Mechanical Engineering Homepage of Timothy N.Tresierras

Timothy N. Tresierras

Current Research:
	We are currently developing an efficient, yet tangible system of modeling plants with a simple rod-based model. New approaches in the mechanical modeling of branching and growth have been developed over the course of our research and novel insight into the subtle nature of this physical process has allowed us to create equations of motion that accommodate essential features such as stem taper, plant morphogenesis, branching, rapid tip growth and surface accretion.

	Plant growth and branching were modeled using a rod-based theory featuring Euler's elastica. Special features of the model developed include an evolution equation for the flexural rigidity and intrinsic curvature and the use of an intermediate (growth) configuration. The curvature of the rod in this configuration is the intrinsic curvature. The present configuration relaxes to the growth configuration when all the external forces and moments are removed. A revised use of jump conditions allows us to account for several branches meeting at a single node and a new visual analysis known as the S-curve aids in the identification of the stability of quasi-static configurations.

Publications:
	Nur Adila Faruk Senan, Oliver M. O’Reilly and Timothy N. Tresierras, Modeling the Growth and Branching of Plants: A Simple Rod-Based Model, Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, Vol. 56, No. 10, pp. 3021-3036 (2008) Oliver M. O’Reilly and Timothy N. Tresierras, An Evolution Equation for Plant Growth, In: Proceeding of the AMSE 2009 Summer Bioengineering Conference (SBC2009); June 17-21, 2009; Lake Tahoe, CA; (to be published on CD)
Unpublished Notes :

Academic History :
	Ph.D. Mechcanical Engineering M.S. Mechcanical Engineering B.S. Mechcanical Engineering	-December, 2009 -May, 2006 (Thesis: Perversions in Pretwisted Elastic Rods) -May, 2003