EMMC
EMMC Research Group
Advancing Engineering Excellence through Innovative Research and Collaboration
Experimental Mechanics & Material Characterization Research Group
(EMMC Research Group)
At the Experimental Mechanics & Material Characterization (EMMC) Research Group, we tackle fundamental challenges in material behavior and mechanical testing, with a core focus on structural solid mechanics, additive manufacturing, and advanced material characterization. Our mission is to push the boundaries of experimental techniques, develop new materials, and drive interdisciplinary innovation in engineering and applied sciences.
Goals of the EMMC
- Pioneering Advanced Material Characterization:
Develop and apply innovative methods to characterize the properties of a wide range of materials, including metals, polymers, 3D-printed materials, filaments, and recycled materials. These efforts aim to enhance our understanding of newly developed materials, quantify their properties, and explore the environmental potential of using recycled materials in additive manufacturing. - Fostering Industry and Government Collaborations:
Build strategic partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and international collaborators to address real-world challenges and align with UAE priorities. These collaborations aim to drive innovation, secure research grants, and enhance the university’s reputation. - Driving Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation:
Collaborate with academic institutions and research groups to advance experimental mechanics and material characterization, focusing on disseminating and sharing knowledge in top-tier journals and conferences. - Empowering Future Engineers and Researchers:
Mentor and train students and early-career researchers in the broad field of solid mechanics. The research group’s research aims to enhance student success and support improved university rankings and recognition.
Research Assistants
Graduate Research Assistants
- Mozah Alyammahi
Currently at the DEWA R&D Centre, UAE - Mohamed Almatroushi
Currently at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, UAE - Joost H. van der Heijde
Currently at ASML, the Netherlands - Aghead Al Arnaout
Graduate Teaching Assistant at RIT Dubai
Undergraduate Research Assistants
- Reem Aly
- Olafisoye Olalere
- Aaron Ryder
- Vishnu Shyju
- Shriya Vijay
- Muhammed Sharfuddin
Theme: Filament Production
Mechanical Property Characterization of Virgin and Recycled PLA Blends in Single-Screw Filament Extrusion for 3D Printing
Researcher: Reem Aly, Olafisoye Olalere, Aaron Ryder, Mozah Alyammahi & Wael A. Samad (PI)
Collaborators: Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) & RIT, New York (main campus)
Abstract: This study investigates the feasibility of producing 3D printing filaments from recycled polylactic acid (PLA) waste mixed with virgin PLA. Filaments were extruded in a lab with varying compositions (100% virgin to 100% recycled PLA) and used to print test samples. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and toughness were evaluated using tensile testing and digital image correlation. Results showed optimal performance with 100% virgin PLA, 100% recycled PLA, and a 50/50 blend, all outperforming commercial filaments in tensile strength but lagging in ductility and toughness. This highlights the potential of recycled PLA in sustainable 3D printing applications.
Sustainable Filament Production: Recycling Plastic Water Bottles into High-Quality FDM Extrusion Filaments
Researcher: Reem Aly, Vishnu Shyju, Shriya Vijay, Muhammed Sharfuddin & Wael A. Samad (PI)
Collaborator: Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)
Abstract: This study compares the mechanical performance of components fabricated using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Fused Granular Fabrication (FGF) from identical Polylactic Acid (PLA) pellets. FGF bypasses filament production by directly using granular feedstock, offering potential advantages for challenging materials. Tensile and flexural testing revealed that FDM parts closely matched commercial PLA in strength but showed reduced ductility. FGF parts exhibited lower tensile and flexural strength and significant reductions in ductility. These findings provide valuable insights into the performance and sustainability implications of both techniques, guiding their application in additive manufacturing.
Theme: Additive Manufacturing
Retrofitting an FDM Printer for 3D Printing with Cotton Yarn
Researcher: Aghead Al Arnaout & Wael A. Samad (PI)
Abstract: This study presents a novel printing process for sustainably combining PLA (Polylactic Acid) with natural cotton thread using a standard 3D printer, requiring no modifications or additional costs. The resulting samples demonstrated promising properties, including weight stability, enhanced stiffness, increased flexibility, and improved deformability. These results not only highlight the potential for sustainable 3D printing but also pave the way for future advancements in 4D printing using natural fibers.
Comparative Mechanical Analysis of Fused Deposition Modeling and Fused Granular Fabrication with Identical PLA Feedstock
Researcher: Aaron Ryder & Wael A. Samad (PI)
Collaborators: RIT New York (main campus)
Abstract: This study compares the mechanical performance of components fabricated using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Fused Granular Fabrication (FGF) from identical Polylactic Acid (PLA) pellets. FGF bypasses filament production by directly using granular feedstock, offering potential advantages for challenging materials. Tensile and flexural testing revealed that FDM parts closely matched commercial PLA in strength but showed reduced ductility. FGF parts exhibited lower tensile and flexural strength and significant reductions in ductility. These findings provide valuable insights into the performance and sustainability implications of both techniques, guiding their application in additive manufacturing.
Theme: Metals
The Effect of Tensile Reloading on the Lüder Phenomena in AISI 1524 Steel Alloy
Researcher: Mohamed Almatroushi, Salman Pervaiz & Wael A. Samad (PI)
Abstract: The Lüders effect, a plastic flow instability observed in materials like low-carbon steels and certain aluminum and magnesium alloys, manifests as a distinct yield point and plateau on the stress-strain curve. This study examines the impact of interrupted loading on AISI 1524 hot-rolled steel using uniaxial tensile testing and digital image correlation. Interruptions involved unloading at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the plateau region, followed by reloading until failure. Results show that unloading up to 50% reduces strain intensity and extends the Lüders plateau, while interruptions at 75% have minimal impact. Most samples displayed two Lüders bands, with variations linked to material heterogeneity and impurities.
The Effect of Specimen Thickness on the Lüders Phenomena in AISI 1524 Steel Alloy: Experimental Observations using DIC
Researcher: Joost H. van der Heijde & Wael A. Samad (PI)
Abstract: The Lüders phenomenon, characterized by a distinct yield point and stress-strain plateau, occurs in certain alloys like AISI 1524 steel under specific conditions. This study investigates how sample thickness influences the Lüders phenomenon using uniaxial testing and digital image correlation. Specimens with thicknesses of 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm were tested under identical conditions to isolate thickness effects. Results showed that increasing specimen thickness led to wider and faster Lüders bands. Dual-band formation occurred regardless of thickness, and the Lüders band angle increased with greater thickness. Observations suggest a 3D band formation process, with nucleation beginning in the material's core and propagating outward. The study also concluded that Lüders bands initiate before the upper yield stress point. This research provides valuable insights into the mechanics of plastic flow instability in low-carbon steels.
