Using Centrifugal Force to Study Natural Hazards

Using Centrifugal Force to Study Natural Hazards

Author: Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure December 7, 2021 Duration: 10:28

On this episode, natural hazards Jason DeJong discusses the experimental centrifuges, including the giant nine-meter centrifuge, at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling, a NHERI facility. DeJong explains how rapidly spinning centrifuges create “hypergravity” — a force up to 200 Gs — to study how structures and soil withstand natural hazards. 

Here’s how it works: researchers place a physical model in the centrifuge bucket and subject it to a high-speed, hypergravity field. Then, using equations, they scale the loading forces proportionate to the model. This crazy, high-speed environment, enables scientists to see and measure the stresses of earthquakes, waves and wind on natural and built environments.

“That proportional scale is amazing. We can simulate real-world systems that we can’t really do any other way.” - Jason DeJong

Jason DeJong  

NHERI UC Davis Centrifuge


The forces that shape our world aren't always gentle. Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes are a reality of life on this planet, but the scale of their impact is something we can influence. DesignSafe Radio, from the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure team, delves into the human ingenuity working to soften the blow of these events. This isn't just a theoretical discussion; it's a close look at the rigorous testing, data, and engineering research funded by the National Science Foundation that aims to protect communities. Each episode pulls back the curtain on how scientists and engineers are learning from past disasters to fortify our future. You'll hear conversations about the tools and methods transforming how we understand structural resilience, offering a tangible sense of how research translates into real-world safety. The goal is straightforward: to ensure the next natural hazard doesn't escalate into a catastrophe for families and neighborhoods. Tune into this podcast for a grounded perspective on the intersection of science, education, and practical solutions, where complex research is made accessible and the focus remains firmly on building a more durable society.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

DesignSafe Radio
Podcast Episodes
Collecting data after an urban-wildfire event [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:56
Oregon State University researcher Erica Fischer explains how engineers collect post-fire data to characterize wildfires that burn into urban areas.
Engineering for urban conflagrations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:01
As wildfires increasingly affect communities and civil infrastructure, structural engineers like Oregon State University engineer Erica Fischer apply their expertise to protecting lifeline systems and structures.
Multipurpose Wind-Wave Experimentation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:58
Arindam Chowdhury, wind engineer and NICHE project PI, describes a variety of specific engineering problems this NSF-funded facility will enable researchers to tackle.
Designing the World’s Largest Wind-Wave Research Lab [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:42
On today’s show, Florida International University wind engineer Arindam Chowdhury joins us to describe a new NSF-funded research lab called the National Full-Scale Testing Infrastructure for Community Hardening in Extrem…
Protecting liquefaction-prone soils in the PNW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:15
Geotech engineer Diane Moug is an authority on microbially induced desaturation, known as “MID.” This technique, developed at Arizona State University, prevents soils from liquefying in an earthquake. Moug describes how…
Diane Moug, One CAREER Award story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:38
Obtaining an NSF CAREER Award is a milestone for academics in the sciences. Early-career geotechical engineer and researcher Diane Moug shares her experiences writing and applying for – and then (finally) successfully wi…
Improving the Cone Penetration Test Featuring Diane Moug. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:00
The cone penetration test (CPT) is a standard tool for geotechnical engineers; it's used for measuring soil sheer strength, stress history and type. Leveraging her NSF CAREER award, Portland State U researcher Diane Moug…
Decision-making in disaster risk models  Featuring Rachel Davidson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:57
CHEER researchers focus on understanding decision-making among all the players involved in sustaining a resilient coastal community. Davidson details how stakeholders – insurers, government agencies, and residents -- hav…