This CAREER project addresses the complex problem of modeling, analysis, and experimental investigation of nonlinear characteristic related to smart materials, such as piezo-ceramic composites, and investigates their application in vibro-acoustic energy conduction transduction, dissipation and excitation. This research is vital for meeting critical needs in applications such a structural noise and vibration control, non-destructive testing and evaluation, health monitoring of structures and machinery, music and micro-electro-mechanical systems. The education plan is integrated fully with the proposed research topic. It included outreach activities involving inner city youth through the medium of music via a non profit program called Music Education Reaching Instrumental Talent (MERIT). In this program, the PI plans to incorporate a sequence of instructions on `Science and Engineering in Music.` In addition, he plans to augment the laboratory experience in UIC Minority Engineering Recruitment and Retention Program with `Science and Engineering of Musical Instruments,` in which students first study traditional musical instruments, and then design and develop their own musical instrument. The project will result in a better understanding of vibro- acoustic energy transmission, and engineering concepts via musical acoustics.
