9550687 Wekezer The proposed study will use DYNA3D, a nonlinear, explicit, three dimensional finite element computer code for solid and structural mechanics (Whirley, Hallquist, 1991). The code was developed by the Department of Energy and is being widely used by researchers associated with the Department of Energy and is being widely used by researchers associated with the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation, and most of national laboratories and other research agencies. DYNA3D is a public domain computer code and is being provided by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to the FAMU/FSU College of Engineering at no charge. Finite element models of some vehicles, roadside safety structures, as well as pavement properties and their models will be provided by federal and state agencies as a technology transfer effort. Three small research groups consisting of one principal investigator and one graduate student each will be formed and will work on three research projects. The research proposal asks for funding to support all three research groups and for funding of one computer work station to be shared by all investigators. The proposed research activity is significant to the advancement of knowledge in the area of transportation. It will be beneficial to federal and state transportation agencies and to transportation related industries and it has a potential for securing future research support. ***
