David Chelidze, Ph.D.

David Chelidze

Curriculum Vitae

Biography

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David Chelidze is Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics and Director of the Nonlinear Dynamics Laboratory at The University of Rhode Island. His research integrates analytical, computational, and experimental approaches to nonlinear dynamics and vibrations, with emphasis on nonlinear modal analysis, nonlinear reduced-order modeling, nonlinear system identification, structural health monitoring, and damage prognosis.

Research

Prof. Chelidze’s research focuses on theoretical, computational, and experimental nonlinear dynamics and vibrations. A central objective is to develop physically interpretable models that connect dynamical systems theory with measured behavior in engineered and natural systems. His contributions include experimental characterization of nonlinear normal modes, multivariate nonlinear time-series analysis, manifold-based model reduction, and geometry-programmed nonlinear mechanisms for vibration utilization and mitigation, targeted energy transfer, and energy harvesting.

Current work examines geometry-programmed internal resonance, nonlinear vibration absorption and energy transfer, vibration energy harvesting, and nonlinear mechanical metamaterials. These efforts combine analytical mechanics, nonlinear dynamical systems theory, numerical continuation, data-driven modeling, and carefully designed experiments to identify mechanisms, construct interpretable reduced-order models, and develop practical methods for prediction, control, and structural health assessment.

Current Research Focus

  • Nonlinear dynamics and vibrations; experimental nonlinear modal analysis
  • Nonlinear reduced-order modeling; nonlinear system identification
  • Structural health monitoring and damage prognosis
  • Geometry-programmed nonlinear dynamics; energy transfer and harvesting

Representative Contributions

Experimental nonlinear modal analysis: methods for identifying and characterizing nonlinear modal behavior directly from measured vibration data.

Nonlinear system identification: multivariate signal-analysis and model-identification methods for extracting governing nonlinear dynamics from experiments.

Structural health monitoring: nonlinear time-series methods for damage detection, fatigue assessment, and prognosis under realistic operating conditions.

Geometry-programmed nonlinear dynamics: kinematic mechanisms that create internal resonance and targeted energy transfer for passive vibration mitigation.

Nonlinear reduced-order modeling: manifold-based and data-driven models that retain essential nonlinear behavior while reducing computational cost.

Education

  • Ph.D. – Engineering Science & Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 2000
  • M.S. – Mechanical Engineering, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois, 1995
  • Diploma – Mechanical Engineering, Georgian Technical University, Tbilisi, Georgia, 1992

