Research in Mechanical Engineering

Faculty Research Interest

Energy Systems
A concentration in energy systems typically entails advanced study of a) thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and combustion; b) the application of these principles to phenomena and devices which constitute energy-conversion systems; and c) the analysis, simulation, and design of such systems as well as plants; e.g., chemical, metallurgical, food, etc., which are energy-intensive. Current research topics include: shock physics, hydrodynamic stability and turbulence, fluid dynamics and aerodynamics, sustainable energy development, alternative power systems, renewable/alternative fuels, optical diagnostics for thermal, fluid, energy conversion, and chemical process applications.

Manufacturing Systems
A concentration in manufacturing systems engineering allows students to focus on a broad range of topics. These topics range from micro issues, such as materials-related issues and cutting mechanisms in material removal processes, to macro analysis of complex manufacturing systems from either a process or ergonomics perspective. The focus of this concentration may be computer integrated manufacturing, materials processing, mechanical behavior of materials, manufacturing processes, quality systems, or ergonomics within manufacturing. Normally, each of these multi-disciplinary areas requires certain core courses along with specialized studies, which may include advanced courses in other engineering disciplines, courses in mathematics and statistics, and/or courses in business administration. Current research topics include: manufacturing processes, non-destructive evaluation, computer-aided manufacturing, industrial automation, statistical process control, modeling, process simulation, reliability/quality estimation, polishing and mass finishing processes, rapid prototyping, robotic systems, materials forming and joining processes, ergonomics, human factors engineering, mechanical behavior of materials and failure analysis.

Mechanical Systems
A concentration in mechanical systems typically entails advanced study of a) mechanical design and analysis and b) modeling, simulation, and control. Mechanical design and analysis focuses on the use of sound physical and mathematical principles to understand the behavior of mechanical systems. It includes computer-aided optimal design, such as the design of multi-body, multi-degree-of-freedom mechanical systems. Modeling, simulation, and control involve the study of theoretical mechanics in conjunction with computational applications including advanced dynamics, kinematics, and stress analysis. Applications include the modeling and control of manufacturing processes, including robotics and automated deformation processing. Current research topics include: solid mechanics, stress analysis, numerical analysis, robotics, kinematics, impedance design, geometric modeling, automated assembly, dynamic systems measurement and control, modeling of vehicle systems, human/machine interaction, biomechanics of motion, modeling and analysis of deforming processing, shell structures, finite element analysis and modeling, composite and polymeric materials and surface finishing processes.