Jack Chessa
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO
500 WEST UNIVERSITY AVE
TEL (915) 747-6900
EL PASO, TEXAS 79968-0521
jfchessa@utep.edu
FAX (915) 747-5019
Profile
Professor Chessa's research interests are in the area of computational solid mechanics (CSM) and computational fluid dynamics
(CFD). Primarily, he is interested in the development and implementation of advanced numerical methods towards mechanics
problems that are seen as difficult in the context of the currently available methods. The majority of his work has been in the
area of finite element methods and the development of extended finite element methods (X-FEM). He has developed methods
that model multiphase flows, fluid structure interaction and solidification problems without remeshing while retaining high
fidelity at the moving interfaces. Also, he is interested in the use of enriched and multiscale methods as well as coupling these
methods to molecular dynamics models to aid in the design of advanced materials such as ultrahigh temperature ceramic
composites, nano-phase composites and nanostructures.
Education
Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois — PhD Mechanical Engineering, 2003
Dissertation: “The extended fi nite element method for two-phase and free surface fl ows”
Advisor: Ted Belytschko
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York — MS Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, 1998
Union College, Schenectady, New York — BS Mechanical Engineering, 1991
Experience
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso 2007-Present
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso 2003-2007
Graduate Research Assistant, Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University 1998-2003
Structural Analyst, Silicon Valley Group, Wilton, CT 1996-1998
Engineering Consultant, Human Factors Industrial Design Inc., New York, New York 1995-1996
Project Engineer, KIrby Lester Inc., Stamford, CT 1993-1995
Research Assistant, Watervliet Arsenal, Watervliet, New York 1990-1991
Classes
• Advanced Mechanics of Materials I - Graduate level introduction to solid mechanics.
• Advanced Mechanics of Materials II - Advanced topics in solid mechanics. s
• Engineering Analysis - Undergraduate numerical methods class.
• Advanced Finite Element Analysis - Graduate level nonlinear fi nite element method.
• Theory of Finite Element Analysis - Graduate level fi nite element method.
• Introduction to CAD/CAM - Senior level class theory and application of CAD/CAM/CAE.
Dr. Jack Chessa ・ Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering ・ University of Texas at El Paso・ Email: jfchessa@utep.edu
• Advanced Dynamics - Graduate level class in analytical dynamics.
Professional Awards/Affilations/Serivce
• Reviewer for the International Journal of Numerical Methods in Engineering
• Reviewer for the Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering
• Reviewer for the ASME Journal of Fluids Engineering
• Reviewer for the IEEE International Parallel and Distributed Processing
• Grant proposal reviewer for the ARO/ARL
• ASME and SAE student chapter adviser
• Walter P. Murphy Graduate Fellowship, 1998-2000
• NSF IGERT Graduate Trainee 2001-2002
• Deans List, Union College, 1988-1991
• Member of Tau Beta Pi, engineering honors society
• Member of Pi Tau Sigma, engineering honors society
Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications
Gonzales et al. An Ab Initio Study Of The Elastic Behavior Of Single Crystal Group (IV) Diborides At Elevated Temperatures.
