Research

RESEARCH STATEMENT

Professor Kaw’s main scholarly interests are in engineering education research, flipped learning, adaptive learning, open courseware development, bascule bridge design, fracture mechanics, composite materials, computational nanomechanics, and the state and future of higher education.

Professor Kaw’s research has been funded by National Science Foundation, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Florida Department of Transportation, Research and Development Laboratories, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, and Montgomery Tank Lines.

Since 2002, under Professor Kaw’s leadership, he and his colleagues from around the nation have developed, implemented, refined and assessed online resources for open courseware in Numerical Methods. This courseware annually receives more than a million page views, 1,800,000 views of the YouTube lectures and 100,000 annual visitors to the Numerical Methods Guy blog. Professor Kaw’s has written more than 100 refereed technical papers and his opinion editorials have appeared in the St. Petersburg Times, Chronicle Vitae, and Tampa Tribune.

Educational Research

How much do the high-impact learning strategies such as practice tests and cumulative tests help improve the blended class Link to Full Text (limited by subscription)

Did adaptive learning helped the remote flipped class during COVID Link to Full Article

Evaluating Blended and Flipped Instruction in Numerical Methods at Multiple Engineering Schools Link to Full Text

How do you like your class – Semi-Flipped or Blended? Link to Abstract | Link to Full Article

Comparing Different Formats of a Final Exam for a Numerical Methods Course Link to Abstract

A Holistic View on History, Development, Assessment, And Future of an Open Courseware in Numerical Methods Link to Abstract.

Development and Assessment of Digital Audiovisual YouTube Lectures for an Engineering Course In Numerical Methods Link to Abstract

Measuring Student Learning Using Initial and Final Concept Test in a STEM Course Link to Abstract

Does Grading HW Improve Examination Performance? Link to Abstract

Effect of Endless Quizzes on Examination Performance. Link to Abstract

Introducing and Assessing Laboratory Experience in a Numerical Methods Course for Engineers. Link to Abstract

Problem-Centered Approach in a Course in Numerical Methods. Link to Abstract

Comparing Modalities of Teaching a Module in Numerical Methods. Link to Abstract

Predicting Academic Performance. Link to Abstract

Composite Materials

A Better Body Armor Article & Slide Show

Indentation Test for Composite Materials Revisited Link to Abstract

Thermo-mechanical Beam Element for Analyzing Stresses in Functionally Graded Materials Link to Abstract

Optimizing Specific Strength of Infused Fiber Reinforced Sandwich Composites Link to Abstract

How Does Interphase Modeling Affect Nanoindentation Test Results? Link to Abstract

Is Crack Propagation in Composite Materials Independent of Fiber Volume Fraction? Link to Abstract

Bridge Design Research

Evaluating different assembly procedures of trunnion-hub-girder assembly Link to Abstract

How does geometry affect successful (no cracking) trunnion-hub-girder assembly procedure? Link to Abstract.

Does step-cooling make trunnion-hub-girder assembly procedure fail-safe? Link to Abstract

Sports Analytics

A metric to quantify topsy-turvyness of a college football season Site  Link to Paper

“Transforming Undergraduate Engineering Education through Adaptive Learning and Student Data Analytics”, National Science Foundation, $599,770, July 2020 – June 2024 (PI).

“Collaborative Proposal: Structured Use of Metacognitive Activities in a Flipped Undergraduate Engineering Course to Enhance Learning and Professional Skill Development”, National Science Foundation, $198,253, October 2020 – September 2024 (Co-PI).

“Transforming a Flipped STEM Course Through Adaptive Learning“, National Science Foundation, $299,823, September 2016 – August 2020 (PI).

“Improving and Assessing Student Learning in an Inverted STEM Classroom Setting“, National Science Foundation, $598,522, September 2013-August 2016 (PI).

Collaborative Research: Development of New Prototype Tools, and Adaptation and Implementation of Current Resources for a Course in Numerical Methods, National Science Foundation, $150,000, February 2009- July 2011 (Co-PI).

