Research:

 

Current Research:

My current research focuses on near-surface faceted snow crystals, which is a layer of snow that forms in the uppermost layer of a snowpack.  When buried, this layer is a common weak interface for slab avalanches.  The goal of my PhD research is to, using laboratory experiments and analytical models, determine the environmental conditions necessary to form these near-surface facets.  For example, how much incoming solar radiation or at what air temperatures, etc.

 

A slightly more detailed synopsis will follow, until then a full length research proposal may be found here.

 

ONGOING RESEARCH:

I am currently working on laboratory experiments of snow penitents, which are spike-like formations common in the Andes Mountains of S. America.  The preliminary results from the laboratory experiments were presented at a region conference in Sept. of 2006, both as a poster and oral presentation (click here for a copy of the poster).  This work was successful in that we were able to form snow penitents in a laboratory environment.  However, the number of successful experiments was limited thus we are currently attempting to gather additional data for future publication of the work.  The most notable portion of the work is the use of a hyperspectral imaging system; the results of which show promise in enabling us to quantify the change in surface albedo of the snow as penitents form.

 

PAST RESEARCH:

 

Stay tuned for additional information on my prior research, below are a few links to my past research activities.

 

             Washington State University M.S. Thesis

The following link, although not a project I directly worked on, is the result of some of my preliminary wood-plastic composite (WPC) design and formulation testing research.  Chapter 2 of my thesis (linked above) discusses the formulation testing that eventually led to choosing a WPC formulation that would be adequate for structural applications, specifically a pedestrian bridge. 

Rattlesnake Creek Bridge Design

 

            

             Michigan Tech. University Senior Design

                                 This project was completed as senior design course for by B.S in Civil Engineering.  The project was undertaken in order to develop a restoration plan for saving a turn of the century bridge located in upper Michigan that was in a state of near-collapse.  The project included a refurbishing plan, cost analysis, and a public presentation.

email: slaughter@montana.edu

Andrew E. Slaughter

PhD Candidate in Applied Mechanics, Montana State University