Appl. Phys. Lett. (2010) vol. 97 (21) pp. 211908
H. Petla, E. P. Renova, A. Bronson, J. Chessa and N. Maheshwaraiah. A Computational Analysis of a ZrO2-SiO2 scale for a ZrB2-
ZrC-Zr Ultrahigh Temperature Ceramic Composite System, JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Accepted for
publication
H. Wang, J. Chessa, WK Liu, and T Belytschko, The immersed/fictitious element method for fluid-structure interaction:
Volumetric consistency, compressibility and thin members, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN
ENGINEERING 74 (1):32-55 2008, Times Cited 0
A Bronson and J Chessa, An evaluation of vaporizing rates of SiO2 and TiO2 as protective coatings for ultrahigh temperature
ceramic composites, JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY 91 (5):1448-1452 2008, Workshop on Ultra-HighTemperature Ceramic Materials, JUL 23-25, 2007, Menlo Pk, CA, Times Cited 1
J Chessa, and T Belytschko, A local space-time discontinuous finite element method, COMPUTER METHODS IN APPLIED
MECHANICS AND ENGINEERING 195 (13-16):1325-1343 2006, Times Cited 11
R Muhanna, V Kreinovich, P Šolín, and J Chessa, Interval finite element methods: New directions, Proceedings of the Second
International Workshop on Reliable Engineering Computing, 2006 Times Cited 3
A Choudhuri, J Camacho, and J Chessa, Flame synthesis of coiled carbon nanotubes, FULLERENES NANOTUBES AND CARBON
NANOSTRUCTURES 14 (1):93-100 2006, Times Cited 5
A Legay, J Chessa, and T Belytschko, An Eulerian-Lagrangian method for fluid-structure interaction based on level sets,
COMPUTER METHODS IN APPLIED MECHANICS AND ENGINEERING 195 (17-18):2070-2087 2006, Times Cited 10
J Chessa and T Belytschko, Arbitrary discontinuities in space-time finite elements by level sets and X-FEM, INTERNATIONAL
JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING 61 (15):2595-2614 2004, Times Cited 22
J Chessa, HW Wang and T Belytschko, On the construction of blending elements for local partition of unity enriched finite
elements, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING 57 (7):1015-1038 2003, Times Cited 57
J Chessa and T Belytschko,
An enriched finite element method and level sets for axisymmetric two-phase flow with surface
tension, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING 58 (13):2041-2064 2003, Times Cited 27
Dr. Jack Chessa ・ Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering ・ University of Texas at El Paso・ Email: jfchessa@utep.edu
FL Stazi, E Budyn, J Chessa and T Belytschko, An extended finite element method with higher-order elements for curved cracks,
COMPUTATIONAL MECHANICS 31 (1-2):38-48 2003, Times Cited 36
Chessa, J, and T Belytschko, An extended finite element method for two-phase fluids, JOURNAL OF APPLIED MECHANICSTRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME 70 (1):10-17 2003, Times Cited 15
J Chessa, P Smolinski, and T Belytschko, The extended finite element method (XFEM) for solidification problems,
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING 53 (8):1959-1977 2002, Times Cited 36
Conference Presentations and Papers
D. Masillamani and J. Chessa, Determination of optimal cutting conditions in orthogonal metal cutting using LS-DYNA with
design of experiments approach. Proceedings of the Eight Internaional LS-DYNA Users Conference, Dearborn, MI, May 2004.
J. Chessa, C. Arias, M. Huerta and M. Beard A Verifi ed and Validated Study of Quasi-Static Bolted Lap Joints. Proceedings of
the XXIV International Society of Experimental Mechanics IMAC, St. Louis, MO, January 2006.
J. Chessa. Enriched fi nite element method for two-phase axisymmetric fl ow. Eighth U.S. National Conference of Computational
Mechanics, Austin, Texas, August 2005.
J. Chessa. Enriched fi nite element method for two-phase axisymmetric fl ow. Seventh U.S. National Conference of
Computational Mechanics, Albuquerque, New Mexico, August 2003.
J. Chessa, H. Wang and T. Belytschko. On the construction of blending elements in enriched fi nite element methods. Seventh
U.S. National Congress of Computational Mechanics, Albuquerque, New Mexico, August 2003.
J. Chessa and T. Belytschko. Extended fi nite element and level set methods for free-surface and phase interface problems. Sixth
U.S. National Congress of Computational Mechanics, Dearborn, Michigan, August 2001.
P. Smolinski and J. Chessa. The enhanced fi nite element solution for Stefan problems. Sixth U.S. National Congress of
Computational Mechanics, Dearborn, Michigan, August 2001.
T. Belytschko, N. Mo¨es, A. Gravouil and J. Chessa. Evolving strong and weak discontinuities and level sets in fi nite elements.
Mechanics and Materials Conference, San Diego, California June 2001.
