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. A central objective is to develop physically interpretable models that connect nonlinear 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-induced nonlinear mechanisms for vibration mitigation, targeted energy transfer, and energy harvesting.<\/p>\n
Experimental nonlinear modal analysis<\/strong> \u2014 methods for identifying and characterizing nonlinear modal behavior directly from measured vibration data.<\/p>\n Nonlinear system identification<\/strong> \u2014 multivariate signal-analysis and model-identification methods for extracting governing nonlinear dynamics from experiments.<\/p>\n Structural health monitoring<\/strong> \u2014 nonlinear time-series methods for damage detection, fatigue assessment, and prognosis under realistic operating conditions.<\/p>\n Geometry-induced nonlinear dynamics<\/strong> \u2014 kinematic mechanisms that create internal resonance and targeted energy transfer for passive vibration mitigation.<\/p>\n Nonlinear reduced-order modeling<\/strong> \u2014 manifold-based and data-driven models that retain essential nonlinear behavior while reducing computational cost.<\/p>\n\n Ph.D., Engineering Science and Mechanics<\/strong>, Penn State University, University Park, PA<\/p> Dissertation: A nonlinear observer for damage evolution tracking \u00b7 Advisor: Joseph Cusumano<\/p><\/div>2000<\/span><\/div>\n M.S., Mechanical Engineering<\/strong>, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Carbondale, IL<\/p> Thesis: Nonlinear Response of Reinforced Concrete Beams \u00b7 Advisor: Farhang Kambiz<\/p><\/div>1995<\/span><\/div>\n Diploma, Mechanical Engineering<\/strong>, Georgian Technical University, Tbilisi, Georgia<\/p> Graduated with High Honors (Red Diploma). Specialization: Robotics.<\/p><\/div>1992<\/span><\/div>\n\n Professor<\/strong>, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI<\/p> Director, Nonlinear Dynamics Laboratory; Director of Graduate Studies (2009\u20132022)<\/p><\/div>2009\u2013Present<\/span><\/div>\n Visiting Professor<\/strong>, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India<\/p> Department of Mechanical Engineering<\/p><\/div>11\/2024<\/span><\/div>\n Visiting Professor<\/strong>, Polytechnic University of Marche (UNIVPM), Ancona, Italy<\/p> Department of Civil and Building Engineering and Architecture<\/p><\/div>09\/2024<\/span><\/div>\n Visiting Professor<\/strong>, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport, RI<\/p> Mathematics Group, NUWC Newport Division<\/p><\/div>2013\u20132014<\/span><\/div>\n Associate Professor<\/strong>, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI<\/p> Director, Nonlinear Dynamics Laboratory<\/p><\/div>2005\u20132009<\/span><\/div>\n Assistant Professor<\/strong>, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI<\/p> Established the Nonlinear Dynamics Laboratory<\/p><\/div>2000\u20132005<\/span><\/div>\n Senior Engineer<\/strong>, Preschutti and Associates, Inc., State College, PA<\/p><\/div>2000<\/span><\/div>\n\n My teaching emphasizes physical intuition, conceptual understanding, rigorous analytical reasoning, and independent problem solving. I focus on the geometry and mechanics underlying mathematical formulations and connect analytical derivations with computation, visualization, and experiment \u2014 teaching students not only how to solve problems, but how to formulate unfamiliar ones, identify the essential physics, test assumptions, and interpret results. Courses taught: Statics; Dynamics; Vibrations; Advanced Dynamics and Vibrations; Nonlinear Dynamics; Nonlinear Time Series Analysis; Structural Health Monitoring; and Experimental Nonlinear Dynamics.<\/p>\n Jason Smith<\/strong> \u2014 Ph.D. candidate \u2014 Experimental Nonlinear Dynamics & Reduced-Order Modeling<\/em><\/p>\nExpected 2028<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n \n\nRiju Chatterjee\n<\/strong> \u2014 M.S. candidate \u2014 Targeted Nonlinear Transfer of Vibration Energy into Pinned-Free Sprung-Hinged Chain Linkages<\/em>\n<\/p>\n\nExpected 2026\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n \nAlexander E. Travison<\/strong> \u2014 M.S. candidate<\/em><\/p>Expected 2028\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n \nScott Booth<\/strong> \u2014 M.S. candidate \u2014 Experimental Identification of Nonlinear Manifolds and Associated Linear Control<\/em>\n<\/p>\nIn progress\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n \nAkinola Ajayi<\/strong> \u2014 M.S. candidate<\/em><\/p>In progress<\/span><\/div>\n\n Ryan Desacia<\/strong> \u2014 Undergraduate researcher<\/em><\/p>Current<\/span><\/div>\n Sebastian Forero<\/strong> \u2014 Undergraduate researcher<\/em><\/p>Current<\/span><\/div>\n Dalton Stein, Ph.D.