Photo of Mary Frecker

Mary Frecker

Department Head of Mechanical Engineering
Riess Chair of Engineering, Director of the Penn State Center for Biodevices, and Professor

Affiliation(s):

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Center for Acoustics and Vibration

136 Reber Building

mxf36@psu.edu

814-865-1617

Personal or Departmental Website

Research Areas:

Biomechanics and Mechanobiology; Design & Manufacturing; Mechanical Sciences

Interest Areas:

Optimal design, compliant mechanisms, smart structures, medical device design

 
 

 

Education

  • BME, Mechanical Engineering, University of Dayton, 1991
  • MS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1994
  • Ph D, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1997

Publications

Journal Articles

  • A Erol, Paris Von Lockette and Mary I Frecker, 2020, "Multiobjective optimization of a multi-field actuated, multilayered, segmented composite beam", Smart Materials & Structures, 29
  • J Ma, C Gonzalez, Q Huang, J Farese, Christopher Rahn, Mary I Frecker and Donghai Wang, 2020, "Multifunctional NMC-Si Batteries with Self-Actuation and Self-Sensing", Journal of Intelligent Material Systems & Structures, 31, (6)
  • B Hanks, J Berhel, Mary I Frecker and Timothy W Simpson, 2020, "Mechanical Properties of additively manufactured lattice structures: data review and design interface", Additive Manufacturing, 35
  • C Gonzalez, J Ma, Mary I Frecker and Christopher Rahn, 2020, "Analytical modeling and simulation of a multifunctional segmented Lithium ion battery unimorph actuator", Smart Materials and Structures, 30, (1)
  • L Walsh, L Mitchell, A Johri, M Matone, M Moyer and Mary I Frecker, 2019, "When high viscosity of pancreatic cysts and fluid collections precludes effective EUS-guided fine needle aspiration: a bench top comparison of negative pressure devices", Endoscopy International Open, 7, (4)
  • J Jovanova, A Nastevska and Mary I Frecker, 2019, "Tailoring energy absorption with functional grading of a contact-aided compliant mechanism", Smart Materials & Structures, 28, (8)
  • J Calogero, Mary I Frecker, Z Hasnain and J E Hubbard, 2018, "Tuning of a Rigid Body Dynamics Model of a Flapping Wing Structures with Compliant Joints", ASME Journal of Mechanisms & Robotics
  • J Calogero, Mary I Frecker, J E Hubbard and Z Hasnain, 2018, "Dual optimization of contact-aided compliant mechanisms for passive shape change", AIAA Journal
  • J Butler, L Bowen, E Wilcox, A Shrager, Mary I Frecker, Paris Von Lockette, Timothy W Simpson, R Lang, L Howell and S Magelby, 2018, "A Model for Multi-Input Mechanical Advantage in Compliant and Origami-Based Mechanisms", ASME Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics
  • Wei Zhang, Saad Ahmed, S Masters, J Hong, Zoubeida Ounaies and Mary I Frecker, 2018, "Finite Element Analysis of Electroactive and Magnetoactive Coupled Behaviors in Multi-Field Origami Structures", Journal of Intelligent Material Systems & Structures
  • Bradley Hanks, Mary I Frecker and Matthew Moyer, 2018, "Optimization of an Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation Electrode", ASME Journal of Medical Devices
  • Jovana Jovanova, Mary I Frecker, Reginald Felix Hamilton and Todd Palmer, 2017, "Target Shape Optimization of Functionally Graded Shape Memory Alloy Compliant Mechanism", Journal of Intelligent Material Systems & Structures
  • Wei Zhang, Saad Ahmed, Sarah Masters, Zoubeida Ounaies and Mary I Frecker, 2017, "Finite Element Analysis of Electroactive Polymer and Magnetoactive Elastomer Based Actuation for Origami-Inspired Folding", Smart Materials & Structures
  • Landen Bowen, Kara Springsteen, Saad Ahmed, Erika Arrojado, Mary I Frecker, Timothy W Simpson and Zoubeida Ounaies, 2017, "Design Fabrication and Modeling of an Electric-Magnetic Self-Folding Sheet", ASME Journal of Mechanisms & Robotics, 9
  • L Bowen, K Springsteen, Mary I Frecker and Timothy W Simpson, 2016, "Trade space exploration of magnetically actuated origami mechanisms", ASME Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics, 8, (3)
  • J Calogero, Mary I Frecker, Z Hasnain and J Hubbard, 2016, "A Dynamic Spar Numerical Model for passive shape change", Smart Materials and Structures, 25
