Department of Physics

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In this section

About
Undergraduate
Graduate
Research
Faculty
Industrial Advisory Board
Facilities

Department of Physics

Physics: laying the groundwork for tomorrow's innovations

What do oceans, black holes, atoms, computers, and traffic jams have in common? Physics.

Physics is the most fundamental and all-inclusive of the sciences. Physicists probe the far reaches of space and the depths of the ocean; investigate the structure of the atom; design and program computers; solve environmental problems; and develop new manufacturing materials. Research in physics has paved the way for technological innovations such as the Internet, cell phones, lasers, fuel cells, diagnostic techniques in medicine, and solid-state electronics. Physicists lead some of the world's major technology companies.

Academic programs

BS in Physics
BS in Physics - Concentration in Astronomy/Astrophysics
MS in Physics

Students who study physics may be interested in pursuing advanced degrees such as UMassD's PhD in Engineering & Applied Science.

Department News

News

College of Engineering adjunct faculty finds new evidence for ringing black holes

A study led by Collin Capano, adjunct faculty in the Department of Physics, has been published in Physical Review Letters.

Professor finds breakthrough in black hole research

Physics Professor Gaurav Khanna and his team continue to unravel the universe

UMass Dartmouth faculty offer virtual discussion with Nobel Prize winner Kip Thorne

On December 2, UMassD faculty invite members of the public to explore the universe with famed Theoretical Physicist

Contact

Department of Physics

Science & Engineering Building, Room 203
UMass Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road
Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300

508-999-8354
508-999-9178
physics@umassd.edu

Chairperson

Jay Wang, PhD

Professor / Chairperson
Physics
Science & Engineering 204B

508-999-9136
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Events

Nov

12:00PM

ECE Seminar* Speaker: Dr. Lora Van Uffelen, University of Rhode Island (URI)

Topic: Geo-Positioning with Underwater Acoustics in a Changing Arctic Speaker: Dr. Lora Van Uffelen, Associate Professor, Department of Ocean Engineering with joint appointment with the Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island (URI), South Kingstown, RI Location: Science & Engineering Building (SENG), Room 222 Abstract: We have constant access to accurate geo-positioning on our ever-present mobile devices courtesy of electromagnetic signals from GPS satellites. Vehicles navigate using these signals on the roads, in the air, in space, and on the seas. These signals are quickly attenuated below the sea surface, however, complicating geo-positioning for vehicles and other platforms under water and under ice. Low-frequency acoustic signals can travel for hundreds of kilometers in the ocean, offering an acoustic analog to GPS. In recent decades, warming of the surface layers of the Beaufort Sea in the Arctic has led to the formation of a subsurface acoustic duct which enables sound transmission to longer ranges. Here we explore the use of acoustic signals for vehicle geo-positioning in the Beaufort Sea as well as across the Arctic Ocean, and the impact of ocean temperature structure on the propagation and interpretation of these signals. Biography: Lora Van Uffelen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ocean Engineering at the University of Rhode Island with a joint appointment in the Graduate School of Oceanography. She has a PhD in Oceanography from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and is a recipient of the 2023 Early Career Faculty Research and Scholarship Excellence Award at URI in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Engineering. Dr. Van Uffelen is interested in acoustic propagation and the effects of oceanographic variability at long ranges. She is particularly interested in acoustic receiving on mobile platforms and the use of long-range acoustic signals for underwater positioning. Her recent work focuses on sound-propagation in the Arctic. In addition to mentoring graduate students, she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in underwater acoustics and ocean engineering. The Seminar is open to the public free of charge. *For further information, please contact Dr. John R. Buck via email at jbuck@umassd.edu.

