Dr. ETIENNE TCHOFFO HOUDJI – Impact Mechanics and Dynamic Material Behavior

Dr ÉtienneTchoffo Houdji : Leading Researcher in Impact Mechanics and Dynamic Material Behavior

National Advanced School of Engineering of Maroua, The University of Maroua/ Advanced School of Mines Transformation and Energy Resources, The University of Bertoua, Cameroon.

Congratulations, Dr ÉtienneTchoffo Houdji, on winning the esteemed Best Paper Award from Research! Your dedication, innovative research, and scholarly contributions have truly made a significant impact in your field. Your commitment to advancing knowledge and pushing the boundaries of research is commendable. Here’s to your continued success in shaping the future of academia and making invaluable contributions to your field. Well done!

  Dr ÉtienneTchoffo Houdji, a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Impact Mechanics and Dynamic Material Behavior, holds a National Advanced School of Engineering of Maroua, The University of Maroua/ Advanced School of Mines Transformation and Energy Resources, The University of Bertoua, Cameroon.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

1997/1998 Government Bilingual High  School of Mbouda General Certificate of Education Advanced Level, Mathematics and Biology

1999/2000 The University of Dschang Bachelor of Physics

2001/2002 The University of Yaoundé  Master of Physics (without thesis) in Material Sciences

200 2/2003 University of Yaoundé I Master of Physics (with thesis) in Material Sciences

2020 University of Ngaoundéré Ph.D in Process Engineering/ Automatic, Control, Equipment, Modelling

Research Interests:
  •  FIELD OF RESEARCH: Solar Energy and Semi-conductor materials;
  •  AREA OF RESEARCH: Physics of Solar Cells and Solar (Photovoltaic and Thermal) Systems;
  •    PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH: Optimization and control of solar (photovoltaic and thermal)
    systems for rural electrification and agricultural machinery in unpredictable weather conditions.

Publications & Contributions:

Bendé I. F., E. Tchoffo Houdji, G. B. Tchaya, J. L. Nsouandélé, M. Kamta, Haman-Djalo, Backstepping Controller Design for Power Quality Improvement in a Two Stage Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems with LCL Filter. International Transactions on Electrical Energy Systems, vol. 2023, Article ID 6604487, 18 pages, 2023. DOI: 10.1155/2023/6604487.

Falama, R.Z.; Dumbrava, V., Saidi, A.S., Tchoffo Houdji, E., Salah, C.B., Doka, S.Y. A (2023). “Comparative -Analysis-Based Multi-Criteria Assessment of On/Off-Grid Connected Renewable Energy Systems: A Case Study”. Energies, 16, 1540. DOI: 10.3390/en16031540

E. Tchoffo Houdji, G.B. Tchaya, Kodji Deli, G.J. Kayem, M. Kamta, Haman-Djalo, N. Djongyang, (2022) “Improvement of the granularity of flour and energy saving by speed control of the induction motor of the grinder for a small-scale production of corn flour”, Springer Nature Energy Efficiency, 15, 65 (2022). DOI: 10.1007/s12053-022-10075-4.

G.B. Tchaya, E. Tchoffo Houdji, M. Kamta, C. Kapseu, (2021) « Regulation of temperature on multi-trays in an indirect solar dryer (ISD) with energy storage and three airflow modes for drying sheatnuts », Hindawi, Journal of Engineering, Volume 2021, Article ID 6668095, 11 pages DOI : 10.1155/2021/6668095

G.B. Tchaya, E. Tchoffo Houdji, Moktar Garga, B. Kaldambe Zoua, J.L. Nsouandele, (2021) “Performance Improvement of a Hybrid Biomass / Indirect Solar Dryer (HBISD) for Drying Guava (Psidium Guajava)”. International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 8 Issue 8, P.329-341

S. A. Ndjanda Heugang, H. T. Tagne Kamdem, E. Tchoffo Houdji and F. B. Pelap, (2020) “Transient energy and exergy analysis of parabolic trough solar collector with an application to Sahel climate”, International Journal of Sustainable Energy, DOI: 10.1080/14786451.2020.1828418.

G. B. Tchaya, J. M. Ango, E. Tchoffo Houdji, D. R. Djoulde, N. Djongyang, (2020) Design and Realization of a Mixed Solar Cooker: Application to the Cooking of the Sorghum Wort, Journal of Energy and Natural Resources. Vol. 9, N°2, pp. 75-80. DOI: 10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.14.