“Holistic Numerical Methods: Unabridged“, National Science Foundation, $500,189, January 2008-December 2012 (PI)

“Holistic Numerical Methods“, National Science Foundation, $363,280, February 2004-March 2007 (PI).

“Hub Assemblies for the Next Generation of Bascule Bridges”, US Department of Transportation, $73,650, October 2004-September 2005 (Co-PI).

“Holistic Numerical Methods: A Prototype“, National Science Foundation, $74,961, January 2002- May 2003 (PI).

“Hub-Girder Bolt Assembly Without An Interference Fit in Bascule Bridges”, Florida Department of Transportation, $110,000, November 2001 -August 2003 (Co-PI).

Parametric Finite Element Analysis and Full Scale Testing of Trunnion Hub Assemblies for Bascule Bridges, FDOT, $250,000, September 1998 – June 2001 (Co-PI).

“Acquisition of an Axial-Torsional Loading System for Civil, Mechanical and Materials Testing“, National Science Foundation, $166,240, October 1999 – April 2001 (Co-PI).

“Mechanics of Brittle Matrix Composites with Imperfect Interfaces“, AFOSR, $108,319, July 1995- August 1997 (PI).

“Development of User Interfaces for Numerical Techniques for Stress Analysis of Laminated Composite Materials”, AFOSR, $50,000, September 1994 – June 1995 (PI).

“Micromechanics of Matrix Cracking in Brittle Matrix Composites with Frictional Interfaces,” Summer Research Extension Program, RDL/AFOSR, $20,000, January 1993 – December 1993 (PI).

“Mechanics of Brittle Matrix Composites with Imperfect Interfaces”, AFOSR, $93,211, September 1992 – September 1994 (PI).

“Annular Cracks In Brittle Matrix Composites,” Systran Corporation/WPAFB, Dayton, Ohio, $14,100, May 91 – August 1991 (PI).

“Design and Analysis of Stainless Steel Tanks,” Montgomery Tank Lines, Plant City, Florida, $27,653, October 89 – May 90 (Co-PI).

R.Clark, A. Kaw, Y. Lou, A, Scott, “The flipped classroom during the remote period of COVID: student perceptions compared to pre-COVID times”, International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, (2022), 1-22. Link to Full Text (limited by subscription)

R. Clark., A. Kaw, and R. Braga Gomes, “Adaptive Learning: Helpful To The Flipped Classroom In The Online Environment Of COVID?”, Computer Applications in Engineering Education (2021), 1– 15. Link to Full Text (limited by subscription)

R. Clark, A. Kaw, “Enhancing Student Outcomes in a Blended Numerical Methods Course for Engineers: The Case for Practice and Cumulative Tests”, International Journal of Engineering Education Vol. 37, No. 3, pp. 585–593, 2021.  Link to Full Text (limited by subscription)

R. Clark, A. Kaw, “Adaptive learning in a numerical methods course for engineers: Evaluation in blended and flipped classrooms”, Computer Applications in Engineering Education, pp. 62-79, Vol. 28(1), 2020.  Link to Full Text (limited by subscription)

R. Clark, A. Kaw, “Benefits of adaptive lessons for pre-class preparation in a flipped numerical methods course”, International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, pp. 713-729, Vol 51(5), 2020.  Link to Full Text

A. Kaw, R. Clark, E. Delgado, N. Abate, “Analyzing the Use of Adaptive Learning in a Flipped Classroom for Pre-Class Learning”, Computer Applications in Engineering Educations, Vol. 27, pp. 663‐ 678, 2019. Link to Full Text (limited by subscription)

R. Clark, A. Kaw, Y. Lou, A. Scott, M. Besterfield-Sacre “Evaluating Blended and Flipped Instruction in Numerical Methods at Multiple Engineering Schools,” International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: Vol. 12: No. 1, Article 11, 2018. Link to Full Text

J. Tai, A. Kaw, “Transverse Shear Modulus of Unidirectional Composites With Voids Estimated by the Multiple-Cells Model”, Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, pp.310-320, Vol 105, 2018.