  • J Butler, L Bowen, E Wilcox, A Shrager, Mary I Frecker, Paris Von Lockette, Timothy W Simpson, R Lang, L Howell and S Magelby, 2015, "Considering mechanical advantage in the design and actuation of an origami-based mechanism", ASME Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics, 10
  • A. A. Wissa, J. Grauer, N. Guerreiro, J. E. Hubbard, C. Altenbuchner, Y. Tummala, Mary I Frecker and R. Roberts, 2015, "Free flight testing and performance evaluation of a passively morphing ornithopter", International Journal of Micro Air Vehicles, 7, (1)
  • L. Bowen, K. Springsteen, H. Feldstein, Mary I Frecker, Timothy W Simpson and Paris Von Lockette, 2015, "Development and validation of a dynamic model of magneto active elastomer actuation of the origami waterbomb base", ASME Journal of Mechanisms & Robotics, 7, pp. 1010-1020
  • A. Wissa, J. Calogero, N. Wereley, Mary I Frecker and J Hubbard, 2015, "Analytical model and stability analysis of the leading edge spar of a passively morphing ornithopter wing", Bioinspiration & Biomimetics Journal, 10
  • A. Crivaro, R. Sheridan, Mary I Frecker, Timothy W Simpson and Paris Von Lockette, 2015, "Bi-stable snap-through compliant mechanism using magneto active elastomer actuation", Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures
  • Y. Tummala, A. A. Wissa, Mary I Frecker and J. E. Hubbard, 2014, "Design and optimization of a contact-aided compliant mechanism for passive bending", ASME Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics, 6, (3), pp. 031013-031013-9
  • S. Ahmed, Z. Ounaies and Mary I Frecker, 2014, "Investigating the performance and properties of dielectric elastomer actuators as a potential means to actuate origami structures", Smart Materials and Structures, 23
  • K. McGough, S. Ahmed, Mary I Frecker and Z. Ounaies, 2014, "Finite element analysis and validation of dielectric elastomer actuators used for active origami", Smart Materials and Structures, 23
  • Y. Tummala, Mary I Frecker, A. Wissa and J. Hubbard, 2013, "Design and optimization of a bend-and-sweep compliant mechanism", Smart Materials and Structures, 22
  • J. Liu, B. Hall, Mary I Frecker and E. Reutzel, 2012, "Compliant articulation structure using superelastic NiTiNOL", Smart Materials and Structures, 22
  • X. Zhang, T. Simpson, Mary I Frecker and G. Lesieutre, 2012, "Supporting knowledge exploration and discovery in multi-dimensional data with interactive multiscale visualization", Journal of Engineering Design, 23, (1), pp. 23-47
  • V.* Mehta, Mary I Frecker and G. Lesieutre, 2012, "Two-step design of multi-contact-aided cellular compliant mechanisms for stress relief", ASME Journal of Mechanical Design, 134, pp. 121001-1 - 121001-12
  • M.* Addis, M.* Aguirre, Mary I Frecker, R. Haluck, A. Mathew, E. Pauli and J. Gopal, 2012, "Development of tasks and evaluation of a prototype forceps for NOTES", Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, 16, (1), pp. 95-104
  • S.* Cirone, G.* Hayes, B. Babcox, Mary I Frecker, J. Adair and G. Lesieutre, 2012, "Design of contact-aided compliant cellular mechanisms with curved walls", Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 23, (16), pp. 1773-1785
  • A. Wissa, Y.* Tummala, J. E. Hubbard and Mary I Frecker, 2012, "Passively morphing ornithopter wings using a novel compliant spine: Design and testing", Smart Materials and Structures, 21, pp. 094028
  • A. Rau, Mary I Frecker, A. Mathew and E. Pauli, 2011, "Design of a multifunctional forceps for use in endoscopic surgery", ASME Journal of Medical Devices, 5, (4), pp. 041001-1 - 041001-10
  • M. Aguirre, G. Hayes, R. Meirom, Mary I Frecker, C. Muhlstein and J. Adair, 2011, "Optimal design and fabrication of narrow-gauge compliant forceps", ASME Journal of Mechanical Design, 133, (8)
  • G. A. Lesieutre, J. A. Browne and Mary I Frecker, 2011, "Scaling of performance, weight and actuation of a 2-D compliant cellular frame structure for a morphing wing", Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 22, (10), pp. 979-989
  • G. Hayes, Mary I Frecker and J. Adair, 2011, "Fabrication of compliant mechanisms on the mesoscale", Mechanical Sciences, 2, pp. 129-137
