• Dr. Aaron Lazarus
  • DARPA PM
  • 310 Kelly Hall
  • 4:00 p.m.
  • Faculty Host: Dr. Eric Paterson

As the demands on military platforms and systems increase, so does the need for structures to mitigate transient shock and vibrations applied by dynamic operational environments. The multiple and varying transient loads present in dynamic operational environments can be transmitted to platform occupants causing accumulated long-term damage, performance degradation and discomfort. Structures designed to achieve high stiffness for static loads typically exhibit limited adaptability and/or damping capability in response to dynamic loads. Conversely structures designed for high damping typically exhibit decreased stiffness and strength. The addition of active or semi-active systems to conventional structures to enhance damping often requires sensors, controllers, and actuators that add weight, power requirements and cost. The Structural Logic Program, is focused on developing and demonstrating the benefits, and capabilities of passive shock and vibration mitigation systems. The concept is to leverage the change in performance associated with a range of novel phenomena and innovative materials and microstructures to effectively act as structural "logic gates". By configuring these "logic gates" in a manner that when the structure is loaded it responds differently and distinctly depending on the force amplitude, rate and/or frequency, a passive adaptability effect is achieved that does not require active sensors or control logic. The specific problem the Structural Logic Program desires to address is the relatively poor dynamic performance of modern military structures. The goal moving forward is to apply the technology developed under the program to the design of a high-speed naval planing boat, and demonstrate this unique approach to dynamic structural control on a realistic and representative platform.

Biography:

Dr. Lazarus joined DARPA in October of 2007 as a program manager for the Strategic Technology Office. At DARPA, Dr. Lazarus has led a number of programs focused on multifunctional structures and advanced energy systems, in particular the structural and material logic programs that seek to enable structural systems for modern military platforms and buildings to adapt to varying loads and simultaneously exhibit both high stiffness and high damping.  Dr. Lazarus's primary interests are in ocean hydrodynamics, and advanced material and structural systems. Dr. Lazarus received his Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Webb Institute, and his Master of Science in Engineering and Doctorate in Civil Engineering from Johns Hopkins University.