Honors, Awards & Grants
Research Achievementsa) Outcome of fundamental research in the field of applied mechanics
- The generalization of Hook’s law in representing the nonlinear elasticity response of materials is a significant research outcome of Prof. Amin. The strain energy density function(W)thus proposed got wide recognition among contemporary experts and scientists of mechanics as WAmin[Ref: Bechir, H., Chevalier, L., Chaouche, M., Boufala, K., (2006). Hyperelastic constitutive model for rubber-like materials based on the first Seth strain measures invariant, European Journal of Mechanics A/Solids 25 (2006) 110-124].
- The proposal for nonlinear viscosity law got wider applicability in modelling the viscoelastic response of highly deformable solids, e.g. artificial human muscles. [Ref: Shanshan Lv, Daniel M. Dudek, Yi Cao, M. M. Balamurali, John Gosline & Hongbin Li, (2010). Designed biomaterials to mimic the mechanical properties of muscles, Nature, 465, 69-73.]
- The measurements of Prof. Amin in the field of nonlinear elasticity and viscosity are regarded now as the benchmark measurements for conducting numerical simulations worldwide. [Ref: Dal, H., Michael Kaliske, M., (2009). Bergstrom-Boyce model for nonlinear finite rubber viscoelasticity: theoretical aspects and algorithmic treatment for the FE method, Comput. Mech., 44, 809-823; Spathis, G., Kontou, E., (2007). Modelling of nonlinear viscoelasticity at large deformations, Journal of Materials Science, Volume 43, Number 6, 2046-2052]
- The scientific literatures published by Prof. Amin got wide citations in current literatures published in Nature, Mechanics of Materials, Journal of Engineering Mechanics (ASCE), International Journal of Plasticity, European Journal of Mechanics: Part A: Solids, Acta Mechanica, Applied Numerical Mathematics, Archive of Mechanics, Computational Mechanics, International Journal of Mechanical Science, Springer Proceedings in Physics, Smart Materials and Structures, Journal of Elastomers and Plastics and Journal of Material Engineering and Performance. This shows the application of the fundamental research in diversified areas.
b) Recent fundamental research in the field of development of methodology for repair and retrofitting of non-compliant structures
- The recent garment factory-building collapses in Bangladesh have raised awareness of the necessity of strengthening existing factory buildings to achieve building safety compliance. In this context, structurally deficient columns, as one of the most critical members in a structure, are a major focus in strengthening noncompliant buildings.
Furthermore, in flexural retrofitting, the application of externally bonded carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) pultruded plates has emerged as a useful technique (externally bonded steel plates, the forerunner of CFRP plates) for enhancing the flexural capacity of reinforced-concrete (RC) beams. In such applications, the plates, which externally are bonded to the unconfined cover concrete at the tension face, often de-bond prematurely.
Two recent successive publications from the research Group of Prof. Amin are expected to be the key fundamental observations towards rationalizing the strengthening techniques for axial and flexural members. Estimation of design parameters for axial strengthening will be useful, particularly for Bangladesh that uses dilatable low strength concretes. The identification of design parameters in prevention of de-bonding in flexural strengthening will be useful for future development of design codes globally.
c) Recent fundamental research on development of methods for producing green concrete by best utilizing the demolished recycled concrete
- Bangladesh is a densely populated country depending largely on her agricultural products. In this country, there is an upcoming need to demolish the old low-rise buildings and replace those with high rise ones for housing its increasing population and gradual industrialization. Recycling stone and brick aggregate concretes by crushing and converting them into coarse aggregates and fines for use in new concreting is an established trend.
In this context, the fundamental contribution of Prof. Amin on identifying the occurrence, origin and quantification of residual cementing properties of recycled aggregates and fines from demolished brick and stone aggregate concrete open the door for appropriate utilization of existing resources. This will not only promote saving of cultivable land by reducing the demands of clay bricks used for new concrete making but also extends the possibility of reducing the cement content while using recycled aggregates and fines. All these points do have significant counts in the context of environmental protection and conservation of nature.