Emeritus Researcher Profile
 |
Benjamin J. Nickless (Emeritus) Currently: Research Engineer at the National Institute of Aerospace
|
Originally from Imperial, Missouri, Ben attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he received a BS in Mechanical Engineering in May of 2005. After spending the summer of 2005 as a summer intern at NASA-Johnson Space Center, he began attending the University of Maryland-College Park. He spent his first semester there as a teaching assistant in the Aerospace Engineering Department, after which he joined the Morpheus Lab in January of 2006. In addition to his work, Ben enjoys a variety of activities. He enjoys snowboarding and mountain biking, as well as motorsports such as motorcycle riding.
Graduate Research
Title: Dynamic Modeling and Position Control of a Piezoelectric Flextensional Actuator
Many applications mandate precise position control on the order of micrometer to nanometer resolution. Atomic force microscopy, micro-machining/precision grinding, and adaptive optics are a few such applications. Piezoelectric-based actuators typically possess the bandwidth and displacement resolution needed for such applications. However, they can rarely meet performance objectives without closed-loop control algorithms, and dynamic models of systems are the basis around which control algorithms are formed.
Piezoelectric flextensional actuators offer increased displacement over typical piezostack actuators, and increased block force over bimorph piezo actuators. By developing a dynamic model of a commercially available flextensional actuator, a control scheme can be designed to command its displacement trajectory. This will enable the actuator to meet the needs of the previously mentioned applications.
Professional Objectives
Ben hopes to be able to apply the experiences he gained as a member of the Morpheus Laboratory to more macro-level systems. In particular he is interested in vehicular systems, whether they are land, marine, or air-based. He intends to have a career wherein he can help advance vehicle performance and technology.
Personal Statement
"Being part of the Morpheus Laboratory is an excellent experience. Not only is the work challenging and interesting, the people who comprise Morpheus make it great place to be."
Home | Director | Researchers | Alumni | Visitors | Contact
