Fastening and Joining Research Institute  The objective of this institute is to enhance the reliability and safety of metallic, composite and polymeric joints by advancing the science and technology of mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, welding and riveting. The institute is a one-of-a-kind facility that pursues fundamental and applied research to develop and disseminate new technologies for the fastening and joining of metals, composites and polymers. The Institute develops and disseminates novel advanced technologies in the areas of automated assembly of bolted joints, adhesive bonding of composites, resistance welding and riveting, a niche area that significantly impacts the safety and reliability of many products. |
Magnetoelectric Multilayer Composites for Field Conversion This technology is a magnetoelectric multilayer composite comprised of alternate layers of a bimetal ferrite and a piezoelectric material for facilitating conversion of an electric field into a magnetic field, or vice versa. The preferred composites include cobalt, nickel, or lithium zinc ferrite and PZT films that are arranged in a bilayer or in alternating layers, laminated, and sintered at high temperature. The composites are useful in sensors for detection of magnetic fields; sensors for measuring rotation speed, linear speed, or acceleration; read-heads in storage devices by converting bits in magnetic storage devices to electrical signals; magnetoelectric media for storing information; and high frequency devices for electric field control of magnetic devices or magnetic field control of electric devices. |
Fiber optic fluid depth sensor  A fiber optic sensor for determining the presence and/or measuring the depth of a first substance capable of transmitting light. The fiber optic sensor includes a plurality of light receiving fibers, a plurality of light transmitting fibers surrounding the light receiving fibers and structure for refracting light from the light transmitting fibers at a predetermined angle for total internal reflection of the light from an interface of the first substance with a second substance. |
Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics Services This research is focused on the areas of fluid mechanics and heat transfer, with a concentration in advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD), natural convection, turbulence (direct simulations and modeling), heat transfer correlation development, and microscales. Currently, the focus is on a number of industry related projects that involve computational fluid dynamics. While much of the research has focused on automotive applications, the service that can be provided is applicable in any area that involves heat transfer problems and fluid dynamics. |
Design Optimization and Design Under Uncertainty Technology This research is focused on noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and design under uncertainty. One outcome of this reseach is a design optimization tool that has potential application in a number of industry sectors. Although the graphical user interface is at an early stage of development, the algorithm design is sufficiently functional to solve series of complex problems. The research offers the opportunity to provide engineering services to numerous organizations on a consulting basis. |
Tribology, Surface Topography and Vibratory Stress Relief Research in tribology has focused on topics such as: simulation of liner/ring wear, effect of cylinder wall surface topography on cylinder kit wear and scuffing, theoretical prediction of oil film thickness between piston rings and cylinder walls and use of advanced materials and coatings to enhance tribological performance. The primary goals and another research track are to characterize and simulate valve wear mechanisms which occur on engine valves. The laboratory simulator which has resulted from this work is being used to rank the wear resistance of various valve materials and processing methods.
A related program of research has focused on the effect of tool wear on the surface topography of turned work pieces has been studied. A physical model which describes this relationship has been determined and future work will likely concentrate on developing non-contacting methods of monitoring work piece surface topography to help provide on-line optimization of metal cutting.
Finally, vibratory Stress relief (VSR) is being investigated as an alternative to tempering. VSR is expected to be more economical, faster and cleaner than tempering. Welded, cast, plastically deformed and heat treated samples are being investigated. |
Evaporating and Condensing Flow in Single and Multitube Systems This research is forcused on large flow oscillations of the condensate in single-tube and multitube condensing flow systems that can substantially affect performance, control and safety. The governing equations features the System Mean Void Fraction (SMVF) Model, a one-dimensional, two-fluid, distributed parameter integral model describing the primary physical mechanisms within the two-phase region and incorporating a non-fluctuating system mean void fraction. This concept makes the problem open to closed-form analytical solution, and yields valuable insight into the relevant physical parameters of the transient characteristics of the condensing flow systems.
Specific research targets include prediction of Transients and Instabilities in Multitube Two-Phase Condensing Flow Systems; Influence of Heat Flux on Horizontal Single-Tube Condensing Flow Systems; Influence of Gravity in Vertical Condensing Flow Systems, Upflow and Downflow; Effect of Subcooled Liquid Inertia on Transient- and Frequency Response Characteristics of Single and Multitube Condensing Flow Sytems. |
Internal Combustion Engines This research program covers a range of topics that can find application for internal combustion engines. Specific topics include droplet and particle sizing methods, fuel sprays and liquid atomization,heat transfer and fluid mechanics. |
Grinding to Sub-micron Tolerances  Axis positioning resolution on the order of nanometers has made possible the ductile machining of brittle materials. However, many of the concepts and models developed for traditional machining (characterized by high material removal rates and/or ductile workpiece materials) do not apply to machining at the nanometer level or to machining brittle materials. In this research program, analytical and experimental methods are being used to develop models for the machining of brittle materials. Beyond this scope, vibration assisted and water-jet assisted grinding, as well as wheel wear and wheel loading mechanisms also are being investigated. |
Automotive Research Diagnosis and Service Facility The automotive diagnosis and service facility is capable of holding twelve vehicles and is equipped with the latest computerized test and service equipment. Capabilities include a multi-function chassis dynamometer capable of testing for drive wheel horsepower and individual wheel braking effort, an enclosed engine test cell is available for testing engines up to 12,000 RPM, 1,000 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque can automatically measure, display, and record up to 35 separate functions on a real time basis. The facility also contains a high power flow bench measures dynamic gas flow through cylinder heads, intake and/or exhaust systems, and has the capability of performing many ASTM fuel and lubricant procedures for evaluating the operating characteristics of many fuels and lubricants. |
Metal Fabrication Facility The metal fabrication laboratory complex consists of four laboratory areas: foundry, machine tool, welding, and fabrication. Examples of equipment available for use include laser cutter, 1/4" x 10' shear, 90 Ton press brake, MIG/TIG/Plasma/Stick/Gas welding, foundry (sand casting), 1-Ton bridge crane, and monorail crane. Some of the processes that can be accomplished on these state-of-the-art machines include cutting through 1/4" steel on the (500 watt) computer numerical control industrial laser or by using the 100 amp plasma-arc machine. Manufacturing with the twenty tool automatic tool changing machining center is computer controlled and can be programmed manually at the machine control center or by (DNC) direct numerical control from the (CAM) computer-aided manufacturing laboratory. |
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