E. Tchoffo Houdji, D. Yamegueu, G.B. Tchaya, M. Kamta, Haman-Djalo, G.J. Kayem, (2019) “Power quality assessment in a stand-alone photovoltaic / battery system supplying an asynchronous motor through an adjustable speed drive”, International Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research (IJSER), Vol. 10 N°4, pp. 1157 – 1167

Kodji Deli, E. Tchoffo Houdji, N. Djongyang , A. Ayang and J.G. Tamba, (2018) “An investigation of incremental conductance based maximum power point tracking for photovoltaic water pumping system performances”, Revue des Energies Renouvelables Vol. 21 N° 3, pp. 455 – 472.

Kodji Deli, Etienne Tchoffo Houdji, Noel Djongyang & Donatien Njomo, (2017) “Operation and maintenance of back-up photovoltaic systems: An analysis based on a field study in Cameroon”, African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, DOI:10.1080/20421338.2017.1341731.

J. Kessel Pombe, Haman-Djalo, Beda Tibi, E. Tchoffo Houdji and S. Heugang Ndjanda, (2017) “Optical and thermal performances of a solar parabolic trough collector under climate conditions of the Cameroon Sahelian Zones”, International Journal of Innovation and Scientific Research (IJISR), Vol. 29 No. 2, pp. 149-165.

Tchoffo Houdji E., Zékeng S. S., Sitamtze Youmbi B., and Maga E. (2011) “Kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of the order-disorder phase transition in a two dimensional binary alloy”. Syllabus Review, Vol. 2 N° 3, pp. 114 – 121.

Scientific communications

  • Aïssatta Ibamie and Tchoffo Houdji Etienne, (2022), « Thermal cooker ASAAB », Special Edition 2022 Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days- Virtual Event from 16-20 March 2022.
  • Etienne Tchoffo Houdji, Guy Bertrand. Tchaya, Benjamin Kaldambe Zoua, Moktar Garga, C.
    Kapseu, M. Kamta.. “Design And Assessment Of The Performance Of An Indirect Solar Poultry Egg
    Incubator With Pozzolan Used As Heat Storage Material”. International Energy2021-Conference,
    From 18 to 20 November 2021, MINRESI /CNDT, Yaounde, Cameroon.
  • Guy Bertrand Tchaya, Etienne Tchoffo Houdji, Jean Benjamin Bidias, Bastian Borel Ymele, Jean
    Luc Nsouandele. « Design and realization of a mixed and hybrid solar still for bioethanol production”. International Energy2021-Conference, From 18 to 20 November 2021, MINRESI/CNDT, Yaounde, Cameroon
  • E. Tchoffo Houdji, G.B. Tchaya, Kodji Deli, G.J. Kayem, M. Kamta, Haman-Djalo, N.
    Djongyang.”Improvement of the milling energy indices by speed control of the asynchronous motor
    of the grinder in a small scale production of corn flour”. LOREXP-2021 International Conference,
    from April 20 to 23, 2021, IUT of the University of Ngaoundere.
  • Moktar Garga, G.B. Tchaya, E. Tchoffo Houdji, B. Kaldambe Zoua, J.L. Nsouandele, M. Kamta, C.
    Kapseu. “Performance analysis of a hybrid dryer: Biomass – Indirect Solar Dryer (BISD) for drying
    Page 4 sur 5 guava (Psidium guajava)”. LOREXP-2021 International Conference, from April 20 to 23, 2021, IUT
    of the University of Ngaoundere
  • J.B. Bidias, G.B. Tchaya, E. Tchoffo Houdji, Ndougou, J.L. Nsouandele, C. Kapseu3, M. Kamta,
    “Regulation of temperature to improve solar PVT collector for indirect solar dryer (ISD)”.
    LOREXP-2021 International Conference, from April 20 to 23, 2021, IUT of the University of Ngaoundere
  • E. Tchoffo Houdji, D. Yamegueu, M. Kamta, Haman Djalo, G.J.Kayem, “Influence of the irradiance
    on the power quality parameters of a PV / battery system powering an induction motor”, ANSOLE
    DAYS 2018 & ANSOLECAM 2018 September 2nd-6th 2018, “Centre Polyvalent de Formation”,Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
  • E. Tchoffo Houdji, D. Yamegueu, M. Kamta, Haman Djalo, G.J.Kayem, “Power quality analysis of
    a standalone photovoltaic system feeding a controlled induction motor of a grain mill”. Sustainable
    Energetics for Africa (SE4A)“ School 2, 31.07-04.08.2017, Yaounde&Buea, Cameroon
  • Dandoussou A., Kamta M., Tchoffo Houdji E., Late B. « Improvement of the yield of a photovoltaic
    system by the approach based on the electrical load parameters » ANSOLE DAYS 2012 (17-19
    February 2012), University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde Cameroon
  • ) Tchaya Guy B.; Tchoffo Houdji E.; Kamta M., Kapseu C., “Séchage de la patate au séchoir solaire
    indirect avec régulation de température”, 3 ème édition des rencontres biannuelles du Consortium
    EG@, 14-17 septembre 2010, Yaoundé, Cameroun.
  • Tchaya Guy B.; Tchoffo Houdji E.; Kamta M., Haman-Djalo, Kapseu C., « Improvement of an
    indirect solar dryer by the temperature control », XI World Renewable Energy Congress, September
    25-30, 2010, Abu Dhabi.
  • E. Tchoffo Houdji, S.S. Zékeng, and S. Domngang, “The influence of interatomic potential on the order/disorder phase transition in binary alloys” 1 ère édition des rencontres biannuelles du Consortium EG@, 23 au24 Mai 2006, Yaoundé, Cameroun.

