Dr. Altenhof's research interests deal with the structural response of "mechanical systems" under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions using both experimental and numerical methods. Dr. Altenhof has been involved with the development of experimental impact testing devices to evaluate the crashworthiness performance of automotive steering wheels and composite tubes under tensile and bending loading conditions. Numerical modeling is also a significant porition of Dr. Altenhof's research. Using numerical methods he has been involved with the development a frontal crashbox system for NASCAR racing frames to increase the safety to racecar drivers.
Child safety, in frontal, rear, and side impacts is also an important area of Dr. Altenhof's research. With his graduate students at the University of Windsor, he has completed extensive numerical studies which illustrate the importance of positioning children in rearward facing child restraint systems - at ages greater than 1 year. Dr. Altenhof's research interests also include investigations dealing with methods to enhance energy absorption characteristics of structural members under compression, tensile, and bending loading conditions.
Dr. Altenhof is also working with other researchers at the University of Windsor to investigate the deformation and stress/strain characteristics of lightweight metals under orthogonal cutting, the impact performance of automotive road wheels, and damage mechanisms of engineering materials under sliding contact (wear) conditions.