Research Interest and Expertise

Nano Materials

This research targets investigations of nano strucutral materials. Our research aims at developing a better understanding of the multi-scale relationship that dictates behavior of structural materials. Our research investigations include synthesis and fabrication at the nanoscale of structural materials with focus on cement based and composite materials. We are also interested in nano-chracterization of structural materials. Our research in the Nano Materials and Structural Health Monitoring Laboratory at the University of New Mexico (UNM) is funded by National Science Foundation (NSF), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) as part of Department of Defense (DoD), and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). See Taha Research highlighted in UNM Today

Example research projects we are working include:
- Nano-characterization of normal, high and ultra-high performance cement based materials.

- Examining the effect of nanoparticles (nano-sillica and nano fibers) on the behavior of cement based materials.

- Synthesis and characterization of next generation structural composites using surface grown carbon nanotubes.

- Synthesis and characterization of nano bandgap sensors for submicron damage identification in composites.

- Engineering design and automation of nanopatterning lithography process towards design of nanodevices.

 

Structural Health Monitoring

- This research targets examining the possible means of health monitoring and damage diagnosis of structures using information received from a group of sensors distributed over the structure. Our research in the Nano Materials and Structural Health Monitoring Laboratory at the University of New Mexico (UNM) is funded by National Science Foundation (NSF), and Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). Our SHM research also focused on introducing artificial intelligence in modeling structures and identifying damage in structures.

See Taha Research highlighted in SHM News

Example projects we are working include:
- Developing of new sub-micron damage sensors using photonic and acoustic band-gap materials

- Developing algorithms for damage feature extraction using neural networks, wavelet analysis and fuzzy set theory.

- Developing damage pattern recognition methods using probabilistic and fuzzy pattern recognition techniques.

- Damage prognosis for structures.

For more details, see our SHM webpage

Biomechanics

Biomechanics research targets understanding the behaviour of the human body and using the engineering knowledge to provide solutions to health problems. We are working with the Medical school and other colleagues on a number of biomechanical engineering studies.

Example projects we are working includes:
- Modeling time-dependent viscoelastic properties of the knee ligaments.

- Investigating Pattern of Failure of Locking Plates Contrasted with Conventional Treatment of Distal Femur Fracture. This research project is done in collaboration with Dr. Thomas DeCoaster, MD and Dr. Deana Mercer, MD in Department of Orthopaedics, Health Science Center, UNM.

- Investigating fatigue life of new pegs for intermidullary nails. Project in collaboration with Dr. Thomas DeCoaster, MD and Dr. Deana Mercer, MD in Department of Orthopaedics, Health Science Center, UNM.

AI Systems for modeling concrete and masonry

This research experimental and simulation methods for understanding the behavior of concrete and masonry structures. We are interested in particular in using artificial intelligence (AI) systems such as neural networks, fuzzy systems and evolutionary programming in modeling concrete and masonry structures.

Example research projects include:

• Modeling of shear cracking in reinforced and prestressed concrete.
• Modeling creep of masonry using neural networks.
• Uncertainty quantification in serviceability calculations in reinforced concrete structures.
• Probabilistic evaluation of the significance of factors affecting creep and shrinkage of concrete

 

 
 
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