Selected Publications

  • Ball tree structure-informed phase space warping: a robust algorithm for dynamic degradation tracking under variable speed conditions
    Rui Yuan, Hengyu Liu, Yong Lv, Yuejian Chen, Xingkai Yang, Hewenxuan Li, DavidChelidze 
    Advanced Engineering Informatics 71 (2026), p. 104288
    DOI: 10.1016/j.aei.2025.104288.
  • Advances and prospects of phase space reconstruction-based high-dimensional signal processing for fault di-agnosis: A systematic review
    Yong Lv, Hengyu Liu, Rui Yuan, Xun Dong, Yifei Wang, Hao Wu, DavidChelidze 
    Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing 246 (2026), p. 113919
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2026.113919.
  • Multifaceted Vibration Absorption of a Rotating Magnetic Nonlinear Energy Sink
    Collin Treacy, Dalton Stein, David Chelidze
    Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing 224 (2025), p.112122
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2024.112122.
  • Continuation of Nonlinear Normal Modes Using Reduced-Order Models Based on Generalized Characteristic Value Decomposition
    Dalton L. Stein, David Chelidze
    Nonlinear Dynamics 113 (2025), pp. 25–45
    DOI: 10.1007/s11071-024-10239-0.
  • Characteristic value decomposition: A unifying paradigm for data-driven modal analysis
    He-Wen-Xuan Li, Dalton L. Stein, David Chelidze
    Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing 222 (2025), p.111769
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2024.111769.
  • Irrational Nonlinearity Enhances the Targeted Energy Transfer in a Rotary Nonlinear Energy Sink
    Collin Treacy, Dalton Stein, David Chelidze
    Journal of Computational and Nonlinear Dynamics 19.6 (2024), p.061001
    DOI: 10.1115/1.4065193.
  • Subband Decomposition Based Output-Only Modal Analysis
    D.L. Stein, H.-W.-X. Li, David Chelidze
    Journal of Vibration and Acoustics 145.1 (2023), 011005 (12pages)
    DOI: 10.1115/1.4055135.
  • Smooth mode decomposition: Theory and its applications in full-field output-only modal analysis
    He-Wen-Xuan Li, Piyush Wanchoo, Arun Shukla, David Chelidze 
    Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing 200 (2023),p. 110541
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2023.110541.
  • Geometry-Informed Phase Space Warping for Reliable Fatigue Damage Monitoring
    He-Wen-Xuan Li, David Chelidze
    Structural Health Monitoring 23.2 (2024), pp.1217–1244
    DOI: 10.1177/14759217231174894.
  • Experimental monitoring and modeling of fatigue damage for 3D-printed polymeric beams under irregularload-ing
    H.-W.-X. Li, G. Lyngdoh, S. Doner, R. Yuan, David Chelidze 
    International Journal of Mechanical Sciences 233 (2022), p.107626
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2022.107626.
  • Fatigue life estimation of structures under statistically and spectrally similar variable amplitude loading
    He-Wen-Xuan Li, David Chelidze
    Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing 161 (2021), p.107856
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2021.107856.
  • Empirical Mode Analysis Identifying Hysteresis in Vortex-Induced Vibrations of a Bending-Dominated Flexible Cylinder
    E. D. Gedikli, David Chelidze, J. Dahl
    International Journal of Offshore and Polar Engineering 30.2 (2020), pp. 186–193
    DOI: 10.17736/ijope.2020.mt27.
  • Towards a Unified Interpretation of the ‘Proper’/‘Smooth’ Orthogonal Decompositions and ‘State Variable’/‘Dynamic Mode’ Decompositions
    Arham Khan, Joseph Kuehl, DavidChelidze 
    AIP Advances 10 (2020), p. 035225
    DOI: 10.1063/1.5144429.
  • A novel method for bone fatigue monitoring andprediction 
    Michelle L. Cler, Joseph J. Kuehl, Carolyn Skurla, David Chelidze 
    Bone Reports 11 (2019), p. 100221
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2019.100221.
  • A new approach to model reduction of nonlinear control systems using smooth orthogonal decomposition
    Shahab Ilbeigi, David Chelidze
    International Journal of Robust and Nonlinear Control 28.15 (2018), pp. 4367–4381
    DOI: 10.1002/rnc.4238.
  • Observed mode shape effects on the vortex-induced vibration of bending dominated flexible cylinders simply supported at both ends
    Ersegun D. Gedikli, David Chelidze, Jason M. Dahl 
    Journal of Fluids and Structures 81 (2018),pp. 399–417
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfluidstructs.2018.05.010.
  • Persistent Model Order Reduction for Complex Dynamical Systems Using Smooth Orthogonal Decomposition
    Shahab Ilbeigi, David Chelidze
    Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing 96 (2017), pp. 125–138
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2017.04.005.
  • Reliable Estimation of Minimum Embedding Dimension Through Statistical Analysis of Nearest Neighbors
    David Chelidze
    Journal of Computational and Nonlinear Dynamics 12.5 (2017), pp. 051024–12
    DOI: 10.1115/1.4036814.
  • Multivariate Analysis Of Vortex-Induced Vibrations In a Tensioned Cylinder Reveal Nonlinear Modal Interactions
    Ersegun D. Gedikli, Jason M. Dahl, DavidChelidze 
    Procedia Engineering 199 (2017), pp. 546–551
    DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2017.09.159.
  • Dynamic model for fatigue evolution in a cracked beam subjected to irregular loading
    Son Hai Nguyen, David Chelidze
    Journal of Vibration and Acoustics 139.1 (2016), pp.014502–6
    DOI: 10.1115/1.4035112.
  • New invariant measures to track slow parameter drifts in fast dynamical systems
    Son Hai Nguyen, David Chelidze
    Nonlinear Dynamics 79.2 (2015), pp. 1207–1216
    DOI: 10.1007/s11071-014-1737-y.
  • Robust and Dynamically Consistent Model Order Reduction for Nonlinear Dynamic Systems
    David B. Segala, David Chelidze
    Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control 137.2 (2014), pp. 021011–8
    DOI: 10.1115/1.4028470.
  • Nonlinear System Identification and Modeling of a New Fatigue Testing Rig Based on Inertial Forces
    Michael Falco, Ming Liu, Son Hai Nguyen, David Chelidze 
    Journal of Vibration and Acoustics 136.4(2014), pp. 041001–8
    DOI: 10.1115/1.4027317.
  • Smooth local subspace projection for nonlinear noise reduction
    David Chelidze
    Chaos: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science 24.1, 013121 (2014), pp. 013121–10
    DOI: 10.1063/1.4865754.
  • Different Fatigue Dynamics Under Statistically and Spectrally Similar Deterministic and Stochastic Excitations
    Son Hai Nguyen, Mike Falco, Ming Liu, David Chelidze 
    Journal of Applied Mechanics 81.4(2013), pp. 041004–8
    DOI: 10.1115/1.4025138.
  • Nonlinear Smooth Orthogonal Decomposition of Kinematic Features of Sawing Reconstructs Muscle Fatigue Evolution as Indicated by Electromyography
    David B. Segala, Deanna H. Gates, Jonathan B. Dingwell, DavidChelidze 
    Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 133.3 (2011), pp. 031009–8
    DOI: 10.1115/1.4003320.
  • Identifying invariant manifold using phase space warping and stochastic interrogation
    Joe Kuehl, David Chelidze
    International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics 45.1 (2010), pp. 42–55
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnonlinmec.2009.09.001.
  • Nonlinear analysis of gait kinematics to track changes in oxygen consumption in prolonged load carriage walking: a pilot study
    Jeffrey M Schiffman, David Chelidze, Albert Adams, David B Segala, Leif Hasselquist
    Journal of Biomechanics 42.13 (2009), pp.2196–9
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2009.06.011.

