The Bentil Group

Hosted by Iowa State University’s Mechanical Engineering Department

Sections
Dates
Registration for In-Person Attendees
Virtual Meeting Link
Short Course Overview
Course Instructor Biography
Sponsor
Venue
Parking
Hotel
Organizing Committee
Short Course Schedule

Dates

June 23, 2025 (Monday) — June 24, 2025 (Tuesday)
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Registration for In-Person Attendees

There is no registration fee for the course. However, if you are attending the short course in-person and you would like to purchase a boxed lunch(es) and/or a parking permit(s), then please visit the following website to place your order: https://go.iastate.edu/SR1PXX.

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Virtual Meeting Link

There is no registration fee for the course. However, if you are attending the short course virtually, then visit the following webpage to register for the webinar so that you can receive the virtual meeting details: https://iastate.webex.com/webappng/sites/iastate/webinar/webinarSeries/register/f0358641ad2a4f31802465731322284c.

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Short Course Overview

ABSTRACT

This two-day short course is intended as an introduction to blast physics, loading, and target response for researchers investigating blast injury phenomena, developing diagnostics or treatments/therapies, as well as biomechanical engineers and material scientists developing protective technologies.  Key aspects of theory, modelling, and experimentation will be covered, and important terminology regarding shock processes and gas-dynamic flow conditions will be explained. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the fundamental principles of blast to a sufficient extent that experiments and models can be properly staged and interpreted.

FORMAT

The format for the course will be informal with as much allowance for discussion as can be afforded through the sessions. Live demonstrations will be performed using the advanced blast simulator (ABS) at Iowa State University. See the following link to learn more about the ABS: https://www.me.iastate.edu/sbentil/2024/05/24/advanced-blast-simulator-abs-commissioned-at-iowa-state-universitys-cares-lab/.

Participation in the Short Course: In-person or Virtual
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Course Instructor Biography

Dave Ritzel holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and MSc in Aerospace Science. He has over 45 years of experience in blast research studies covering the theoretical, experimental, and computational modeling aspects of blast physics, damage, and injury.  His research positions have included Head of Explosives Effects Group at Defence R&D Canada, and Head of Weapons Terminal Effects Group with the Defence Science and Technology Group, Australia.  In 2000, he formed his own research company Dyn-FX Consulting supporting studies of blast effects and protection technologies for Defence departments, federal security agencies, university researchers, and private industries in Canada, the US, and Australia.  For the last 20 years, his research activity has been concentrated on blast-injury biomechanics, including the special challenge of blast-induced traumatic brain injury, as well as the development of experiments and instrumentation.  He patented the “Advanced Blast Simulator” design currently used by leading research agencies in Canada, the US, and Australia.
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Sponsor

This short course is financially supported by the U.S. Office of Naval Research under PANTHER award number N000142112906 through Dr. Timothy Bentley
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Office of Naval Research (ONR).

Physics-bAsed Neutralization of Threats to Human tissuEs and oRgans (PANTHER).

Venue

The symposium will be held at Iowa State University’s Student Innovation Center (SICTR), which is located at: 606 Bissell Road, Ames, IA 50011.

SICTR has been the heart of creativity and collaboration at Iowa State University since Fall 2020.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4Sxxfb6TAbRxtxR7

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Parking

Lot 29 should be used for parking (see: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GuoabioxfT8hpPV18).

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Hotel

The Gateway Hotel is recommended for lodging. Visit the following link to learn more about the hotel: https://www.gatewayames.com/.

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Organizing Committee

The organizing committee is comprised of the following members:

• Dr. Sarah A. Bentil (Chair and Hostess)
• Samantha Hand
• Katie Lott
• TBD (event photographer)

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(TENTATIVE) Short Course Schedule

Printable PDF Schedule: 2025_BlastPhysicsCourse_IowaStateUniversity

June 23, 2025 (Monday)

Location: Student Innovation Center (Room: 0114); 606 Bissell Road, Ames, IA 50011

June 24, 2025 (Tuesday)

Location: Student Innovation Center (Room: 0114); 606 Bissell Road, Ames, IA 50011

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