Work/Research Experience:

Since October 2023: Head of Department, Department of Renewable Energy at the Advanced School of Mines Processing and Energy Resources(ESTM), The University of Bertoua, Cameroon.

Since December 2020: Senior Lecturer, Department of Renewable Energy at the National Advanced School of Engineering of Maroua, University of Maroua/Cameroon.

January 2010 – November 2020: Assistant Lecturer, Department of Renewable Energy at the National Advanced School of Engineering of Maroua, University of Maroua/Cameroon.

  • Subjects taught include Geometrical optics, Electrostatic, Basics of electronics and electronics
    practicals, Power electronic, Basics of electrotechnic, Electrical machine, Power electronic and
    electrotechnic practicals, photovoltaic solar energy teaching and practics.

2007 – 2009: Head of the GCE national exam board at the Ngaoundéré examination Center.

May 2004 – Dec. 2009: High School Teacher of Physics and chemistry at the Government Bilingual High School of Ngaoundéré/Cameroon

  • Activities involved are: presentation of materials to students, Practicals, assignments marking and
    technological design and applications to real-life situations (both chemistry and Physics).

Elasticity

Instructions of Elasticity:

Elasticity of Mechanics is a fascinating field of study that delves into the behavior of materials when subjected to various forces. Here are 5 suitable subtopics in elasticity of mechanics along with brief descriptions and related emojis:
Stress-Strain Analysis:
Understanding how materials respond to applied forces, examining the relationship between stress (force) and strain (deformation), and analyzing stress distribution in structures.
Elastic Behavior in Materials :
Investigating how different materials exhibit elastic properties, including Young’s Modulus, Shear Modulus, and Poisson’s Ratio, to predict their response to mechanical loads.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA):
Employing computational techniques to simulate complex structural behavior under varying conditions, aiding in the design and optimization of mechanical systems.
Hooke’s Law and Beyond:
Exploring the fundamental principles of elasticity through Hooke’s Law and extending the understanding to nonlinear elasticity, where materials behave differently under higher stress levels.
Elasticity in Biomechanics :
Applying elasticity principles to the study of biological tissues and understanding their behavior in response to mechanical loads, crucial in fields such as orthopedics and sports biomechanics.

Structural Health Monitoring

Engage in cutting-edge research in structural health monitoring to develop innovative techniques and technologies for evaluating the condition and safety of structures.
Leverage state-of-the-art sensors, data analysis tools, and predictive modeling to monitor and assess the health of various types of infrastructure.
Collaborate with experts in civil engineering, materials science, and sensor technology to advance the field of SHM.

Apply your research to enhance the resilience and longevity of critical infrastructure, including bridges, buildings, and dams.
Share your research findings through publications, conferences, and partnerships to contribute to the continued growth and practical applications of SHM.

Fiber Optic Sensing in SHM : Explore the use of fiber optic sensors for real-time monitoring of structural parameters like strain, temperature, and deformation.