R. Clark, A. Kaw, M. Besterfield-Sacre, “Comparing the Effectiveness of Blended, Semi-Flipped, and Flipped Formats in an Engineering Numerical Methods Course”, ASEE Advances in Engineering Education, pp. 1-38, Vol. 5, 2016. Link to Full Text

G. Aden-Buie, A. Kaw, A. Yalcin, “Comparison of final examination formats in a numerical methods course”, International Journal of Engineering Education, pp. 72-82, Vol. 31, 2015.

S.H. Garapati, A.Kaw, “Analysis of Heating and Cooling Methods for Assembly of Steel Fulcra in Bascule Bridges”, Bridge Structures, pp. 121-133, Vol. 8, 2012.

A. Kaw, A. Yalcin, D. Nguyen, R. Pendyala, M. Hess, G. Lee-Thomas, G. Besterfield, J. Eison, C. Owens, “A Holistic View on History, Development, Assessment, and Future of an Open Courseware in Numerical Methods”, ASEE Computers in Education Journal, Vol 3(4), pp. 57-71, 2012.

C. Owens, A. Kaw, M. Hess, “Assessing Online Resources for an Engineering Course”, Computer Applications in Engineering Education, pp. 426-433, Vol. 20(3), 2012.

A. Kaw, A. Yalcin, “Measuring Student Learning Using Initial and Final Concept Test in a STEM Course”, International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, pp. 435-448, Vol 43(4), 2012.

A. Yalcin, A. Kaw, “Does Grading Homework Improve Student Examination Performance?”, International Journal of Engineering Education, pp. 1333-1342, Vol 27(6), 2011.

S. Garapati, L. Snyder, A. Kaw, “Comparing Two Procedures for Assembling Steel Fulcra in Simple-Trunnion Bascule Bridges”, Bridge Structures, pp. 19-30, Vol 7(1), 2011.

S. Garapati, A. Kaw, “Effect of Geometry, Loading and Elastic Moduli on Critical Parameters in a Nanoindentation Test in Polymeric Matrix Composites with a Nonhomogeneous Interphase”, Composite Interfaces, pp. 275-294, Vol. 18, 2011.

A. Kaw, S. Garapati, “Development and Assessment of Digital Audiovisual YouTube Lectures for an Engineering Course In Numerical Methods”, ASEE Computers in Education Journal, pp. 89-97, Vol. 2 (2), 2011.

E. Gil-Herrera, A. Tsalatsanis, A. Yalcin, A. Kaw, “Predicting Academic Performance Using a Rough Set Theory Based Knowledge Discovery Methodology”, International Journal of Engineering Education, pp. 992-1002, Vol. 27 (5), 2011.

M. Rajapakshe, M. Gunaratne, A. Kaw, “Evaluation of LuGre Tire Friction Model with Measured Data on Multiple Pavement Surfaces,” Tire Science and Technology, TSTCA, Vol. 38, No. 3, pp. 213-227, 2010.

A. Kaw, A. Yalcin, “A Metric to Quantify the Topsy-Turvyness of a College Football Season”, Chance (An American Statistical Association Magazine), pp. 18-26, Vol. 22(3), 2009. (More info)

A. Kaw, A. Yalcin, B. DeMenezes, E. Allard, “Introducing and Assessing Laboratory Experience in a Numerical Methods Course for Engineers”, ASEE Computers in Education Journal, pp. 57-65, Vol. XVIII (3), 2009.

A.K. Kaw, A.Yalcin, “Problem-Centered Approach in a Course in Numerical Methods”, ASCE Journal of Professional Issues and Engineering Education, pp. 359-364, Vol. 134(4), 2008.

C. Nguyen, A.K. Kaw, J. Paul, “Sensitivity Analysis of Cooling Methods and Geometric Parameters in Assembly Procedure of Bascule Bridge Fulcrums”, The Journal of Strain Analysis for Engineering Design, pp.  337-349, Vol. 42, (2007).

