Engineering Vibrations Lab
In our engineering vibrations lab, we conduct experimental analysis of composite building models, both with and without fluid viscous dampers (FVD), to study their dynamic responses under various loading conditions. We utilize viscoelastic models such as the Generalized Maxwell, Kelvin-Voigt, and Rayleigh models to accurately characterize material behavior, ensuring our advanced finite element analysis (FEA) simulates real-life structures effectively; this is complemented by 3D printing techniques to fabricate parts that are integrated into our composite models for comprehensive vibration testing. We are also exploring the use of "Neural Networks" to identify optimal damper configurations across structural nodes, aiming to enhance performance while reducing design time through data-driven optimization.
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Symposium of Student Scholars, Spring 2025
Symposium of Student Scholars, Nov 2024
First runner-up in both grad and undergrad categories for the two poster.
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Simin Nasseri (Ph.D., P.E.), Currently a full professor at Kennesaw State University
Dr. Simin Nasseri currently works at the department of mechanical Engineering, Kennesaw State University (USA) as a full professor. She is recognized as the University's Distinguished Professor. Simin does research in Mechanical Engineering. At the moment, her recent projects are related to Engineering vibrations and biomechanical engineering. Formerly, she conducted research projects related to Manufacturing Engineering, Rheology and viscoelasticity, Polymer processing, Biomechanical engineering (artificial organs and soft tissue rheology), Computational Mechanics and CFD (Parallel Computing via PVM, Finite Element Method, Boundary Element Method, Completed Double Layer Boundary Element Method), Robotics, and Micromachinery. See more here.
Dr. M. Jonaidi obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Sydney and is currently working at Civil
and Environmental Engineering Department, KSU.
With about 40 years of research and industry experience, he has been involved in the analysis and design of complex structural projects, including FEA of high-rise buildings and steel structures, floor vibration analysis for concrete slabs and pedestrian bridges, serviceability vibration analysis of high-rise buildings, earthquake engineering, post-tensioned concrete structures, nonlinear and buckling analysis of thin-walled cylinders, analysis of long-span spatial steel structures, analysis of glazing facades, below-grade shoring walls, retrofit of concrete structures using Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP), and the strengthening of structures to resist progressive collapse. See more here.
Salim Kortobi (lead student) earned his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Kennesaw State University (KSU), where he also graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and minors in Engineering Design Graphics and Manufacturing Engineering Technology. He is currently an instructor of Mechanical Engineering at KSU. Salim is a Certified SolidWorks Expert (CSWE) in Mechanical Design, a credential held by a small percentage of users worldwide. His expertise includes modeling, simulation, and additive manufacturing. During his time at KSU, he worked on various research projects from 2022, including developing finger, foot, and spine orthoses and FVD project under Dr. Nasseri (as GRA, through the independent research assistantship and through the "Graduate Research" class), and characterizing structural components with internal composite structures under Dr. Jonaidi. Salim has extensive expertise in Additive Manufacturing (3D printing), which he utilized to help establish the BioMechanical Engineering Lab (BME Lab) at KSU. He also trains students and team members in advanced techniques and equipment usage within the lab. Additionally, he has extensive experience in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and SolidWorks Simulation, which he uses to conduct detailed simulations for ongoing research and to train team members. His research contributions span biomedical supports and structural damping systems, with a focus on applying advanced design and Finite Element Method-based tools to real-world engineering problems.
Brent Pruitt is a Marine Corps veteran who is currently working at KSB GIW as a design engineer
designing centrifugal slurry pumps. He graduated in 2022 from Indiana State University
with a B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. He is a certified Project
Management Professional (PMP) and an Engineer-In-Training (E.I.T.) with 7 years of
design experience. In 2023 he began pursuing a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Kennesaw
State University where he met Dr. Nasseri and took her "Advanced Manufacturing" graduate
level class. He joined her research team as Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) in Spring
2024 and continued the research project through a Master's Project course. He worked
on viscoelastic models for fluid viscous dampers, preparing some journal papers for
publication.
Kevin Doan obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology with a concentration
in Engineering Design Graphics from KSU in 2018. Since then, he has been working in
the manufacturing industry including mechanical and electrical designs for various
structures and equipment systems. He aspires to gain a better understanding in connecting
theory to practice and currently pursues a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Kevin was in Dr. Nasseri's "Advanced Manufacturing" graduate level class and started
to conduct research with her in 2024.
Zachary Vetter completed his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Nuclear Engineering
at Kennesaw State University. He passed the FE Mechanical exam and achieved EIT status
at his graduation in December 2024. He worked as a Laboratory Technician at Kimberly-Clark,
focusing on product testing and troubleshooting and is now working as an engineer
in Enerson Services, Inc. Zachary also contributed as a research assistant in 2024
under Dr. Nasseri on the Fluid Viscous Damper Project, contributed to journal papers
and aimed at enhancing structural resilience.