Machine Learning for Damage Detection:
Investigate the application of machine learning algorithms to analyze sensor data and detect early signs of structural damage, improving predictive maintenance.
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Resilience-Based Design and SHM  :
Study how SHM can inform the design and retrofitting of structures to enhance their resilience to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes.
Fiber Optic Sensing in SHM:
Study the application of thermoelectric devices in recovering waste heat from industrial processes for sustainable energy generation.

Plasticity

Introduction of Plasticity:

Plasticity of Mechanics is a fascinating branch of mechanics that explores how materials deform and behave when subjected to loads beyond their elastic limit. It involves the study of permanent deformation, flow, and change in shape without fracturing
Strain Hardening Phenomenon:
 Investigating how materials become stronger and tougher as they undergo plastic deformation, often represented by stress-strain curves with distinctive rises.
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Plasticity Modeling and Simulation :
Developing mathematical models and computational tools to predict and analyze plastic deformation in various materials and structures, aiding in design and analysis.
Creep and Stress Relaxation :
Exploring the long-term deformation behavior of materials under constant stress (creep) and the gradual reduction in stress over time (stress relaxation) with temperature-dependent properties.
Plasticity in Metal Forming:
Understanding how plasticity mechanics play a pivotal role in shaping processes like forging, rolling, extrusion, and stamping of metals, optimizing manufacturing processes.
Plasticity in Geotechnical Engineering :
Examining how soil and rock materials undergo plastic deformation under loads, vital in geotechnical engineering for foundation design, slope stability, and excavation planning.

Mechanics of Functional and Intelligent Materials

Mechanics of functional materials is an interdisciplinary field that explores the mechanical behavior and properties of materials engineered to have specific functionalities. These materials are designed to respond to external stimuli, such as mechanical forces, temperature changes, or electromagnetic fields, and exhibit unique mechanical responses that are essential for various technological applications.
Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs):
Research in this subfield focuses on the mechanical behavior of SMAs, materials that can “remember” and recover their original shape after deformation. Understanding how these materials respond to temperature changes and mechanical loads is crucial for applications in robotics, aerospace, and medical devices.
Electroactive Polymers (EAPs):
 This subtopic explores the mechanical properties of EAPs, which change shape when an electric field is applied. Research in this area is important for the development of soft robotics and adaptive structures.
Smart Composites:
Research on smart composites focuses on understanding how composite materials with embedded sensors and actuators respond to mechanical loads. These materials find applications in aerospace, automotive, and civil engineering for structural health monitoring and vibration control.  Bio mechanics of Functional Bio materials: Investigating the mechanical behavior of biomaterials designed for specific functions in medical devices and implants. Researchers study how these materials interact with biological tissues and adapt to physiological conditions.
Piezoelectric Materials:
Investigating the mechanical behavior of piezoelectric materials, which generate electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress. Researchers explore their applications in sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting.
Dynamic Response of Polymers:
Investigating the unique behavior of polymers and elastomers under dynamic loading conditions, with applications in shock absorption, automotive safety, and consumer products.

Mechanics of Functional and Smart Structures

Introduction of Mechanics of Functional and Smart Structures:

 

Mechanics of functional and smart structures is an interdisciplinary field that investigates the mechanical behavior and properties of structures and materials engineered to exhibit unique functionalities and intelligence. These structures are designed to adapt, respond, and optimize their performance based on environmental conditions, external stimuli, or internal feedback, making them crucial for various applications in civil engineering, aerospace, robotics, and more.
Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) in Structural Applications:
Research in this subfield focuses on integrating SMAs into civil and aerospace structures. SMAs can be used to create self-healing, shape-changing, or vibration-damping systems.
.
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM):
Investigating how smart sensors and monitoring systems can be embedded within structures to continuously assess their condition, detect damage, and provide real-time feedback for maintenance and safety.
Adaptive and Morphing Structures:
Exploring the mechanical behavior and design of structures that can change
shape or adapt to different loading conditions. These structures are used in applications such as adaptive wings in aircraft.
Smart Materials in Robotics:
 Research in this area focuses on the integration of smart materials, such as electroactive polymers or shape memory alloys, into the design of robotic systems, enabling improved mobility, flexibility, and functionality.
Bio-inspired Smart Structures:
Investigating how principles from nature can inspire the development of smart structures. This includes the study of structures that mimic the adaptability and resilience of biological organisms.

