Background

Dr. Downey's expertise and research interest include low-latency machine learning, real-time model-updating, adaptive structures, and structural health monitoring. Current research is focused on: 

1. Online low-latency machine learning that considers both training and inference. To enable real-time performance this research focuses on the co-design of algorithms and heterogeneous computing hardware. These methodologies have various applications in real-time state estimation, time-series forecasting, and anomaly detection. 

2. Real-time decision-making and control for structures operating in extreme dynamic environments. Physics-informed decisions are empowered by physics-based models that are updated in real-time. Applications include hypersonic vehicles, active blast mitigation, and orbital infrastructure. 

3. Smart and adaptive structures that leverage novel sensors and structural control devices that enable a structure to learn from its environment and respond in real-time. Specific avenues of investigation include sensing skins, semi-active dampers, and active structural elements. Applications include civil infrastructure, transportation systems, and hypersonic vehicles. 

4. In situ monitoring and online validation of additively manufactured components using a variety of sensing systems. Active measurement control (spatial and temporal) enables the real-time assimilation of measurement data into physics-informed models. Applications include fused-filament fabrication (FFF), laser-based additive manufacturing (LBAF), and wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). 

Education

• Ph.D., Engineering Mechanics; and Wind Energy Science, Engineering, and Policy, Iowa State University, 2018.
• B.S., Civil Engineering, Iowa State University, 2014.

Recent Publications

• Daniel Coble, Liang Cao, Austin R.J. Downey, and James M. Ricles. Physics-informed machine learning for dry friction and backlash modeling in structural control systems. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 218:111522, 2024. doi:10.1016/j.ymssp.2024.111522
• Zhymir Thompson, Austin R.J. Downey, Jason D. Bakos, Jie Wei, and Jacob Dodson. Multi-modal generative adversarial networks for synthesizing time-series structuralimpact responses. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 204:110725, December 2023. doi:10.1016/j.ymssp.2023.110725
• Emmanuel A. Ogunniyi, Claire Drnek, Seong Hyeon Hong, Austin R.J. Downey, Yi Wang, Jason D. Bakos, Peter Avitabile, and Jacob Dodson. Real-time structural model updating using local eigenvalue modification procedure for applications in high-rate dynamic events. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 195:110318, jul 2023. doi:10.1016/j.ymssp.2023.110318
• Austin Downey, Mohammadkazem Sadoughi, Simon Laflamme and Chao Hu. “Fusion of sensor geometry into additive strain fields measured with sensing skin.” Smart Materials and Structures, May 2018. doi:10.1088/1361-665x/aac4cd.
• Austin Downey, Simon Laflamme, and Douglas Taylor. “Apparatus, Method, and System for High Capacity Band Brake Type Variable Friction Damping of Movement of Structures.” Patent 9,896,836, February 20th, 2018.
• Austin Downey, Antonella D’Alessandro, Simon Laflamme, and Filippo Ubertini. “Smart bricks for strain sensing and crack detection in masonry structures.” Smart Materials and Structures, vol. 27, no. 1, November 2017. p. 015009. doi:10.1088/1361-665X/aa98c2.
• Austin Downey, Antonella D’Alessandro, Simon Laflamme, and Filippo Ubertini. “Smart bricks for strain sensing and crack detection in masonry structures.” Smart Materials and Structures, vol. 27, no. 1, November 2017. p. 015009. doi:10.1088/1361-665X/aa98c2.
• Austin Downey, Antonella D’Alessandro, Simon Laflamme, and Filippo Ubertini. “Smart bricks for strain sensing and crack detection in masonry structures.” Smart Materials and Structures, vol. 27, no. 1, November 2017. p. 015009. doi:10.1088/1361-665X/aa98c2.
• Austin Downey, Simon Laflamme, and Filippo Ubertini. “Experimental wind tunnel study of a smart sensing skin for condition evaluation of a wind turbine blade.” Smart Materials and Structures, vol. 26, no. 12, October 2017. p. 125005. doi:10.1088/1361-665X/aa9349.