P. Chalasani, A.K. Kaw, J. Daly, C. Nguyen “Effect of Geometrical and Material Parameters in Nanoindentation of Layered Materials with an Interphase”, International Journal of Solids and Structures, pp. 5380-5395, Vol. 44 (16), (2007).

A.K. Kaw, M. Hess, “Comparing Effectiveness of Instructional Delivery Modalities in an Engineering Course”, International Journal of Engineering Education, pp. 508-516, Vol. 23(3), (2007).

A.K. Kaw and S. Ho, “Introducing Approximate Methods in Theory of Elasticity”,  Computer Applications for Engineering Education, pp. 120-134, Vol. 14 (2), (2006).

N. Collier, A.K. Kaw, G.H. Besterfield, M. Rahman, “Benefits of Staged Cooling of Composite Cylinders in Shrink Fitting”, The Journal of Strain Analysis for Engineering Design, pp. 349-361, Vol. 41 (5), (2006).

A.K. Kaw, G.H. Besterfield, J. Eison, “Effectiveness of a Holistic & Customized Approach to Teaching Numerical Methods”, International Journal of Engineering Education, pp. 712-722, Vol. 21 (4), 2005.

A.K. Kaw, “Techniques Employed by Highly Effective Engineering Educators”,  ASCE Journal of Professional Issues and Engineering Education, pp. 175-177, Vol. 131 (3), (2005).

A.K. Kaw, G.H. Besterfield and S. Nichani, “Integrating a Research Problem in a Course in Applied Elasticity”, International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education, pp. 232-242, Vol. 32 (3), (2004).

N. Collier, A.K. Kaw, “On Comparing Computational Systems – Maple, Mathcad, Matlab, and Mathematica”, ASEE Computers in Education Journal, pp. 12-24, Vol. XIV (1), (2004).

A.K. Kaw, N. Collier, M. Keteltas, J. Paul, G.H. Besterfield, “Holistic but customized resources for a course in numerical methods”, Computer Applications for Engineering Education, pp. 203-210, Vol. 11, (2003).

G.H. Besterfield, A.K. Kaw, S. Nichani, B. Ratnam, T. Cherukara, M. Denninger, “Assembly Procedures of a Trunnion-Hub-Girder for Bascule Bridges”,   Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics, Vol 40, No 2, pp. 123-134, (2003).

G.H. Besterfield, S. Nichani, A.K. Kaw, T. Eason, “Full-Scale Testing of Trunnion-Hub-Girder Assemblies for Bascule Bridges”, ASCE Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 8, No 4., pp. (2003).

N. Pai, A.K. Kaw and M. Weng, “Optimization of Laminate Stacking Sequence for Failure Load Maximization Using Tabu Search”, Composites Part B, Vol. 34, No. 1, pp 405-413, (2003).

J. Ye and A.K. Kaw, “Determination of Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Matrix Interface from Pushout Test”, Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics, Vol. 32, No 1, pp 15-25, (1999).

A.K. Kaw and R. Rodriguez, “Synthesis of Tools in Teaching a Course in Mechanics of Composite Materials”, Mechanics, Vol. 27, No. 11, pp. 5-12, (1998).

A.K. Kaw and G. Willenbring, “A Software Tool for Mechanics of Composite Materials”, International Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 13, No. 6, pp. 433-481, (1998).

T. Srinath, H. Madanraj, A.K. Kaw, J. Ye and G.H. Besterfield, “Effect of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Factors in Indentation Tests,” International Journal of Solids and Structures, Vol. 33, No. 24, pp. 3497-3516 (1996).

A.K. Kaw and M. Daniels, “Should We Continue to Debate over the Change to SI System?,” ASCE Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice, Vol. 122, No. 2, pp. 69-72 (1996).

N.J. Pagano and A.K. Kaw, “Asymptotic Stresses Around a Crack Tip at the Interface Between Planar or Cylindrical Bodies,”International Journal of Fracture, Vol. 71, No. 2, pp. 151-164, (1995).

A.K. Kaw, S. Kunchithpatham, N.J. Pagano, “Stress Field in a Composite Cylinder with a Friction Fiber-Matrix Interface,” International Journal of Solids and Structures, Vol. 32, No. 15, pp. 2127-2154, (1995).

