute of New York University. |
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Little Eddies and Small Vibrations: Untapped Sources for Energy Harvesting in Aquatic Environments:
We are seeking to establish a fundamental understanding of the spectrum of energy scavenging modalities in marine environments towards the development of self-sustained multifunctional marine microsensors. We aim at exploiting ambient mechanical vibrations and coherent fluid flow structures for energy harvesting.
Practicality dictates that harvesters for underwater applications be lightweight, require small forces and low frequencies to elicit motion, produce sufficient electrical power to run a set of microdevices, and operate in wet conditions. Ionic Polymer Metal Composites (IPMCs) meet all of these requirements and are thus selected for this study.
This research is conducted in collaboration with Sean D. Peterson and is supported by the National Science Foundation. |
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