From Fracture Mechanics to Traffic Flow: CvEEN Undergraduates Push Boundaries in Engineering Research
Pictured above: Dr. Shahrzad Roshankhah with two students in her lab.
Each semester, the University of Utah’s Office of Undergraduate Research hosts the Undergraduate Research Symposium, a platform where students from across disciplines showcase their innovative projects. This event allows students to present their work in a scholarly setting, fostering collaboration and highlighting the incredible diversity of research happening at the U.
At this year’s symposium, held on Friday, December 6, 2024, we are proud to recognize two outstanding students from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CvEEN) who presented their research:
Sunghyun Kim: Analyzing Hydraulic Fracture Behavior Using 2D Digital Image Correlation
Mentor: Dr. Shahrzad Roshankhah
Sunghyun Kim’s research explores hydraulic fracture behavior using 2D Digital Image Correlation (2D-DIC), a technique that enables precise analysis of fracture patterns in transparent PMMA specimens. By utilizing a high-resolution 47MP camera system, Kim identified horizontal strain patterns and symmetrical stress redistribution, providing new insights into fracture mechanics. These findings offer a valuable foundation for studying the complexities of resource extraction and hydraulic fracturing.
Wooyoung Kim: Network Effects of Disruptive Traffic Events
Mentor: Dr. Juan Medina
Wooyoung Kim investigated how traffic disruptions, such as accidents or road closures, impact traffic flow. Using data from the Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPM) system and police accident records, Kim analyzed the relationship between traffic volume changes and accident occurrences. While no definitive correlation was found, the study highlighted the challenges of data inconsistencies and external factors like weather and special events. Future research will incorporate advanced machine learning techniques to refine predictions and better understand how accidents disrupt traffic patterns, aiming to enhance traffic management strategies.
The exceptional research presented by Sunghyun Kim and Wooyoung Kim would not have been possible without the guidance of their faculty mentors, Dr. Shahrzad Roshankhah and Dr. Juan Medina. Their commitment to fostering a positive research environment for undergraduate students exemplifies the vital role faculty play in advancing high-impact learning experiences at the University of Utah.
Congratulations to these talented CvEEN students for their remarkable achievements! Their work underscores the department’s dedication to innovation and excellence in research.
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