Nicholas P. Jones: Research Interests
Structural Dynamics: Flow-induced vibration and wind engineering;
Earthquake engineering.
Structural Dynamics/Wind Engineering
As more cable-supported bridges of longer span are conceived and designed for
more environmentally extreme locations around the world, furthering the
understanding of the mechanics of the fluid-structure interaction which occurs
when such structures are subjected to wind loading is critical. Analysis of
this complex problem entails a combination of analytical, numerical and
experimental techniques, coupled with instrumentation of structures at full
scale where possible to corroborate these predictions.
Current research thrusts include the development of improved mathematical
models for the prediction of the aerodynamic and aeroelastic response of these
structures, finite element modeling of geometrically nonlinear structures,
wind-tunnel determination of aerodynamic and aeroelastic parameters. In
addition, ambient vibration surveys have been conducted on a number of bridges
including the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in
Washington, and the Houston Ship Channel Bridge (ongoing project). New
techniques in system identification are continuously under development to
assist in the analysis and interpretation of collected data at both the model
and full scale. The research program makes extensive use of the low-turbulence
Corrsin wind tunnel at Johns Hopkins.
Earthquake Engineering
Primary interests in the earthquake field, including topics of both recently
completed and ongoing research, are in earthquake injury epidemiology
(studies of injury in earthquakes and their relation to building environment)
and loss estimation in earthquakes, the performance of older construction
during earthquakes and evaluation of retrofit procedures, and the dynamics of
free-standing rigid blocks subjected to ground motion.
The earthquake injury epidemiology and loss estimation project represents a
four-year study of damage and injury after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.
This project is collaborative with faculty and students from the Johns Hopkins
School of Hygiene and Public Health, and is partially supported by the
insurance industry.
The other topics (e.g., mechanics of free-standing blocks) generally include
analytical, numerical, and experimental components, making use of the
Department's structural dynamics laboratory.