T. Belytschko, J. Xu, H. Chen, and J. Chessa. Meshfree methods and level sets. ICTAM, Chicago, Illinois, August 2000.
T. Belytschko and J. Chessa. Meshfree EFG and level Sets for moving surface problems. Finite elements in fl ow problems 2000,
Austin, Texas 2000.
Funded Research and Grants
Fracture Evaluation and Design Tool for Welded Aluminum Ship Structures Subjected to Impulsive Dynamic Loadings: UTEP
Award $276,800, Agency ONR STTR Phase II, Oct 2011-Oct2014.
Combined Investigation on Durability and Dynamic Failure of Advanced Naval Materials: Award $565,000, Agency ONR, June
2011 to May 2014.
Fracture Evaluation and Design Tool for Welded Aluminum Ship Structures Subjected to Impulsive Dynamic Loadings: UTEP
Award $30,000, Agency ONR STTR Phase I, June 2010-August 2011.
Dr. Jack Chessa ・ Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering ・ University of Texas at El Paso・ Email: jfchessa@utep.edu
A Computational Investigation into Dynamic Fracture of ZrB2 /ZrC Composites at 1750°C” Amount $67,3, Agency: UTC/ARFL,
Principal Investigator, Current.
Computational Design of ZrO2-Y2O3-TiO2-Ta2O5 Scales Containing Y2Ti2O7 Precipitation for Oxidation Resistance of ZrB2/ZrC
Composites at 1700 °C” Amount $125,000 Agency: AFOSR, Co-Principal Investigator with Principal Investigator Arturo Bronson
A Computational and Experimental Investigation into Dynamic Fracture of ZrO2 -Y2 O3 Coatings for ZrB2 /ZrC Composites
Containing Y2 Ti2 O7 Precipitates at 1750°C” Amount $78,000, Agency: ARFL, Co-Principal Investigator with Principal
Investigator Arturo Bronson, Sept 2009-Aug 2010.
NASA Center for Space Exploration, Amount 5M, Duration 10/2009-10/2014, Co-Principal Investigator, Principal Investigator
Ahsan Choudhuri.
A Computational and Experimental Investigation into Dynamic Fracture of ZrO2Y2O3 Coatings for ZrBr2/ZrC composite
containing Y2Ti2O7 precipritates at 1750C. Amount $99,983, Agency: ARFL, Duration 01/2009-01/2011, Co-Principal
Investigator with Principal Investigator Arturo Bronson
Computational Design of ZrO2-Y2O3-TiO2-Ta2O5 Scales Containing Y2Ti2O7 Precipitation for Oxidation Resistance of ZrB2/ZrC
Composites at 1700°C. Amount $349,972, Agency: AFOSR, Duration 04/2009-04/2012, Status Current
“A Validation and Verifi cation Study of Bolted Joints”, Principal Investigator, Sandia National Laboratories, 2004 - 2005,
Awarded $35,000.
“Post calibration extension of validated and verifi ed models”, Principal Investigator, Sandia National Laboratories, 2005 - 2006,
Awarded $40,000.
“Enriched Finite Elements for the Modeling of Adiabatic Shear Bands” ARL, Principal Investigator, 2004 - 2005, Awarded
$25,000.
Sun Server Grant, Principal Investigator, General Motors Corporation, 2004 -2005, Awarded $9,000 in kind. “Design of extracurricular activities for the Development of PACE Program Objectives”, Principal Investigator, General Motors Corporation, 2004
-2005, Awarded $7,000.
“Validation of aircraft structures”, Principal Investigator, CSC Computer Science Corporation, 2004 -2005, Awarded $125,000.
“Computational Design of ZrO2-SiO2 Coatings on ZrB2/ZrC/ZrO2 composites Containing ZrSi Intermetallics for Oxidizing
Atmospheres at 1700C”, Co-Principal Investigator with Principal Investigator Arturo Bronson, AFOSR, 2005 - 2008, Awarded
$475,000.
