Dr. Xiong "Bill" Yu and Dr. Yue Li, Case Western University, Give CURENT Power and Energy Seminar on Friday March 26

Dr. Xiong "Bill" Yu and Dr. Yue Li, Case Western University, will present the CURENT Power and Energy Seminar (ECE 496 and 691) on Friday, March 26 from 1:00 pm to 1:50 pm. The seminar will be available via ZOOM. The ZOOM link will be sent to CURENT students and faculty through email. Contact Wendy if you need a link.

Presenter: Dr. Xiong "Bill" Yu, Opal J. and Richard A. Vanderhoof Professor and Chair, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Case Western Reserve University

Title: Innovative Multiscale Sensing for Bridge Scour Failure Risk Mitigation

Abstract: Bridge scour, which describes the process of soil erosion around bridge foundation, is responsible for over 60% of bridge failures. Existing design methods for bridge scour prediction are based on laboratory experimental data and simplified 1D or 2D computational models.  These lead to significant errors in bridge scour depth estimation, which either compromises the safety of bridge or makes the design to be overly conservative.  This presentation will introduce the recent progresses in my research group to advance bridge scour research and practice from innovative sensing aspects.  Bio-turbulent flow sensor is being developed to help understanding the effects of flow turbulence on soil erosion. An innovative Time Domain Reflectometry sensor is designed for structural health monitoring of bridge scour under the field conditions for decision support.   The sensing strategy is integrated with advanced 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to evaluate the effects of flow fields on scour process.  Integrate advanced sensors calibrated with simulation model allow to build a holistic monitoring framework for bridge scour depth prediction and bridge failure risk mitigation. 

Bio: Dr. Xiong (Bill) Yu is the Opal J. and Richard A. Vanderhoof Professor of Civil Engineering, Case Western Reserve University.  His research emphasizes the use of interdisciplinary approaches to address the engineering problems in geosystem and civil infrastructure. His research activities include multiscale and multiphysics processes in geomaterials, smart sensors and materials, intelligent infrastructure and systems and bio-inspired engineering. He is the PI of over 40 research projects funded by federal, state agencies and private industry.  He is a recipient of a NSF CAREER award in 2009.  Dr. Yu has published around 300 papers in journals and referred conference proceedings, a number of which have received awards and recognitions. He is committed to graduate student mentorship and many of his students have successfully launched academic careers, including 2 received NSF CAREER awards.   He was elected as Fellow of ASCE in 2015.  Among the awards and recognitions, he is a recipient of Case School of Engineering Faculty Research Award in 2019 and 2012 respectively, and Faculty Innovation Award in 2018.  For professional service, Dr. Yu serves on the editorial board of a few journals, as chair of the ASCE Geo-Institute Engineering Geology and Site Characterization committee, as president/immediate past president of the International Association of Chinese Infrastructure Professionals, as Chair of Case School of Engineering Executive Committee.  He currently serves as the chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Presenter: Dr. Yue Li, Leonard Case Jr. Professor in Engineering, Department of Civil and Environment Engineering, Case Western Reserve University

Title: Risk-based management of electric power distribution systems subjected to hurricane and tornado hazards

Abstract: Extreme events, especially weather-related events, are the leading cause of power outages in many countries around the world. Hurricanes and tornadoes are especially destructive and have caused billions of dollars in direct losses due to damage to power systems and indirect losses due to power outages. There is, therefore, a need to implement risk management strategies to reduce such losses and ensure that power systems are reliable and resilient. This talk presents a framework for risk management of electric power distribution systems subjected to hurricane and tornado hazards. Methods for hazard analysis and component- and system-level risk analysis are discussed. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the application of the framework. Various risk mitigation strategies such as the use of alternative pole material, targeted hardening of systems, regular preventive maintenance, and enhancement of design are considered in the case studies. Risk and cost-benefit analysis methods are presented to evaluate the effectiveness of the various mitigation strategies.

Bio: Dr. Yue Li is the Leonard Case Jr. Professor in Engineering at Case Western Reserve University. He earned his Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2005. Dr. Li’s research interests include resilient civil infrastructure and sustainability, natural and man-made hazard mitigation. He is the Section Editor of ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering, associate editor of ASCE Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities. He is also on the Editorial Board of Structure Safety, and Journal of Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure. He is the chair of ASCE/SEI committee on Risk Assessment of Structural Infrastructure Facilities and Risk-Based Decision Making and was the chair of ASCE/SEI committee on Multiple Hazard Mitigation, and Design of Wood Structures. He received the Case School of Engineering Graduate Teaching Award in 2020, the Fulbright Award in 2013, Outstanding Paper Award of the ASCE Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities in 2012, and Michigan Technological University Research Excellence Fund Award in 2008. He has worked as a structural engineer and was involved in the design of the new international terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Upcoming seminars are: 

Apr. 2 - Spring Recess - No Seminar

Apr. 9 - Dr. Xiaojing Xu, University of Tennessee

Apr. 16 - TBA

Apr. 23 - Industry Seminar - Rob Lefebvre, Oak Ridge National Laboratory