William W. Predebon

Contact

wwpredeb@mtu.edu
906-487-2551

Professor Emeritus, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
Research Professor, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
Retired July 2022

PhD, Engineering Mechanics, Iowa State University
MS, Engineering Mechanics, Iowa State University
BS, Engineering Science, University of Notre Dame

Biography

Dr. Predebon's research includes mechanical behavior, characterization and processing of ceramics, shock deformation including microstructural effects and dynamic fracture of metals and ceramics, impact phenomena, computer simulation of wave phenomena, explosive-metal interaction and fragmentation. His research usually involves experimental, analytical, and computational elements.

Dr. Predebon's research in mechanical behavior and processing of alumina has recently resulted in two patents. This newly developed alumina has exceptional compressive and tensile strength properties which increase with strain rate. It has also increased toughness. It has an enhanced dynamic yield strength (Hugoniot Elastic Limit) and spall strength. Potential applications being considered are ceramic cutting tools, engine components (pistons, valves, etc.), bioceramics, electronic structures, and armor.

Areas of Expertise

Ceramics
Impact Phenomena
Wave Propagation
Computer Simulation of Explosive - Metal Systems

Research Interests

Mechanical behavior
Characterization and processing of ceramics
Shock deformation including microstructural effects and dynamic fracture of metals and ceramics
Impact phenomena
Computer simulation of wave phenomena
Explosive-metal interaction and fragmentation

Recent Publications

B.P. Bettig, J.E. Hertel, M.A. LaCourt, J.E. Beard, B-D Youn, C.R. Vilmann, M.A. Bable, M.C. Peed and W.W. Predebon, NX CAD/CAM/CAE through-out the curriculum at Michigan Technological University, 2006 PACE Annual Forum, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, July 24-29, 2006
W.R. Shapton, P.F. Zenner, W.W. Predebon, J.W. Sutherland, M.A. Banks-Sikarskie, L.A. Artman and P.A. Lins, "From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Distance Learning Undergraduate and Graduate Engineering Programs, A Global Partnership of Industry and Academia", International Conference on Engineering Education Proceedings (CD Format), Oslo, Norway, August 6-10, 2001, 1-6 pp.
C.L. White, W.W. Predebon, E. Wathne, and P.K. Larsen, “An International Industry/University Collaboration: Norsk Hydro Michigan Tech/NTNU”, International Conference on Engineering Education Proceedings (CD Format), Oslo, Norway, august 6-10, 2001, 4 pp.
Predebon, William, Sutherland, John W., Shapton, William, Zenner, P.F., Banks-Sikarskie, M.A., Artman, L.A., and Lins, P.A., 2001, "From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Distance Learning Undergraduate and Graduate Engineering Programs, A Global Partnership of Industry and Academia," International Conference on Engineering Education Proceedings (CD Format), Oslo, Norway, August 6-10, 2001, pp. 1-6.
Predebon, William, Staehler, J.M., Pletka, B.J., and Subhash, G., 2000, "Micromechanisms of Deformation in High-purity Hot-pressed Alumina," Materials Science and Engineering A, Vol. 291, No. 1-2, pp. 37-45.