V.T. Bechel and A.K. Kaw, “Fracture Mechanics of Composites with Nonhomogeneous Interphases and Nondilute Fiber Volume Fractions,” International Journal of Solids and Structures, Vol. 31, No. 15, pp. 2053-2070, (1994).

A.K. Kaw and J. Ye, “Comparison of Fracture Mechanics Models with Axisymmetric and Planar Assumptions,” Composites Engineering Journal, Vol. 4, No. 6, pp. 621-636, (1994).

A.K. Kaw and D. Jadhav, “Axisymmetric Elastic Response of a Composite Cylinder with a Broken Fiber”, Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics, Vol. 21, pp. 197-206, (1994).

V. Bechel and A.K. Kaw, “On Using a Symbolic Manipulator in Teaching Classical Elasticity,” ASEE Computers in Education Journal, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 55-59, (1994).

A.K. Kaw and N.J. Pagano, “Axisymmetric Thermoelastic Response of a Composite Cylinder Containing an Annular Crack”, Journal of Composite Materials, Vol. 23, No. 6, pp. 540-571, (1993).

A.K. Kaw and K.S. Gadi, “Mechanics of Fiber-Reinforced Composites with Doubly Periodic Cracks,” Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 173-182, (1993).

A.K. Kaw, D. Jadhav, G. Sudhakar, “On Solving Crack Problems in Fiber Reinforced Composites by Symbolic Manipulations,” Advances in Engineering Software and Workstations, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 31-36, (1993).

A.K. Kaw and G.H. Besterfield, “Periodic Matrix Cracking in Brittle Matrix Composites,” International Journal of Solids and Structures, Vol. 29, No. 10, pp. 1193-1207, (1992).

A.K. Kaw, A. Selvarathinam and G.H. Besterfield, “Comparison of Interphase Models for a Crack in Fiber Reinforced Composites,” Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics, Vol. 17, pp. 133-147, (1992).

A.K. Kaw, “Numerical Solutions of Strong Integrals in Hadamard’s Sense,” IMSL Directions, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 8-9, (1992).

A.K. Kaw, “An Instructional Interactive Aid for Mechanics of Composites,”  International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education, Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 213-229 (1992).

A.K. Kaw and G.H. Besterfield, “Effect of Interphases on Mechanical Behavior of Composites,” ASCE Journal of Engineering Mechanics, Vol. 117, No. 11, pp. 2641-2658, (1991).

A.K. Kaw and V.G. Das, “A Crack in an Imperfect Interface in Composites,”  Mechanics of Materials, Vol. 11, pp. 295-322, (1991).

A.K. Kaw and J.G. Goree, “The Semi-Infinite Strip Problem in Mechanics of Composites,” ASTM Journal of Composite Technology and Research, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 65-77, (1991).

A.K. Kaw, “Cauchy Singular Integral Equations with Logarithmic Singular Integrands in Solid Mechanics,” Mechanics Research Communications, Vol. 18, No.5, pp. 261-268, (1991).

A.K. Kaw, “On Evaluating Integrals with Strongly Singular Integrands,” Advances in Engineering Software and Workstations, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 84-103, (1991).

A.K. Kaw and J.G. Goree, “The Effect of Interleaves on Fracture of Laminated Composites: Part I – Analysis,” ASME Journal of Applied Mechanics, Vol. 57, No. 1, pp. 168-174, (1990).

A.K. Kaw and J.G. Goree, “The Effect of Interleaves on Fracture of Laminated Composites: Part II – Solution and Results,” ASME Journal of Applied Mechanics, Vol. 57, No. 1, pp. 175-181, (1990).

A.K. Kaw, “Some Simple Tools to Develop Educational Software,” The Quickbasic Journal, Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 23-29, (1990).

A.K. Kaw and J.G. Goree, “Analysis of Notched Laminates with Interlaminar Debonding,” Journal of Engineering Fracture Mechanics, Vol. 22, No. 6, pp. 1013-1029, (1985).