Castro, Francisco

Research

research overview

Dr. Castro's field of study includes the study of the mechanical behavior of materials. His main work consist of studying the effects of time and temperature on shape memory polymers. Research activities include experimental and theoretical approaches.

keywords

Solid mechanics, polymer testing, shape memory polymers, mechanical testing and finite element analysis.

Publications

selected publications

conference proceeding
- Constitutive modeling of finite deformation behavior of shape memory polymers. 234-234. 2007
- Thermomechanical indentation of shape memory polymers. Proceedings of SPIE. 2007
journal article
- A 3D finite deformation constitutive model for amorphous shape memory polymers: A multi-branch modeling approach for nonequilibrium relaxation processes. Mechanics of Materials. 853-869. 2011
- Time and Temperature Dependent Recovery of Epoxy-Based Shape Memory Polymers. Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology. 2011
- Effects of thermal rates on the thermomechanical behaviors of amorphous shape memory polymers. Mechanics of Time-Dependent Materials. 219-241. 2010
- Improved testing system for thermomechanical experiments on polymers using uniaxial compression equipment. Polymer Testing. 503-512. 2010
- A thermoviscoelastic model for amorphous shape memory polymers: Incorporating structural and stress relaxation. Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids. 2792-2814. 2008

Teaching

courses taught

ECEN 4610 - Capstone Laboratory Part 1
Primary Instructor - Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Hands-on laboratory experience utilizing teams in the systematic proposal, design, integration, and testing of an electronic/computer based system. Results will be the prototype of a stand-alone analog/digital system. Must have completed all required Advanced Analog Core courses for major, except one course may be taken concurrently by petition. Must take ECEN 4620 to complete the sequence. Minimum required grade for this course and ECEN 4620 is C-. IDEN majors follow different requisites and should work with their advisor for requisite planning and enrollment assistance.
ECEN 4620 - Capstone Lab, Part 2
Primary Instructor - Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Hands-on laboratory experience for teams in the systematic proposal, design, build integration, test and documentation of an electronic/computer based system. Results will be a reliably operating, stand-alone analog/digital system, with publication quality technical documentation. Department enforced prerequisite: advanced analog core courses.
MCEN 3012 - Thermodynamics
Primary Instructor - Spring 2022
Explores fundamental concepts and basic theory, including first and second laws of thermodynamics, properties, states, thermodynamic functions and cycles. Degree credit not granted for this course and GEEN 3852 or AREN 2110.
MCEN 3025 - Component Design
Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Application of mechanics and materials science to the detailed design of various machine elements including shafts, bearings, gears, brakes, springs, and fasteners. Emphasizes application and open-ended design problems.
MCEN 3030 - Computational Methods
Primary Instructor - Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Studies fundamental numerical techniques for the solution of commonly encountered engineering problems. Includes methods for linear and nonlinear algebraic equations, data analysis, numerical differentiation and integration, ordinary and partial differential equations.

MCEN 4043 - System Dynamics
Primary Instructor - Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Covers linear dynamic systems and mathematical tools for understanding them. Topics include Laplace transform, multi-domain system modeling, input-output relationships, time-domain response, Fourier series, frequency-domain response, and introduction to feedback control.

MCEN 4045 - Mechanical Engineering Design Project 1
Primary Instructor - Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
First part of a two-course capstone design experience in mechanical engineering. Covers problem definition, determining design requirements, alternative design concepts, engineering analysis, proof-of-concept prototype and CAD drawings. Students make several oral design reviews, a final design presentation, and prepare a written report. IDEN-BSIDE students are not required to complete MCEN 2000, MCEN 3022, MCEN 3030 or MCEN 4026 but have additional prerequisites of GEEN 1400, 2400 and 3400.

MCEN 4085 - Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Project 2
Primary Instructor - Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Second part of a two-course capstone design experience in mechanical engineering. Includes refinement of prototype, design optimization, fabrication, testing, and evaluation. Students orally present the final design and prepare a written report and operation manual for the product. GEEN-BS and GEEN-BSEPL students are not required to complete MCEN 4026.

MCEN 4123 - Vibration Analysis
Primary Instructor - Fall 2019 / Fall 2020
Highlights free and forced vibration of discrete and continuous systems. Examines Lagrange's equation, Fourier series, Laplace transforms, and matrix and computational methods. Applies knowledge to practical engineering problems. Same as ASEN 4123.

MCEN 4173 - Finite Element Analysis
Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Introduces the theory behind and applications of the finite element method as a general and powerful tool to model a variety of phenomena in mechanical engineering. Applications include structural mechanics, mechanics of elastic continua and heat conduction. Same as MCEN 5173.

MCEN 5173 - Finite Element Analysis
Primary Instructor - Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2024
Introduces the theory behind and applications of the finite element method as a general and powerful tool to model a variety of phenomena in mechanical engineering. Applications include structural mechanics, mechanics of elastic continua and heat conduction. Same as MCEN 4173.

MCEN 5228 - Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering
Primary Instructor - Fall 2019 / Fall 2020
Subject matter to be selected from topics of current interest. May be repeated up to 30 credit hours.

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Background

education and training

Ph.D., University of Colorado Boulder 2009
M.S., University of Colorado Boulder 2003
B.S., Pontificia Univ Catolica Del Peru (Peru) 1997

Other Profiles

ORCID iD

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8043-1190

VIVO

Positions

Research Areas