Current Research: The engineering and science industry is becoming increasingly more reliant on numerical modeling; and thus,

validation of these models against experiments is gaining importance. My work provides a framework for assessing the predictive capabilities of numerical models in a quantifiable and defendable manner giving decision makers the information needed to make informed, highconsequence decisions about code/product validation and development. Within this framework, I have developed algorithms for path selection (additional experiments or code development) and code prioritization and demonstrate the framework on a series of non-trivial case studies including the Preston-Tonks-Wallace (PTW) and viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC) material codes and finite element modeling of semi-rigid connections.

Model Validation Framework

Semi-Rigid Connections: Finite Element Models

Awards and Honors: Los Alamos National Laboratory Graduate Research Assistant Internship, 2011 Recipient of Russell H. Brown CCMA Masonry Fellowship, 2010 Clemson University Full Time Graduate Research Assistantship, 2010-present Graduated with honors and summa cum laude from Kent State University, 2007

Peer-reviewed Publications: Hegenderfer, J., Atamturktur, S., Hemez, F., and Unal, C., (under review-2012), Predictive Capability of Numerical Models: Benefits of Augmenting Experimental Campaigns and Improving Physics Sophistication, Submitted to Probabilistic Engineering Mechanics. Hegenderfer, J., Atamturktur, S., Williams, B., Lebensohn, R., Yonten, K., and Unal, C., (under review-2012), A Framework for Experiment-Based Validation of Numerical Models of Complex Systems: Application to VPSC Code for Metals, Submitted to Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. Hegenderfer, J. and Atamturktur, S., (under review-2012), Prioritization of Code Development Efforts in Partitioned Analysis, Submitted to Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering (2012). Hegenderfer, J., Atamturktur, S., Yonten, K., Williams, B., and Unal, C., Batch Sequential Design Implementing Predictive maturity Criterion, In Preparation for Submission to Computers and Structures (2012).