<\/strong> \u2014 Nonlinear Oscillations in Structural Dynamics: Computational Techniques, Data-Driven Tools, and Model Order Reduction; Sandia National Laboratories<\/em><\/p>2026<\/span><\/div>\n Hewenxuan Li, Ph.D.<\/strong> \u2014 On Data-Driven Fatigue Damage Monitoring and Prediction in Nonlinear Mechanical Systems; Assistant Professor, Rochester Institute of Technology<\/em><\/p>2022<\/span><\/div>\n Shahab Ilbeigi, Ph.D.<\/strong> \u2014 A New Framework for Model Reduction of Complex Nonlinear Dynamical Systems; Senior Machine Learning Scientist, Symbotic<\/em><\/p>2017<\/span><\/div>\n Son Hai Nguyen, Ph.D.<\/strong> \u2014 Coupled Field Dynamic Model of Fatigue Evolution; Professor and Deputy Head of Department, Hanoi University of Science and Technology<\/em><\/p>2013<\/span><\/div>\n David Segala, Ph.D.<\/strong> \u2014 Novel Nonlinear Multivariate Analysis in Biological and Physiological Modeling; Manager, Data Analytics, Pratt & Whitney<\/em><\/p>2011<\/span><\/div>\n Joseph J. Kuehl, Ph.D.<\/strong> \u2014 Finite-Time Invariant Manifold Detection from Experimental Phase-Space Trajectories; Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware<\/em><\/p>2009<\/span><\/div>\n Wenliang Zhou, Ph.D.<\/strong> \u2014 Multivariate Analysis in Vibration Modal Parameter Identification; Director of Product Management, Maxar Technologies<\/em><\/p>2006<\/span><\/div>\n Ming Liu, Ph.D.<\/strong> \u2014 Multidimensional Damage State Identification Using Phase-Space Warping; Research Associate Professor, Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, UNC\u2013Chapel Hill and NC State University<\/em><\/p>2005<\/span><\/div>\n Kevin Perri, M.S.<\/strong> \u2014 Experimental Fatigue Characterization and Vibration-Based Failure Prediction for Material Optimization of an Automotive Half-Shaft<\/em><\/p>2026<\/span><\/div>\n Collin Treacy, M.S.<\/strong> \u2014 Targeted Energy Transfer in a Bistable Rotary Nonlinear Energy Sink; Ph.D. candidate, University of Michigan<\/em><\/p>2024<\/span><\/div>\n Benjamin Aldrich, M.S.<\/strong> \u2014 Three-Inch Untethered, Instrumented Test Shape; Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport<\/em><\/p>2015<\/span><\/div>\n Jan Eilbrecht, M.S.<\/strong> \u2014 Time-Optimal Control of an Unmanned Ocean-Surface Vessel; Senior Function and Software Development Engineer, Bosch<\/em><\/p>2014<\/span><\/div>\n Michael Falco, M.S.<\/strong> \u2014 Rational Models and Dynamical Characterization of Fatigue Using Phase-Space Warping and Smooth Orthogonal Decomposition; Engineering Manager, Sensata Technologies<\/em><\/p>2011<\/span><\/div>\n Yutao Liu, M.S.<\/strong> \u2014 Experimental Characterization of Material Fatigue Dynamics Based on Phase-Space Warping; Mechanical Engineer, H&R Technology, Inc.<\/em><\/p>2008<\/span><\/div>\n Miao Song, M.S.<\/strong> \u2014 Reconstructing Fatigue-Related Changes in Human Coordination; Human Factors and HMI Research Engineer, Honda Research Institute USA<\/em><\/p>2008<\/span><\/div>\n Fei He, M.S.<\/strong> \u2014 Nonlinear Model Reduction Based on Smooth Orthogonal Decomposition; Associate Professor, Texas A&M University\u2013Kingsville<\/em><\/p>2008<\/span><\/div>\n Lucian Dobrot, M.S.<\/strong> \u2014 Transition-Probability-Based Damage Identification; Engineering Manager, Xylem Inc.<\/em><\/p>2006<\/span><\/div>\n Martin Lugmair, M.S.<\/strong> \u2014 Damage Identification in a Variable-Forcing Environment; Mechanical Design Engineer, Berliner Glas<\/em><\/p>2005<\/span><\/div>\n Domenic Napolitano, M.S.<\/strong> \u2014 Identifying Task- and Fatigue-Related Changes in Human Coordination<\/em><\/p>Education<\/h2>\n
Professional Appointments<\/h2>\n
Teaching and Mentorship<\/h2>\n
Current Research Group<\/h3>\n\n
Ph.D. Alumni<\/h3>\n
M.S. Alumni<\/h3>\n