CADVC Research Professor Maurice Berger's Race Stories column on the Lens Blog of the New York Times focuses on the monumental survey of Latin American Photography, Urbes Murantes -- Mutant Cities, opening today, May 16,2014 at the International Center of Photography in New York. 

Berger calls this "an extraordinary and historic exhibition."

UMBC Mechanical Engineering researchers Sal Nimer and Prof. Marc Zupan, in collaboration with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division scientist Dr. Jennifer Wolk, are studying the effects of friction stir welding on the local mechanical properties of a Ti alloy. The research is characterizing and developing the next generation structural materials for Naval vehicle systems. Their recent work was has been featured on the cover of the journal Advanced Engineering Materials.

Micro-tensile samples were utilized as shown in the figure extracted from a friction stir welded (FSW) plate of Ti-5111 and mechanically tested to failure in order to measure local material properties. The experimentally determined mechanical properties are linked down to the micro-structural regions that develop during the FSW process as described by Marc Zupan and co-workers

The abstract from the manuscript is below:

Location and Orientation Specific Material Property

Evaluation of Friction Stir Welded Ti-5111:

A Microsample Approach**

By Salahudin Nimer, Jennifer Wolk* and Marc Zupan*

This work presents microsample measured mechanical properties of a friction stir welded (FSW) plate of Ti-5111. Property measurements and fractographic deformation observations were made as a function of discrete locations within the weld [stir zone (SZ), boundaries, base metal (BM)]. Properties in the longitudinal direction are compared to transverse measurements made at the same locations. Compared to the BM the longitudinal direction shows strength and ductility increases throughout the weld. The outer SZ showed mechanical properties in the longitudinal direction to be similar to the SZ properties in the transverse direction. These observations and measured properties serve to link the local material properties to the complex flow, heat, and deformation imparted to the material during the FSW process.

Your college experience is made up of many different things: eye-opening classes, talented professors, fun campus events, and amazing friends, just to name a few. But there’s one thing that has a unique and important impact on a student’s intellectual growth and future career aspirations – your department. Once you declare a major, your department often becomes a new family, the people you spend the most time with, the community that moves you through your college years.

The professors in your department help you shape and improve your work. They advise you as you build the foundation for your career. They become mentors you can count on for the rest of your life.

Your classmates become your team. You learn and grow side by side, developing a strong network of peers who you trust. You work on projects together, cram for finals together, and you launch your careers together.

The department is at the core of your college experience, and it’s one that is more than worthy of your support. When you donate to your department, you’re giving aid to the people on the ground. Your gift will ensure that future generations of Retrievers get to have the same wonderful experiences that you did. Your gift will help develop new and better courses, ensure that the best faculty are hired and retained, and give students unique, hands-on learning opportunities.

There are so many ways you can support UMBC. If you’re looking for something that you can connect to and that will have a real impact, please consider making a gift to your department today.

Sometimes, the strongest legacies arise from the humblest beginnings. For UMBC’s rugby team – one of the oldest clubs on campus – it all began with a bag of chips, a few cold ones, and a group of determined guys. On May 3, the team proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary – a true legacy for UMBC and the ruggers.

Andrew Gaither ‘94, history, a current rugger and member of the Alumni Association Board, is overwhelmed and honored that the team has lasted this long. “I don’t think anybody thought we’d get this far,” says Gaither. “Having endured 30 years and seeing what it was and what it is now is kind of amazing – I’m looking forward to the 50th.”

Read the full story by Jessie Orsburn on our giving blog.

Sometimes, the strongest legacies arise from the humblest beginnings. For UMBC’s rugby team – one of the oldest clubs on campus – it all began with a bag of chips, a few cold ones, and a group of determined guys.

On May 3, the team proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary – a true legacy for UMBC and the ruggers.

Andrew Gaither ‘94, history, a current rugger and member of the Alumni Association Board, is overwhelmed and honored that the team has lasted this long. “I don’t think anybody thought we’d get this far,” says Gaither. “Having endured 30 years and seeing what it was and what it is now is kind of amazing – I’m looking forward to the 50th.”

The story begins back in 1984 when the rugby team first started and became part of the Potomac Rugby Union (PRU) – the official governing body of all rubgy for the areas of northern Virginia, D.C., Maryland, and parts of Pennsylvania. It was in 1992 that the first alumni game was held at UMBC. Gaither explains that what started as small and simple has turned into their annual Alumni Weekend featuring a match, fellowship, and the “Best Damn Awards in All of Rugby.”

Gaither talks of the levels of fraternity and community that most people don’t understand. “I have a lot of rugby brothers,” Gaither says. “I always say to the younger players, ‘Look around. These guys will be here with you and for you in 20 years.’” For many, this camaraderie is what rugby is all about.

There’s something else special about UMBC Rugby: the Haud Collumi Scholarship. It’s the only scholarship formally endowed by an athletics alumni group and was named after the famous pre-game ritual of the Dance of the No Neck (Haud Collumi in Latin). Since 1984, the ruggers take part in this dance before every single game. The exact origins are unknown, but it’s a part of tradition; and for the rugby team, tradition is just as important as camaraderie.

“It’s a great feeling to know that you’re helping your brothers get to the next level,” Gaither remarks.

The motto of the rugby team is one that speaks to the culture of their sport: “For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother (Henry V, Act 4, Scene 3).” There is a sense of brotherhood formed on the field that will last for years to come. The 30th anniversary for UMBC and the ruggers is a huge accomplishment and Alumni Weekend was nothing short of phenomenal as these brothers came together to play, sing, dance, drink, and be merry. The whole thing was a field day (pun intended)!

– by Jessie Orsburn

Support the Haud Collumi Scholarship.

Across campuses nationwide, a dark cloud hovers over…

Finals.

In this tortuous time, students everywhere are searching out the perfect snack that will give them the super boost to power through. 

What’s your vice? Is it something sweet? Salty? or maybe Flamin’ Hot?

As you go about your epic quest, remember that not all snacks are created equal. Last November, a news story broke about how eating bags upon bags of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos could send you to the E.R.

And Just this week, “Hart of Dixie” star Rachel Bilson let everybody know that she used to frequently binge on the spicy snack… but not without digestive consequences.

Of course, they’re pretty dang delicious.

And who can forget this song, ideal for singing along to while munching down on the bright red snack during a study break?

We know it’s hard. Just be careful out there… moderation, right?

To all the snack searchers – happy hunting and good luck on finals!