“Miniature Turbo-pump Technology Development for Divert Propulsion Systems”, Co-Principal Investigator with Principal
Investigator Ahsan Choudhuri, Missile Defense Agency, Department of Defense, 2005-2007, Awarded $299,992.
“Investigation on a Novel Coaxial Microinjector with Application to Liquid Micropropulsion System”, Co-Principal Investigator
with Principal Investigator Ahsan Choudhuri, Missile Defense Agency, Department of Defense, 2005-2008, Awarded $599,997
with University of Maryland, UTEP share $195,000.
“Flame sysnthesis of Carbon Nanotubes using Low Calorifi c Value Gases”, Co-Principal Investigator with Principal Investigator
Ahsan Choudhuri, Department of Energy, 2005-2006, Awarded $20,000.
“Multi-Scale Modeling of NanoParticle Formation in Tobacco Smoke”, Co-Principal Investigator with Principal Investigator
Ahsan Choudhuri, University Tobacco Settlement Grant, June 2004 May 2005, Awarded $25,000.
Hewlett-Packard, ATP Itanium-2 Grant, 2003 - 2004, Co-Principal Investigator with Brian D’Auriol, Pat Teller, Nigel Ward,
Awarded Itanium-2 Cluster.
Synergistic Activities
Dr. Jack Chessa ・ Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering ・ University of Texas at El Paso・ Email: jfchessa@utep.edu
• Directing the Computational Mechanics Laboratory at UTEP
• Developing suite of continuum and atomistic parallel codes based on Trilinos for computational material design of high
temperature materials.
Past Students
Dr Ricardo Avila, PhD 2006 - Professor Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez
Mr. Manny Gonzales, MS 2010 – Georgia Tech, PhD student
Mr. Himanshu Kumar MS 2011
Mr. Christopher Bradford, MS 2011
Ms. Elvia Renova, MS 2008 - NASA Marshal Flight Center
Ms. Harita Petla, MS 2008 Mr. Javed Kahn, MS 2006 Mr. Shekhar Bohjwani, MS 2006 Mr. Jonathan Valenzuela, MS 2006 Mr. David Massilimiani, MS 2004 –
References
Dr. Ted Belytschko
Walter P. Murphy Professor and McCormick Professor
Civil and Mechanical Engineering
Northwestern University
Technological Institute
2145 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208
(847) 491-7270
t-belytschko@northwestern.edu
Dr. Thomas J.R. Hughes
Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics
Computational and Applied Mathematics Chair III
The University of Texas at Austin
Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences
1 University Station C0200
Austin, TX 78712-0027
(512) 232-7774
hughes@ices.utexas.edu
Dr. Brian Moran
Professor of Civil and Mechanical Engineering
Chair of Civil Engineering Northwestern University
Technological Institute
2145 Sheridan Road
Dr. Jack Chessa ・ Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering ・ University of Texas at El Paso・ Email: jfchessa@utep.edu
Evanston, IL 60208
(847) 491-8793
b-moran@northwestern.edu
Dr. Patrick Smolinski
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
(412) 624-9788
smolinski@engrng.pitt.edu
Dr. Nicolas Moës
Professor of Civil Engineering and Mechanics
Research Institute of Civil Engineering and Mechanics
Ecole Centrale de Nantes BP 92101
F-44321 Nantes Cedex 3
FRANCE
02 40 37 68 22
Research Statement
Overview - My primary research interests are in advancing and implementing state of the art computational methods for solid
and fluid mechanics problems.
I view computational research as a dual approach; first to develop methods to solve problems
that are presently not tractable with the current methods available and second to develop cutting edge numerical methods as
an investigative tool in fundamental mechanics research. Presently, my primary focus has been in the developing enriched
finite element methods and multiscale methods in both computational solid mechanics and computational fluid dynamics. In
addition, I have also been working in the area of finite element model validation and verification.
