Nicholas Brunstad

Experience

• 

  TEAMLab at University of Wisconsin - College of Engineering

  Feb 2018 - May 2019

  Student Shop Instructor

  Instructed undergraduate and graduate students on safe practice and general good practice machining techniques. Taught wood shop seminars that were interactive and informative; providing safety information and procedures to students and users. Machined parts to tight tolerances based on engineering drawings.

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  X-STRM Lab Colorado School of Mines

  Dec 2019 - May 2021

  Research Associate

  My research focuses on understanding print orientation dependency of dynamic fracture properties for 3D-printed polymer thermosets. Fracture properties are often quantified under quasi-static conditions which are not very indicative of how most fractures occur in the world. By examining dynamic conditions, like impacts or shocks, I have a better understanding of how a material will actually behave and can more accurately characterize its fracture properties.

• 

  ARA

  Jun 2021 - now

  I continue to develop the high velocity impact model, FATEPEN, and work to introduce greater accuracy by updating our model to account for complex material interactions. I've managed projects related to technical documentation of FATEPEN test methods, and lead technical data compilation and processing tasks. I lead technical iterations on shock tube capabilities specifically examining altering blast duration in relation to stress, startle, and learning behavior. I have expanded my technical design experience with SolidWorks where I lead the technical design task and interface directly with the customer to meet their needs. I learn something new everyday at ARA. Show less I developed the high-velocity impact code FATEPEN, at this stage in my career I work with colleagues to develop material models of our analytical-empirical code as well as help manage the database. I was able to build a data aquisition system for our ASTM E285-08(2020) torch testing setup and conduct tests with that fixture. My other responsibilities include managing ARA's mobile 18" shock tube, and developing shock tube test procedures and data collection methods for laboratory tests that examine the relationship between stress, startle, and learning methods. Show less

  • Staff Engineer 2

    Jan 2023 - now

  • Staff Engineer 1

    Sept 2021 - Dec 2022

  • Technical Intern

    Jun 2021 - Aug 2021