  • D. Ramrakhyani, Mary I Frecker and G. Lesieutre, 2009, "Hinged beam elements for the topology design of compliant mechanisms using the ground structure approach", Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 37, (6), pp. 557-567
  • S. Bharti, Mary I Frecker and G. Lesieutre, 2009, "Optimal morphing wing design using parallel non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II", AIAA Journal, 47, (7), pp. 1627-1641
  • T. Johnson, Mary I Frecker, M. Abdalla, Z. Gurdal and D. Lindner, 2009, "Nonlinear analysis and optimization of diamond cell morphing wings", Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 20, (7), pp. 815-824
  • N. Antolino, G. Hayes, R. Kirkpatrick, J. H. Adair, C. M. Muhlstein and Mary I Frecker, 2009, "Lost mold rapid infiltration forming of mesoscale ceramics: Part 1, fabrication", Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 92, (s1), pp. S63-S69
  • N. E. Antolino, G. Hayes, R. Kirkpatrick, C. L. Muhlstein, Mary I Frecker, E. M. Mockensturm and J. H. Adair, 2009, "Lost mold rapid infiltration forming of mesoscale ceramics: Part 2, Geometry and strength improvements", Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 92, (s1), pp. S70-S78
  • V. Mehta, Mary I Frecker and G. Lesieutre, 2009, "Stress relief in contact- aided cellular compliant mechanisms", ASME Journal of Mechanical Design, 131, (9), pp. 091009-1 - 091009-11
  • F. Gandhi, Mary I Frecker and A. Nissly, 2008, "Design optimization of a controllable camber rotor airfoil", AIAA Journal, 46, (1), pp. 142-153
  • M. Aguirre, Mary I Frecker and H. Nembhard, 2008, "A case study comparison of alternative meta-modeling methods related to nano-enabled surgical instrument design", International Journal of Nanomanufacturing, 2, (4), pp. 375-405
  • M. Aguirre and Mary I Frecker, 2008, "Size and shape optimization of a 1.0 mm multifunctional forceps-scissors surgical instrument", ASME Journal of Medical Devices, 2, (1), pp. 015001-1 - 015001-7
  • J. Cronin, Mary I Frecker and A. Mathew, 2008, "Design of a compliant endoscopic suturing instrument", ASME Journal of Medical Devices, 2, pp. 025002-1 - 025002-9
  • J. Cronin, A. Mathew and Mary I Frecker, 2007, "Puncture force measurements on a porcine stomach", Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 65, (5), pp. AB294
  • S. Bharti and Mary I Frecker, 2007, "Compliant mechanical amplifier design using multiple optimally placed actuators", Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 18, (3), pp. 209-218
  • T. Simpson, Mary I Frecker, L. Rothrock and R. Barton, 2007, "Graphical and text-based design interfaces for parameter design of an I-beam, desk lamp, aircraft wing, and job shop manufacturing system", Engineering with Computers, 23, pp. 93-107
  • T. Simpson, K. Barron, L. Rothrock, Mary I Frecker, R. Barton and C. Ligetti, 2007, "Impact of response delay and training on user performance with text-based and graphical user interfaces for engineering design", Research in Engineering Design, 18, pp. 49-65
  • N. Goulbourne, E. Mockensturm and Mary I Frecker, 2007, "Electro-elastomers: Large deformation analysis of silicone membranes", International Journal of Solids and Structures, 14, (9), pp. 2609-2626
  • A. Mahdavi, R. Balaji, Mary I Frecker and E. Mockensturm, 2006, "Topology optimization of 2D domains for minimum compliance using parallel processing", Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 32, (2), pp. 121-132
  • L. Rothrock, K. Barron, T. Simpson, Mary I Frecker, C. Ligetti and R. Barton, 2006, "Applying the proximity compatibility and the control-display compatibility principles on graphical user interfaces for engineering design", Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing, 16, (1), pp. 61-81
  • Mary I Frecker, J. Schadler, R. Haluck, K. Culkar and R. Dziedzic, 2005, "Laparoscopic multifunctional instruments: Design and testing of initial prototypes", Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, 9, (1), pp. 105-112
  • P. Anusonti-Inthra, R. Searjant, Mary I Frecker and F. Gandhi, 2005, "Design of a conformable rotor airfoil using distributed piezoelectric actuators", AIAA Journal, 43, (8), pp. 1684-1695