Science and Engineering Building

Nov

10:00AM

ECE Department: ELE Master of Science Thesis Defense by Christopher Gravelle

Topic: Experimental Demonstration of Sound Source Bearing Estimation at a Single Receiver Using Spectral Cues Location: Lester W. Cory Conference Room Science & Engineering Building (SENG), Room 213A Abstract: Traditionally, bearing estimation of a sound source is accomplished by exploiting relative time differences of arrival across an array of sensors. For scenarios where arrays of sensors cannot be effectively utilized due to size or cost, an alternative method for source localization must be considered. Yovel et al. [Science, 2010] discovered one such method when observing that bats steer the main response axis (MRA) of their echolocation beams askew of a target. While this strategy reduces the SNR of a received echo, it paradoxically improves the Fisher information about a target's bearing angle. This trade-off suggests there are spectral cues which improve target localization despite the lost signal power. For a single sensor with far-field frequency-dependent directivity, and a known broadband waveform of finite temporal support and sufficient SNR, it is possible to locate a sound source by the angle-dependent lowpass filtering of the signal at the receiver. Furthermore, there exists an angle which minimizes the bearing angle estimate that is near to, but not coincident with the main response angle of the receiver. This thesis presents experiments demonstrating a man-made system estimating a source's bearing from signal spectral information using a single directional sensor with frequency dependence over the bandwidth of the received signal. A linear FM chirp from a source in the far field is recorded, measuring the beampattern of the receiver. Maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) of source bearing are calculated in a Monte Carlo algorithm, comparing noise-corrupted recordings to a randomized dictionary of template recordings. Mean-squared error (MSE) is computed as a function of source angle and compared to the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB). Experimental results support that the MSE is not proportional to angle-dependent SNR, rather there are local variance minima away from the receiver MRA where the received signal power is attenuated. The MSE local minima are consistent with optimal angles observed in previous studies simulating the exploitation of spectral cues on target localization [Kloepper et al., JASA-EL 2018] [Tidwell & Buck, IEEE SSPD 2019]. Advisor(s): Dr. John R. Buck, Chancellor Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, UMASS Dartmouth Committee Members: Dr. Dayalan P. Kasilingam, Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, UMASS Dartmouth; Dr. Paul J. Gendron, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, UMASS Dartmouth NOTE: All ECE Graduate Students are ENCOURAGED to attend. All interested parties are invited to attend. Open to the public. *For further information, please contact Dr. John R. Buck email at jbuck@umassd.edu Zoom Conference Link: https://umassd.zoom.us/j/91744864902 Meeting ID: 917 4486 4902 Passcode: 844492

Science & Engineering Building, Lester W. Cory Conference Room: Room 213A

Nov

3:00PM

SMAST Seminar - DFO - "Diverse uses for Species Distribution Models (SDMs) in New England fisheries management" by: Michelle Bachman

Department of Fisheries Oceanography "Diverse uses for Species Distribution Models (SDMs) in New England fisheries management" Michelle Bachman Lead Fishery Analyst, NEFMC Wednesday, November 27, 2024 3pm-4pm SMAST E 101-102 and via Zoom Abstract: Species Distribution Models (SDMs) combine presence / absence or relative abundance data from fishery-independent surveys with environmental data to predict the probability of marine fish and shellfish species occurrence through space and time. Using Community Basis Function Modeling techniques (Hui et al. 2023), offshore and inshore fish survey data, and a diverse suite of environmental predictors, we are estimating distributions for New England Council and Mid-Atlantic Council managed species and other abundant species in the Northeast U.S. Shelf Ecosystem. A solid understanding of current species distributions and the factors that influence them is essential to fisheries management decision-making in an era of climate change. We envision diverse applications for model outputs that aim to improve the responsiveness and resilience of fisheries management. The initial application for these model outputs is revising essential fish habitat designation maps. The Council's essential fish habitat designations support fisheries management decisions as well as consultations on non-fishing projects that are likely to impact fish habitats, and, by extension, fishery resources and fisheries. The three climate-resilience applications are: (1) identifying considerations for designating ecosystem component species in our fishery management plans, (2) developing revisions to governance approaches to account for current vs. historic species distributions, and (3) evaluating the results of portfolio analyses that will be used to identify opportunities and gaps in our management system, for example how fishing permits are structured. This talk will briefly describe our modeling approach and share how the results will be applied to each of these four projects. Potential future updates to these SDMs will also be noted. Join the Zoom Note: Meeting passcode required, email contact below to receive To request the Zoom passcode, or for any other questions, please email Callie Rumbut at c.rumbut@umassd.edu