Current Research
Enriched Finite Element Methods - Presently, I am involved in developing finite element methods for solving general classes
of problems involving moving surfaces of discontinuities, such as free-surface flow problems, solidification problems, fluidstructure problems and inclusion problems.
The fundamental concept is to 'enrich' the standard finite element approximation
space such that it spans a discontinuous function space which is appropriate for a general class of problems. By doing so the
finite element approximation is able to capture the discontinuity in its interior without any additional mesh refinement or mesh
update. This allows for explicit resolution of small scale phenomena, like micro-cracking, inclusions, localization etc. that would
not be possible with conventional finite element methods. This is accomplished by use of the extended finite element method
(X-FEM). These methods were originally developed to solve quasi-static crack growth problems, but have proven quite
promising in their application to the time dependent problems mentioned above.
Multiphase micro fluidics - This work which is sponsored by two DoD grants is focused on developing enriched finite element
and finite volume methods for application to multiphase microfluidics problems where the length scale is lager than that
appropriate for MD computations and smaller than those in which the phases can be homogenized. In these regions the
individual phases must be explicitly tracked.
This phase tracking is made possible by hybrid level set enriched FEM/VOF
methods. This approach allows the computation to be made on fixed computational grids and still maintain sufficient fidelity
at the interface as with Lagrangian methods.
Dr. Jack Chessa ・ Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering ・ University of Texas at El Paso・ Email: jfchessa@utep.edu
Fluid structure interaction - Enriched finite element methods prove to be quite robust in solving these classes of problems
since there is no need for remeshing and the ability to capture small-scale features. Another application of these methods is
in the area of fluid-structure modeling. With these methods we are able to embed the interface conditions into the finite
element approximation thus allowing the simulation to be carried out on an Eulerian grid.
This eliminates the need for
cumbersome mesh updating algorithms or ALE methods as are often used. The discontinuities in the tangential velocity (slip
boundary condition) density and stress fields are captured by the finite element approximation. It is this application that I am
most excited about perusing since this area has traditionally proven to be a very difficult one. Applications include: ship hull
integrity, arterial hemodynamics, deployable structures, etc.
Computational material design of ultra high temperature ceramic composites -In this AFOSR sponsored project we are
developing high fidelity numerical models of the microstructure of ultra high temperature ceramic composite materials. Here
we employ enriched finite element models to resolve the microstructure to a level of detail that is prohibitive with conventional
finite element methods. These continuum models will also be coupled to MD computations to help in the determination of
the continuum properties where experimentation is difficult or not possible as is often the case at the temperatures under
consideration (T>1800°C). The goal is to determine microstructures to optimize the durability of the oxide coatings and the
substrate.
Validation and verification - For the past two years we have conducted a project sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories,
Albuquerque into a detailed validation and verification study of fastened connections.
In such an approach finite element
models are assessed for their accuracy error and uncertainty using rigorous statistical approaches in conjunction with strategic
experimentation. The goal of this research is to develop useful methodologies, metrics and procedures for the development of
numerical models. One very exciting aspect of this research is the significant use of undergraduate researchers that is possible
with this type of research.
Time Integration of Arbitrary Moving Discontinuities - Enriched finite elements for time dependent problems have been
performed but have not been able to retain the accuracy seen with time independent problems.
I have recently been
developing space-time enriched formulations which allows for the consistent resolution of the discontinuity in both space and
time; this appears to recapture the accuracy observed in time independent problems; thereby allowing the method to be
applied o a wide class of problems not previously possible.
Biomechanical modeling of athletic footwear - This project, which is sponsored by Spira Footwear, a manufacturer of novel
athletic footwear which utilize insole springs, seeks to develop numerical models of athletic shoes and biomechanical models
of human gate. The goal is to develop high confidence models that can correlate the stability and design of the shoes on
gate and perceived comfort and efficiency.
