MEMSDUKEPRATT School of engineering

Education

  • PhD, University of London, 1986
  • MS, Cardiff University, 1982
  • BS, University of Manchester, 1981
Lawrie Virgin
  • Office Location: 3393 Fitzpatrick Center (CIEMAS) Fitzpatrick Center for Interdisciplinary Engine
  • Office Phone: +1 919 660 5342
  • Email Address: l.virgin@duke.edu
  • Web Pages: Nonlinear Dynamics Lab , Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics

    • Professor Virgin's research is centered on studying the behavior of nonlinear dynamical systems. This work may be broadly divided into two components. First, investigation of the fundamental nature of nonlinear systems based on a mathematical description of their underlying equations of motion. Both analytical and numerical techniques are used with special attention focussed on the loss of stability of dynamical systems. The recent discovery of chaos has stimulated much research in this area across the breadth of science and engineering.

    The second area of interest is to apply recent results from nonlinear dynamical systems theory to problems of practical engineering importance. These include the nonlinear rolling motion of ships leading to capsize; buckling of axially-loaded structural components; and aeroelastic flutter of aircraft panels at high supersonic speeds. Professor Virgin conducts mechanical experiments to complement these studies.

    Specialties
    Nonlinear Dynamics
    Aerospace
    Chaos, Dynamics
    Structural Engineering
    Vibration

    TEACHING (Fall 2009)

    CE 252.01, BUCKLING EGR STRUCTURES, TuTh 10:05 AM-11:20 AM

    TEACHING (Spring 2010)

    ME 135.01, INTRODUCTION TO VIBRATIONS,

    Recent Publications More Publications

    1. R.H. Plaut and L.N. Virgin, Vibration and snap-through of bent elastica strips subjected to end rotations, Journal of Applied Mechanics, vol. 76 no. 041011 (2009)
    2. B. Yellen and L.N. Virgin, Non-linear dynamics of superparamagnetic beads in a traveling magnetic field wave, Physical Review E, vol. 80 no. 011402 (2009)
    3. S.T. Santillan, R.H. Plaut, T.P. Witelski and L.N. Virgin, Large amplitude oscillations of beams and columns including self-weight, International Journal of Nonlinear Mechanics, vol. 43 (2008), ppt. 761-771
    4. L.N. Virgin, S.T. Santillan, and R.H. Plaut, Vibration isolation using extreme geometric nonlinearity, Journal of Sound and Vibration, vol. 315 (2008), ppt. 721-731
    5. R.B. Davis, L.N. Virgin and A.M. Brown, Cylindrical shell submerged in bounded acoustic media: a modal approach, AIAA Journal, vol. 46 (2008), ppt. 752-763
    6. R.H. Plaut, H.F. Favor, A.E. Jeffers and L.N. Virgin, Vibration isolation using buckled or pre-bent columns. Part 1: two-dimensional motions of horizontal rigid bar, Journal of Sound and Vibration, vol. 310 (2008), ppt. 409-420
    7. D.B. Holland, L.N. Virgin and R.H. Plaut, Large deflections and vibration of a tapered cantilever pulled at its tip by a cable, Journal of Sound and Vibration, vol. 310 (2008), ppt. 433-441
    8. A.E. Jeffers, R.H. Plaut and L.N. Virgin, Vibration isolation using buckled or pre-bent columns. Part 2: three-dimensional motions of horizontal rigid plate, Journal of Sound and Vibration, vol. 310 (2008), ppt. 421-432
    9. L.N. Virgin, S.T. Santillan and R.H. Plaut, Vibration isolation using extreme geometric nonlinearity, Journal of Sound and Vibration, (2008)
    10. L.N. Virgin, D.B. Holland and S. Santillan, Effect of gravity on the vibration of vertical cantilevers’, Mechanics Research Communications, vol. 34 (2007), ppt. 312-317

    Research Interests

      Professor Virgin's research is centered on studying the behavior of nonlinear dynamical systems. This work may be broadly divided into two components. First, investigation of the fundamental nature of nonlinear systems based on a mathematical description of their underlying equations of motion. Both analytical and numerical techniques are used with special attention focused on the loss of stability of dynamical systems. The recent discovery of chaos has stimulated much research in this area across the breadth of science and engineering.

      The second area of interest is to apply recent results from nonlinear dynamical systems theory to problems of practical engineering importance. These include the nonlinear rolling motion of ships leading to capsize; buckling of axially-loaded structural components; and aeroelastic flutter of aircraft panels at high supersonic speeds. Professor Virgin conducts mechanical experiments to complement these studies.


    The mission of Duke's Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science educational programs is to provide the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to be successful in the practice of engineering; the preparation necessary to undertake professional registration; an educational preparation for graduate or professional study; and an education background that is the basis for professional growth and leadership throughout a career that may encompass a broad range of endeavors, both technical and non-technical.