Mechanical Engineering Manufacturing Research
We conduct cutting-edge research and policy analysis to make transformative discoveries leading to cleaner, leaner, and smarter production processes and systems. Below, we provide a general and non-exhaustive description of the research thrusts within the group alongside links to relevant research labs.
We encourage undergraduates to explore manufacturing research opportunities through the RISE program, and master's students to explore manufacturing research opportunities through the ME 590 course offering.
Cyber-physical Systems & Smart Manufacturing
Recent focus on Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing has initiated a new paradigm in manufacturing. We study the introduction of new data extraction tools, combined with new processes, increased automation, and big data analytics to provide the enabling tools to integrate smart manufacturing concepts within manufacturing processes and along the entire manufacturing system from production lines to supply chains.
Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is changing how we design and make products. Research on 3d printing is conducted across our research laboratories. For example, we study the use of 3d printing for mass customization and biomedical applications, and how 3d printing can be used to serve more people by increasing process rates and reducing energy requirements through art design and closed loop control of machine vibrations and melt pool geometries.
Machine and Part Design
We create novel machines, devices, and instruments for applications in healthcare, manufacturing and metrology, automotive and MEMS for an improvement of speed and precision on the principals of Precision Engineering and Mechatronics. We improve part designs using the latest techniques in multi-component, multi-material, multi-process topology optimization and life cycle engineering cost and environmental analyses.
Low Carbon Materials Processing
Making materials and products currently accounts for around one-third of all global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. We study new synthesis and assembly techniques for addressing energy generation and storage challenges (e.g., battery manufacturing), and new manufacturing and recycling processes and systems that increase resource efficiency and reduce pollution.
Biomedical Manufacturing
Our core competency includes the additive manufacturing, custom orthotics and prosthetics, cyber-physical system for assistive devices, machining inside the blood vessels - atherectomy (plaque grinding) and mechanical thrombectomy (clot cutting and removal), soft tissue-mimicking materials, clinical simulators, and advanced medical devices. Grinding, drilling and cutting of soft biomaterials are three machining processes that we have long tradition of excellence and impacts in industry and healthcare.
Nano Manufacturing
Our goal is to develop scalable, low-cost techniques for the synthesis and assembly of nanostructures to address complex energy-related environmental challenges. Example applications include solar cells, batteries, artificial photosynthesis, catalysts, water purification, and lightweight composites.
ICME Manufacturing
We study and apply Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) for manufacturing to better understand the inter-relationships between processing, alloying, microstructure and properties in metallic materials – and in incorporating this knowledge into computational tools for use in research, education and engineering.
Forming and Joining
The overwhelming majority of products are made using machining, deformation, and joining. We reimagine these technologies to process modern engineering materials using processes that make better performing and lighter products, are cost effective for low volume production, and reduce waste.