Sebastian Garay graduated from KSU with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering in Dec 2024.
He has a strong passion for robotics and 3D modeling, which has guided his academic
and professional journey. Sebastian was introduced to Professor Nasseri during his
Machine Dynamics & Vibrations course. Early in 2024, he contacted her to explore potential
research opportunities, leading to his involvement in the current project. His roles
at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) and Cummins have deepened his commitment
to research and development, allowing him to thrive in collaborative environments
that foster innovation. Sebastian is particularly drawn to R&D for the opportunity
to work alongside industry leaders and make meaningful contributions to cutting-edge
projects. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a Master’s in Robotics to further
enhance his expertise and impact in the field. Read his post here.
Kevin Chong graduated from KSU with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering in Dec 2024.
He was previously employed at Chart Industries as a Research and Development intern,
creating new test apparatuses and prototyping pressure vessels. This was his first
time in 2024 working as a research assistant under the direction of Dr. Nasseri and
Dr. Jonaidi. He worked as a research assistant through KSU's URCA funding in Fall
2024.
David Amaya graduated from KSU with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor
in Aerospace Engineering in Dec 2024. Committed to advancing his expertise, he plans
to continue his academic journey by pursuing a M.S. in
Aerospace Engineering after graduation. David served as the president of the Fluid
Power Club, where he leads initiatives related to pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
He also worked as a research assistant under Dr. Nasseri on the Fluid Viscous Damper
Project, focusing on structural dynamics using FVD's to improve a building's resilience
to earthquakes. See is post here.
Urban Michaels is a rising senior studying mechanical engineering at Kennesaw State University and
is obtaining a Physics minor. Having recently conducted NSF-funded research on thermoelectric
cooling for aircraft avionics, earning "Best Poster Presentation" at Washington University
in St. Louis, he now plans to pursue a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. Urban aims
to advance aerospace technologies through sustainable thermal management and innovative
solutions. Read all his excellent achievements here.
Abigail Ramirez graduated magna cum laude with her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in Spring 2025.
She was assisting Dr. Nasseri with her research on the Fluid Viscous Dampers project,
which is aimed at enhancing the structural stability of buildings during earthquakes.
Abby met Dr. Nasseri in Fall 2024 in her Dynamics and Vibrations class, where she
became interested in the research and decided to take a directed study with Dr. Nasseri
in Spring 2025. She has helped with experimental analysis, FEA, and with the journal
papers. She hopes to bring her knowledge of structural analysis and sustainability
into the industry after graduation.
Syler Church graduate in May 2025 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (magna cum laude). Growing
up on a farm, he developed a passion for engineering, driven by a strong mechanical
inclination, problem-solving skills, and curiosity about how the world works. Through
his academic journey, he has built a solid theoretical foundation and sharpened skills
in 3D modeling and 3D printing. Inspired by his Machine Dynamics & Vibrations course
with Dr. Nasseri, he sought to continue learning under her guidance. This led him
to join the Fluid Viscous Damper Project through a directed study, where he is excited
to contribute and expand his expertise. Syler is currently an Engineer at Kubota R&D. He is eager to apply his skills in 3D modeling, prototyping,
and problem-solving to create practical solutions in a hands-on engineering role.
Read his post here.
Erick Aranda-Urquia is a Senior Mechanical Engineering student at KSU, expected to graduate with his
undergraduate degree in Fall 2025. He is passionate about 3D modeling and applying
his engineering principles to solve real-world challenges. Under the guidance of Dr.
Nasseri and Dr. Jonaidi, Erick works as a research assistant on the Fluid Viscous
Damper Project focusing on improving rheological models for building simulations and
evaluating structural behavior under earthquake conditions. He also works on developing
an automated robotic cleaner for HVAC systems, utilizing tools like SolidWorks, MATLAB,
and 3D printing. Outside of academics, Erick serves in the military as a parachute
rigger, bringing discipline and precision to his work. Erick plans to pursue a career
as a test or design engineer.
Ethan Carroll is a senior at KSU pursuing a bachelor's in mechanical engineering, expected to graduate
Fall 2025 semester. Ethan is a highly driven engineering student who's passionate
about research, manufacturing engineering, and 3D modeling. Ethan worked as an "Undergraduate
Research Assistant" on the "Fluid Viscous Dampers" project and obtained the $1500
URA scholarship. The research aims to test the effect of Fluid Viscous on buildings
under seismic activities by finding the displacement and acceleration through tests
using a shake table and a 3-story model building. Ethan plans to learn from Dr. Nasseri's
and Dr. Jonaidi's experience and leadership to gain the engineering skills he is passionate
about so he may pursue a career in research and development or manufacturing Engineering.
Rishit Jain is a first-year Mechanical Engineering student at KSU, currently conducting research
in the Engineering Vibrations Lab. Originally from India, he moved to Atlanta after
completing 9th grade. In high school, he developed a strong passion for math and physics,
especially through hands-on work.