  • N. Goulborne, E. Mockensturm and Mary I Frecker, 2005, "A nonlinear mathematical model for dielectric elastomer membranes", ASME Journal of Applied Mechanics, 72, pp. 899-906
  • Mary I Frecker, M. Abdalla, Z. Gurdal, T. Johnson and D. Lindner, 2005, "Design of a piezoelectric stack actuator and compliant mechanism combination for maximum energy efficiency", Smart Materials and Structures, 14, pp. 1421-1430
  • Mary I Frecker, K. Powell and R. Haluck, 2005, "Design of a multifunctional compliant instrument for minimally invasive surgery", ASME Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 127, pp. 990-993
  • D. Ramrakhyani, G. Lesieutre, S. Bharti and Mary I Frecker, 2005, "Aircraft structural morphing using tendon-actuated compliant cellular trusses", Journal of Aircraft, 42, (6), pp. 1615-1621
  • H. Maddisetty and Mary I Frecker, 2004, "Dynamic topology optimization of compliant mechanisms and piezoceramic actuators", ASME Journal of Mechanical Design, 126, (6), pp. 975-983
  • S. Bharti and Mary I Frecker, 2004, "Optimal design and experimental characterization of a compliant mechanism piezoelectric actuator for inertially stabilized rifle", Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 15, (2), pp. 93-106
  • Mary I Frecker and W. Aguilera, 2004, "Analytical modeling of a segmented unimorph actuator using electrostrictive P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer", Smart Materials and Structures, 13, pp. 82-91
  • C. Ligetti, T. Simpson, Mary I Frecker, R. Barton and G. Stump, 2003, "Assessing the impact of a graphical design environment on design efficiency and effectiveness", ASME Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering, 3, pp. 144-154
  • Mary I Frecker, 2003, "Recent advances in optimization of smart structures and actuators", Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 14, (5), pp. 207-216
  • N. Mehta, R. Haluck, Mary I Frecker and A. Snyder, 2002, "Sequence and task analysis of instrument use in common laparoscopic procedures", Surgical Endoscopy Ultrasound and Interventional Techniques, 16, pp. 280-285
  • D. Cappelleri, Mary I Frecker, T. Simpson and A. Snyder, 2002, "Design of a PZT bimorph actuator using a metamodel-based approach", ASME Journal of Mechanical Design, 124, (2), pp. 354-357
  • Mary I Frecker, R. Dziedzic and R. Haluck, 2002, "Design of multifunctional compliant mechanisms for minimally invasive surgery", Minimally Invasive Therapy and Allied Technologies, 11, (5/6), pp. 311-319
  • B. Wilson, D. Cappelleri, T. Simpson and Mary I Frecker, 2001, "Efficient Pareto frontier exploration using surrogate approximations", Optimization and Engineering, 2, (1), pp. 31-50
  • S. Canfield and Mary I Frecker, 2000, "Topology optimization of compliant mechanical amplifiers for piezoelectric actuators", Structural Optimization, 20, (4), pp. 269-279
  • B. Edinger, Mary I Frecker and J. Gardner, 2000, "Dynamic modeling of an innovative piezoelectric actuator for minimally invasive surgery", Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 11, (10), pp. 765-770
  • Mary I Frecker and S. Canfield, 2000, "Optimal design and experimental validation of compliant mechanical amplifiers for piezoceramic stack actuators", Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 11, (5), pp. 360-369
  • Mary I Frecker, N. Kikuchi and S. Kota, 1999, "Topology optimization of compliant mechanisms with multiple outputs", Structural Optimization, 17, (4), pp. 269-278
  • S. Nishiwaki, Mary I Frecker, S. Min and N. Kikuchi, 1998, "Topology optimization of compliant mechanisms using the homogenization method", International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, 42, (3), pp. 535-559
  • Mary I Frecker, G. K. Ananthasuresh, S. Nishiwaki, N. Kikuchi and S. Kota, 1997, "Topological synthesis of compliant mechanisms using multi-criteria optimization", Journal of Mechanical Design, 119, (2), pp. 238-245
  • S. Nishiwaki, Mary I Frecker, S. Min and N. Kikuchi, 1997, "Structural optimization considering flexibility (Part 1: Formulation of equations and application to compliant mechanisms)", Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, pp. 81-88