Dynamic Material Behavior

Introduction of Dynamic materials behavior:

Dynamic material behavior research is a branch of materials science and mechanics that focuses on understanding how materials respond to rapid and dynamic loading conditions. These conditions often involve high strain rates, shock waves, and intense pressures. This field is crucial for various applications, including designing materials for defense, aerospace, impact-resistant structures, and advanced manufacturing processes.
High Strain Rate Testing:
 Researchers in this subtopic develop experimental techniques to study how materials behave under rapid deformation. Understanding how materials respond at high strain rates is essential for designing protective gear, vehicle armor, and aerospace components.
Shock Wave Propagation:
Investigating the behavior of materials when subjected to shock waves, such as those generated by explosives or impacts. This subfield is important for designing blast-resistant materials and studying meteorite impacts
Dynamic Fracture Mechanics:
Studying how materials fracture and fail under dynamic loading conditions, which is crucial for designing reliable structures and components that may experience sudden impacts or explosive forces..
Materials for Additive Manufacturing:
Researching how materials behave during the additive manufacturing process, especially under the rapid heating and cooling cycles inherent to 3D printing. Understanding dynamic material behavior in this context is essential for improving the quality and performance of 3D-printed parts..
Dynamic Response of Polymers:
Investigating the unique behavior of polymers and elastomers under dynamic loading conditions, with applications in shock absorption, automotive safety, and consumer products.

Impact Mechanics

Introduction of Impact Mechanics:

 Impact mechanics is a specialized area of mechanics that focuses on understanding the behavior of objects when they collide or experience sudden, high-energy impacts. This field is essential for designing safety systems, analyzing crashes, and developing impact-resistant materials in various industries, including automotive engineering, aerospace, sports equipment, and more.
Collision Dynamics:
This subtopic delves into the analysis of the motion and interactions of objects during collisions. Researchers study factors such as momentum, energy, and deformation to understand the outcomes of collisions.
Crashworthiness:
Researchers investigate how structures and vehicles can be designed to absorb and dissipate energy during impacts to protect occupants and minimize damage. This includes the study of crumple zones and safety features in automobiles.
Ballistics and Projectile Impact:
The study of how projectiles, like bullets or missiles, behave upon impact with various materials. This subfield is crucial for designing protective armor and understanding bullet penetration.
High-Velocity Impact:
Examining the effects of extremely high-speed impacts, often seen in space debris collisions, meteorite impacts, or hypervelocity testing for
space exploration.
Biomechanics:
researchers analyze how impacts affect the human body and study injury mechanisms. This area is vital for improving safety in sports, automotive design, and personal protective equipment development.

Fracture Mechanics

Instruction of Fracture Mechanics:

 

Fracture mechanics is a branch of materials science and mechanical engineering that focuses on understanding and predicting the behavior of materials when subjected to mechanical loads, which can lead to the initiation and propagation of cracks or fractures. This field is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of various structures and components, ranging from aircraft to pipelines and bridges.
Stress Analysis:
Stress analysis involves studying how forces and stresses distribute within a material, identifying regions of high stress concentration that can lead to crack initiation.
Fatigue Crack Growth:
This subtopic focuses on the study of how cracks propagate over time under cyclic loading conditions, which is essential for predicting the life span of materials and structures.
Brittle Fracture:
Investigating the behavior of brittle materials and understanding the conditions under which they suddenly fracture, such as in the case of glass or ceramics.
Fracture Toughness:
Fracture toughness is a material property that quantifies its resistance to crack growth. Research in this area aims to develop methods for measuring and improving fracture toughness in materials.
Environmental Effects:
Examining how environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and corrosive substances, can influence the rate of crack growth and material degradation, leading to failure.

Contact mechanics

Instructions for Contact Mechanics:

contact mechanics is a branch of mechanics that deals with the study of interactions between solid surfaces in contact.
Contact Analysis:
Investigate the behavior of materials when they come into contact with one another, focusing on factors such as stress, deformation, and friction at the contact interface.
Material Selection:
Understand the importance of choosing appropriate materials for contact applications to optimize performance and minimize wear and damage.
Lubrication:
Explore lubrication techniques and strategies to reduce friction and wear in mechanical systems, including boundary, mixed, and hydrodynamic lubrication.
Surface Roughness:
 Study the influence of surface roughness on contact mechanics, considering its effects on contact area, stress distribution, and wear.
Tribology:
Examine the interdisciplinary field of tribology, which encompasses the study of friction, wear, and lubrication in contact systems, with applications in engineering and industry.