Brian Fuchs Email & Phone Number

Washington Dc-Baltimore Area

Structural Mechanics Laboratory

Dissertation Title: Computational Modeling of the Nonlinearity Parameter β in Steel AlloysAdvisor: Dr. Laurence JacobsDesigned a combined experimental and modeling approach to incorporate damage-state modeling (precipitation) into modeling acoustic nonlinearity of thermally aged steels.Set up and performed nonlinear ultrasound (bulk and Rayleigh wave) measurements to determine acoustic nonlinearity in steel specimens.Collaborated with and delegated work to multiple microscopy groups (Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy) across multiple labs to image and assess precipitating phases in the steels. Evaluated steel microstructures using hardness and optical microscopy tests.Designed, implemented, and tested physics models in MATLAB for evaluation against experimental results.Setup and ran Thermo-Calc and similar thermodynamic modeling software to predict precipitation processes.Authored a proposal that earned fellowship funding from the Nuclear Energy University Program.

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Collaborated with another TA to lead two 3-hour lab sections per week. Delegated tasks such as fixing broken equipment and answering questions to effectively assist students during that time period.Explained instrumentation and experimental processes to junior-level mechanical engineering students.Evaluated labs and worksheets, providing constructive feedback to students in order for them to improve their reports and critical thinking skills.

Oak Ridge, Tn

Engaged in a collaborative effort between Georgia Tech and Oak Ridge to develop the ultrasound inspection capabilities of each lab. Set up and tested multiple ultrasonic testing devices, including computer-controlled oscilloscopes, RITEC amplifiers, and Olympus contact transducers.Developed standard operating procedures for ultrasound NDE during setup of a new laboratory space.Collaborated with microscopists to use electron microscopy for further characterization of the stainless steel alloys pursued in my dissertationUtilized Solidworks to design prototype jigs to hold transducers for nonlinear ultrasound measurements.

Atlanta, Ga

Teaching assistant for an undergraduate mechanical engineering instrumentation and testing lab.

Richland/Kennewick/Pasco, Washington Area

Continuing my research from the previous summer. Determined and initiated an experimental plan for preparing iron-copper alloys for nonlinear ultrasonic testing. These alloys act as surrogates to irradiated material.

Ames, Iowa

Researched the feasibility of using sound velocity measurements to characterize the mechanical properties of glass samples. Researched, compared, and purchased an ultrasonic testing system for the research group.Supervised a senior design team that set up the ultrasonic test system for use inside an inert-gas glovebox. Performed ultrasonic velocity measurements on a NaBSiO glass system, and calculated the mechanical properties of the glass.Trained other members of the group in use and upkeep of the ultrasonic equipment.

Richland

Utilized MATLAB to analyze, evaluate, and report data gathered in bulk-wave non-linear ultrasonic experiments.Independently organized and delegated heat-treatment experiments and analysis of samples.

Ames, Iowa, United States

Drafted a proposal and received funding from the Iowa Space Grant Consortium for an independent research project.Independent research project in which I examined the relationship between thermal aging of aerospace-grade epoxy and response to destructive and non-destructive tests in order to predict the onset of microcracking.Utilized parallel plate capacitance and FTIR testing to determine extent of oxidation in the epoxy.Performed 3-point bending tests to determine mechanical properties of the epoxy.Documented and presented work at the Iowa Academy of Sciences conference

Gainesville, Florida Area

Awarded a Research Experience for Undergraduates for Materials Science and EngineeringPerformed original research in the characterization of a dental ceramic - yttria-stabilized zirconia. Utilized biaxial stress testing and microscopy to gather fracture strength from more than two dozen YTZP fractograpy samples.Developed and utilized scientific communication skills in the development of a research manuscript and poster.

Fond Du Lac, Wi, Usa

Utilized multiple analytical tools to determine the root cause of failures in parts from engineering, production, and the field.Managed the primary corrosion center; organized, performed, documented, and reported multiple long-term corrosion tests.Collaborated with senior engineers from multiple departments in both the office and lab environments to qualify production components and determine design specifications.Trained in the use of many analytical tools and processes, including Microhardness testers, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Magnetic Particle Inspection, and Optical Microscopy, Carbon-Sulphur Analysis, Optical Emissions Spectroscopy, Metallographic Sample Preparation, Etching, and Coating Analysis.Strove to maintain a clean lab area to improve safety and efficiency.

I worked with Dr. Pratik Ray as a lab assistant, preparing and documenting experiments involving Mo-Ni-Al alloys. The goal of the research was to develop a high melting-temperature alloy. Specifically, a Ni-Al coating needed to be deposited onto the Mo-Ni-Al tertiary alloy in order to prevent Mo oxidation at high temperatures.Performed, documented, and reported electroplating and pack cementation experiments.Trained in the use of automatic saws, tube furnaces, electroplating equipment, powder press, and epoxy sample mounting.Completed multiple safety trainings, including Fire Extinguisher, Hazardous Chemical Storage and Disposal, and Electricity Safety.Strove to maintain a clean lab environment to reduce hazards and to maintain controlled experiments.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Mechanical Engineering

My graduate research focuses on the use of nonlinear ultrasonic inspection as a nondestructive evaluation method.

Bachelor'S Degree, Materials Engineering, 3.95 / 4.0

Activities and Societies: Material Advantage, Society of Chemistry Undergraduate Majors, Engineering Student Council, Honors Student Board.

Education record