Future Research Plans
Tip vortex cavitation - After some initial discussion with ONR and several scientists in the Carderock Naval Surface Warfare
Center. It seems promising to develop the enriched finite element methods for finite volume and apply to the problem of tip
vortex cavitation. This work would be an offshoot of the current multiphase micro-fluidics work. While it is not possible for
conventional explicit bubble tracking methods it is quite possible to perform an explicit tracking of 100-1000 nucleating
bubbles using enriched finite element methods. A simulation of such scale coupled to far field computations could be quite
insightful in the design of turbo machinery. Presently, I am planning one pursuing funding opportunities with ONR in this
area. This would most likely be a joint venture with the researchers from Carderock.
Molecular dynamics continuum modeling coupling - Currently, I am investigating the use of enriched finite elements in the
context of a multiscale formulation.
By embedding the characteristic response of smaller length scales in the macro scale
Dr. Jack Chessa ・ Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering ・ University of Texas at El Paso・ Email: jfchessa@utep.edu
model by enriched methods the effect of these scales can be resolved.
modeling of dynamic shear bands, and friction stir welding.
I am presently employing this methodology for
This is a research area I wish to significantly develop in the next
5-10 years. Ultimately, establishing this as core research area.
Fluid structure interaction of biological systems - Presently we are seeking funding for developing consistent partitioning
schemes for fluid structure interaction for biological systems.
Two initial areas of interest are
particularly the modeling of the development of arterial phantom flaps
arterial hemodynamics,
and the second is in modeling vocal chord tract
pathologies. Both phenomena critically rely on correctly resolving the large scale structural deformation consistently coupled
with the fluid flow.
Dr. Jack Chessa ・ Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering ・ University of Texas at El Paso・ Email: jfchessa@utep.edu
Teaching Statement
Philosophy - I have a strong commitment to both graduate and undergraduate teaching. While having only taught for a bit
over one year but have had the opportunity to teach a wide variety of classes as enumerated in my vitae. The following points
summarize my fundamental teaching philosophy;
•
•
Bring an added dimension to lectures.
Be selective, teach quality over quantity.
•
Emphasis on creative problem solving concepts and methodology.
•
Teach to all students.
•
Enthusiasm is infectious!
Bring an added dimension to lectures - I believe that as an instructor my primary goal is to always strive to add a dimension
to the class that is not delivered in texts. This serves not only to add additional material for the students but to stimulate and
motivate. Typically, I try to add material which adds to the relevance and applicability of the material.
Be selective, teach quality over quantity - I have quickly realized in my admittedly, limited teaching that one must be
selective in what one attempts to teach.
It is impossible to convey everything that I know to the student; so, instead of
material inundation with low retention I try to focus on only the most important concepts for my lectures with the hope that
these will be thoroughly understood. To do this correctly I try to limit myself to three ideas per lecture. Also, I try to select
ideas that are thematic to the
Emphasis on creative problem solving concepts and methodology - To teach engineering problem solving fundamentals
with a strong emphasis on practical examples and applications. I believe that a good engineer is if nothing else creative and
adaptable. While there is no established pedagogy for this but there are common themes across all the engineering courses
i.e. to be consistent with your formulation, to be aware of limitations of assumptions, to understand the physics behind the
equations and optimization etc.. Also, to emphase how to creatively use these tools to solve problems
that might not be initially obvious. For example in my CAD/CAM class
we discuss how to use basic drafting software to graphically solve kinematics problems.
Teach to all students - At UTEP we have the complete range of students some extremely gifted and motivated to those in
need of some remediation. While it is a difficult balancing act I try to teach equally to all the students. This means that I try
to approach concepts from multiple approaches; mathematical, physical, practical, phenomenologically etc so that to one
degree or another most of the students are stimulated and learn.
Enthusiasm is infectious! -Finally, I think that it is very important to be enthusiastic about the subject matter even if the
enthusiasm is somewhat feigned. The worst thing that can happen to a class is for the students to lose interest and this is a
distinct possibility in engineering. If the instructor is enthusiastic usually the students will be as well.
Dr. Jack Chessa ・ Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering ・ University of Texas at El Paso・ Email: jfchessa@utep.edu