Other

  • Mary I Frecker and A. Snyder, 2005, "Multifunctional end effectors for robotic surgery", 7, (4), pp. 165-169

Research Projects

  • July 2017 - June 2021, "Multifunctional Lithium Ion Batteries with Silicon Anodes," (Sponsor: National Science Foundation).

Honors and Awards

Service

Service to Penn State:

Service to External Organizations:

  • Participation in or Service to Professional and Learned Societies, Chairperson, ASME Mechanisms & Robotics Committee, October 2020
  • Participation in or Service to Professional and Learned Societies, Other, Chair-elect/Secretary, ASME Mechanisms & Robotics Committee, October 2018 - 2020
  • Participation in or Service to Professional and Learned Societies, Other, Treasurer, ASME Mechanisms & Robotics Committee, October 2016 - October 2018
  • Participation in or Service to Professional and Learned Societies, Member, Executive Committee, ASME Aerospace Division, 2012 - 2015
  • Organizing Conferences and Service on Conference Committees, Chairperson, Symposium on Origami-Based Design, 41st ASME Mechanisms & Robotics Conference, ASME 2017 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, 2016
  • Organizing Conferences and Service on Conference Committees, Co-Chairperson, Symposium on Origami-Based Design, 39th ASME Mechanisms & Robotics Conference, ASME 2015 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, 2015
  • Organizing Conferences and Service on Conference Committees, Co-Chairperson, Symposium on Origami-Based Design, 40th ASME Mechanisms & Robotics Conference, ASME 2016 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, 2016
  • Organizing Conferences and Service on Conference Committees, Chairperson, Symposium on Origami-Based Design, 42nd ASME Mechanisms & Robotics Conference, ASME 2018 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, 2017
  • Organizing Conferences and Service on Conference Committees, Chairperson, Symposium on Origami-Based Design, 43nd ASME Mechanisms & Robotics Conference, ASME 2018 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, 2018
  • Organizing Conferences and Service on Conference Committees, Chairperson, Symposium on Origami-Based Design, 43nd ASME Mechanisms & Robotics Conference, ASME 2019 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, 2019
  • Organizing Conferences and Service on Conference Committees, Chairperson, Symposium on Origami-Based Design, 44th ASME Mechanisms & Robotics Conference, ASME 2020 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, 2020
 


 

About

With more than 60 faculty members, 330 graduate students, and 1,000 undergraduate students, the Penn State Department of Mechanical Engineering embraces a culture that welcomes individuals with a diversity of backgrounds and expertise. Our faculty and students are innovating today what will impact tomorrow’s solutions to meeting our energy needs, homeland security, biomedical devices, and transportation systems. We offer B.S. degrees in mechanical engineering as well as resident (M.S., Ph.D.) and online (M.S.) graduate degrees in mechanical engineering. See how we’re inspiring change and impacting tomorrow at me.psu.edu.

Department of Mechanical Engineering

137 Reber Building

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 16802-4400

Phone: 814-865-2519