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Dec

2:00PM

Mechanical Engineering / ISE MS Project Presentation by Mr. Waseemakram Mohammed

Mechanical Engineering / Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE) MS Project Presentation by Mr. WASEEMAKRAM MOHAMMED DATE: December 2, 2024 TIME: 2pm-4pm LOCATION: Join Zoom Meeting https://umassd.zoom.us/j/96829665890?pwd=XnPY9KQmOnsyiEqQYR1o9RP5byJsQX.1 Meeting ID: 968 2966 5890 Passcode: 977641 TOPIC: CATSED OIL SEALER BLOCK USED IN MINING EQUIPMENT WITH CAM PROFILE ABSTRACT: Casted oil sealer blocks function by creating a tight seal between moving components, preventing the leakage of lubricants. This ensures that the machinery operates efficiently by reducing friction and wear. Additionally, they help to protect internal components from contaminants like dust and debris, extending the lifespan of the equipment, which can cause costly damage to the machine. The casted oil sealer block is designed to ensure a tight seal in mining equipment, preventing oil leaks and maintaining optimal performance. Its cam profile enhances the sealing efficiency by providing a precise fit and improved durability in harsh mining conditions. Cam sealers are used to prevent dust from entering mining equipment, and over time, the frictional wear of the cam sealer can lead to a decrease in its effectiveness. It is important to monitor cam sealers for signs of frictional wear and replace them, when necessary, to maximize the effectiveness of the mining equipment. The present work focused on structural stability of cam sealer with different materials made of gravitational casting. SS316 and H13 are materials considered noncorrosive metals for many applications of mining. As we know, the lubrication can control the heat fluxes and internal temperatures of the seal body, most of the literature concentrates on the top load digging forces on the entire body. Rock digging is a different scenario, and the forces act in opposite direction. Considering these factors an increment load on the cam surface analyzed for deformed stability in profile. To avoid damage directly on base block oil injected hose the maximum load applied as 120 kg on sealer block cam profile. The materials were compared after analysis and the cost evaluation done in industrial production criteria for both the materials. ADVISOR: Dr. Wenzhen Huang, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, UMass Dartmouth COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Dr. Vijaya Chalivendra, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, UMass Dartmouth Dr. Md Habibor Rahman, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, UMass Dartmouth Open to the public. All MNE students are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Dr. Wenzhen Huang (whuang@umassd.edu) or Sue Cunha (scunha@umassd.edu).

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Dec

11:00AM

SMAST- DEOS MS Thesis Defense- A Post-Enrichment Assessment of Belowground Carbon and Organic Matter and the Potential for Increased Accumulation in a Fertilized Coastal Salt Marsh by Wendy Copps

Department of Estuarine and Ocean Sciences MS Thesis Defense "A Post-Enrichment Assessment of Belowground Carbon and Organic Matter and the Potential for Increased Accumulation in a Fertilized Coastal Salt Marsh" By: Wendy Copps Co-Advisors: Miles Sundermeyer and David White Committee Member: David Schlezinger Tuesday December 3rd, 2024 11am SMAST West 204 706 S. Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford and via Zoom Abstract: Great Sippewissett Marsh in Falmouth, MA is the site of a 50-year nutrient-enrichment experiment. Experimental plots were established and fertilized with four different nutrient regimes (low, high, extra high, and no fertilization), in order to evaluate the marsh response. As a follow-up to this enrichment study, the present study was conducted to measure the amount of belowground carbon and organic matter within the experimental plots at the conclusion of the enrichment period. The goal of this study is to assess whether fertilization of the marsh facilitated increased carbon and/or organic matter accumulation in the sediments and to identify any potential relationship between the amount of fertilizer applied and the amount of carbon or organic matter stored in the sediments. The increase in the marsh surface platform is vital to maintaining the functions of the marsh as sea level rises. In a sediment-starved system such as Great Sippewissett, belowground accumulation of organic matter plays a dominant role in elevating the marsh surface platform. However, the results of this study show that higher nutrient loading does not generate more carbon or organic matter within the marsh sediments and, thus, nutrient loading is unlikely to promote elevation of the marsh surface through increased production and storage of carbon and organic matter in the sediments. Join the Zoom Note: Meeting passcode required, email contact below to receive To request the Zoom passcode, or for any other questions, please email Callie Rumbut at c.rumbut@umassd.edu

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