  • Slow-Time Changes in Human EMG Muscle Fatigue States Are Fully Represented in Movement Kinematics
    Miao Song, David B Segala, Jonathan B Dingwell, David Chelidze 
    Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 131.2 (2008),pp. 021004–11
    DOI: 10.1115/1.3005177.
  • A new type of atomic force microscope based on chaotic motions
    Ming Liu, David Chelidze
    International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics 43.6 (2008), pp. 521–526
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnonlinmec.2008.03.001.
  • Reconstructing slow-time dynamics from fast-time measurements
    David Chelidze, Ming Liu
    Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences 366.1866 (2008), pp. 729–45
    DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2007.2124.
  • Generalized eigenvalue decomposition in time domain modal parameter identification
    Wenliang Zhou, David Chelidze
    Journal of Vibration and Acoustics 130.1 (2007), pp.011001–6
    DOI: 10.1115/1.2775509.
  • Blind Source Separation Based Vibration Mode Identification
    Wenliang Zhou, David Chelidze
    Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing 21.8 (2007), pp. 3072–3087
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2007.05.007.
  • A nonlinear approach to tracking slow-time-scale changes in movement kinematics.
    Jonathan B Dingwell, Domenic F Napolitano, DavidChelidze 
    Journal of Biomechanics 40.7 (2007), pp. 1629–1634
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2006.06.019.
  • Identifying damage using local flow variation method
    Ming Liu, David Chelidze
    Smart Materials and Structures 15.6 (2006), pp. 1830–1836
    DOI: 10.1088/0964-1726/15/6/037.
  • Multidimensional Damage Identification Based on Phase Space Warping: An Experimental Study
    David Chelidze, Ming Liu
    Nonlinear Dynamics 46.1–2 (2006), pp. 61–72
    DOI: 10.1007/s11071-005-9007-7.
  • Phase space warping: nonlinear time-series analysis for slowly drifting systems
    David Chelidze, Joseph P. Cusumano
    Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences 364.1846 (2006), pp. 2495–2513
    DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2006.1837.
  • Smooth orthogonal decomposition-based vibration mode identification
    David Chelidze, Wenliang Zhou
    Journal of Sound and Vibration 292.3–5 (2006), pp. 461–473
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jsv.2005.08.006.
  • Dynamical systems approach to fatigue damage identification
    David Chelidze, Ming Liu
    Journal of Sound and Vibration 281.3–5 (2005), pp. 887–904
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jsv.2004.02.017.
  • Identifying Multidimensional Damage in a Hierarchical Dynamical System
    David Chelidze
    Nonlinear Dynamics 37.4 (2004), pp.307–322
    DOI: 10.1023/B:NODY.0000045546.02766.ad.
  • A Dynamical Systems Approach to Failure Prognosis
    David Chelidze, Joseph P. Cusumano
    Journal of Vibration and Acoustics 126.1 (2004),pp. 2–8
    DOI: 10.1115/1.1640638.
  • Optimal Tracking of Parameter Drift in a Chaotic System: Experiment and Theory
    Anindya Chatterjee, Joseph P. Cusumano, DavidChelidze 
    Journal of Sound and Vibration 250.5(2002), pp. 877–901
    DOI: 10.1006/jsvi.2001.3963.
  • A Dynamical Systems Approach to Damage Evolution Tracking, Part 1: Description and Experimental Application
    David Chelidze, Joseph P. Cusumano, Anindya Chatterjee 
    Journal of Vibration and Acoustics 124.2(2002), pp. 250–257
    DOI: 10.1115/1.1456908.
  • A Dynamical Systems Approach to Damage Evolution Tracking, Part 2: Model-Based Validation and Physical Interpretation
    Joseph P. Cusumano, David Chelidze, Anindya Chatterjee
    Journal of Vibration and Acoustics 124.2 (2002), pp. 258–264
    DOI: 10.1115/1.1456907.