The Ohio State University

Professor


PhD 1982, University of California

Room E311
201 W. 19th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210

614-292-0971

Email: katsube.1

Thrust Area(s): Applied Mechanics

Research

Dr. Katsube and her students have developed a new finite element technique for a linearly elastic heterogeneous material where inclusions are randomly distributed. This numerical technique overcomes various difficulties associated with traditional finite element methods including the creation of complicated mesh representing inhomogeneities and a large number of degrees of freedom required for accurate results. The accuracy of the developed method is verified against available analytical solutions, and the efficiency and versatility of the developed method is demonstrated by solving various boundary value problems.

Dr. Katsube and her students have developed a thermomechanical theory and finite element code for chemically decomposing composites subjected to high temperature and high heating rate. The composite is used as a heat liner in solid rocket motor nozzle components to protect metals from an extreme thermo-chemical environment. Dr. Katsube and her students are now developing a friction welding process model in collaboration with Dr. W. Soboyejo in the Department of Material Science and Engineering. Joining technology for new combinations of dissimilar materials is becoming increasingly important for practical applications in aerospace and automotive industries. This research effort is highly interdisciplinary and involves micromechanics, material science, and manufacturing. Dr. Katsube's research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, American Chemical Society, Nissan Motors Inc. (Aerospace Division), Castex Inc, and Edison Welding Institute.

Selected Publications

1. Y. Wu and N. Katsube, "A Thermostructural Model for Chemically Decomposing Composites - I, Theory," International Journal of Engineering Science and Engineering, Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 113-128, 1997.
2. Y. Wu and N. Katsube, "A Thermostructural Model for Chemically Decomposing Composites - II, Application," International Journal of Engineering Science and Engineering, Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 129-139, 1997.
3. J. Zhang and N. Katsube, "Finite Element Approach to Heterogeneous Media with Rigid Ellipses or Elliptical Holes," to appear in Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 1997.