At the lab, Rishit is involved in studying the dynamic behavior of structures using
experimental testing and simulation tools. The research focuses on fluid viscous dampers,
material modeling, and vibration control in composite systems. He believes early research
involvement can help him explore specializations, build technical skills, and gain
invaluable experience. He has taught himself the basics of CAD modeling and preparing
models for 3D printing using slicing software, and he is eager to learn more and contribute
to the research team.
Riley Womack is a student at Kennesaw State University majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. On track to graduate in May 2029, he is currently assisting Dr. Khalid in the aerospace lab and is eager to support the research of Dr. Nasseri and Dr. Jonaidi. Through his experience, he has used CAD to design and 3D print a variety of assemblies. After college, Riley plans to work at startups in the aerospace and aeronautics field across the country. Ultimately, he aspires to become a NASA engineer and obtain the credentials necessary to become a NASA astronaut.
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Publications and Presentations
"Finite Element Analysis of Seismic Response in Structural Models with and without Fluid Viscous Dampers, Using a New Viscoelastic Model, Phase II", 2025 Spring Symposium of Student Scholars, Poster, Salim Kortobi, Syler Church, Abigail Ramirez, Erick Aranda and Ethan Carroll, Research Mentors: Simin Nasseri & Mohammad Jonaidi.
"Finite Element Analysis of Seismic Response in Structural Models with and without Fluid Viscous Dampers, Using a New Viscoelastic Model, Phase I", 2024 Fall Symposium of Student Scholars, Poster, Salim Kortobi, Brent Pruitt, and Urban Micheals, Research Mentors: Simin Nasseri & Mohammad Jonaidi. First Runner-up in grad categories.
"Experimental Analysis of Vibration Mitigation in a Composite Building Prototype Using Fluid Viscous Dampers, Phase I", 2024 Fall Symposium of Student Scholars, Poster, Sebastian Garay, Salim Kortobi, David Amaya, and Kevin Chong. Research Mentors: Simin Nasseri & Mohammad Jonaidi. First Runner-up in undergrad categories.
Other Related Publications/Presentations:
Nasseri, S., Jonaidi, M., Taasoobshirazi, G., Artificial Intelligence Symposium, "Shaping the Future of Engineering Education with AI," KSU, Marietta Campus. (April 24, 2024).
Vipperman, K., Kortobi, S., Jonaidi, M., Nasseri, S., Symposium of Student Scholars-April 2024, "Outlining Structural Behavior for Internal Patterns Within Additive Manufacturing," KSU, Kennesaw, Georgia. (April 18, 2024).
Vipperman, K., Kortobi, S., Jonaidi, M., Nasseri, S., 2024 ASEE Southeastern Section Conference, "Education of Structural Behavior for Internal Patterns Within Additive Manufacturing," ASEE, Marietta, Georgia. (March 12, 2024).
Kortobi, S., Pruitt, C., Jonaidi, M., Nasseri, S., 2024 ASEE Southeastern Section Conference, "Advancing Engineering Education: Leveraging Finite Element Method for Enhanced Learning," ASEE, Marietta, Georgia. (March 11, 2024).
Jonaidi, M., Sasani, M., Nasseri, S., Williams, G. (2023). Investigating Release‐Connection between Post‐tensioned Concrete Slab and Wall. Book Chapter, Springer; Proceedings of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineering Annual Conference 2022. Whistler, B.C.: Springer Nature Switzerland AG. https://www.springerprofessional.de/en/investigating-release-connection-between-post-tensioned-concrete/26689028
Jonaidi, M., Nasseri, S. (2022). Innovative Industry-Related Research Projects for Civil Engineering Undergraduate Students. 2022 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition Proceedings. ASEE Annual Conference 2022. http://dx.doi.org/10.18260/1-2--41214
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- QuakeLogic SHAKETABLE "ATOM-40"
- Signal Conditioner (PCB)
- Triaxial Vibrometer CESVA VC431 (ISO 804)
- Accelerometer (CESVA AC031)
- Arbitrary wave-form generator (Uni-T UTG4122A 120MHz 2Ch)
- Dell Precision 5570 i9 processor for Parallel Virtual Machine Projects (PVM) ( total of 3)
- 3D Printer (Raise 3D Pro3)
- Einstar 3D Scanner
- BEAMNOVA 6" Metal Sheet Cutter
- Pipe/Tube Cutter
- Digital Protractor, Digital Level, Digital Hand Dynamometer, Digital Newton Meter, Digital Goniometer, Flexible Ruler, Strain Gauges, Angle Vise with Swivel Base, HATCHBOX TPU, Carbon Fiber Sheet 1mm, 3M Micropore Paper Tape, Digital Caliper 8", Digital Dial Gage, Weight Set, and so on.
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