Veneer-based product and method of manufacture & Carbon in wood products  A rate limiting step in the production of veneer-based wood products or pressed wood composites is the time required to transfer heat through the product being pressed. This technology increases the thermal conductivity of composite wood materials thereby reducing the required press time to produce acceptable mechanical properties. This technology has been demonstrated for wood veneer products (“plywood”) and oriented strandboard but could apply to other composite materials where enhanced thermal conductivity is desired. |
Thermally Conductive Carbon Resins Dr. King leads a general focus effort at MTU in the area of thermally conductive resins. Specifically, her effort is focused on adding carbon to a variety of materials which to date have included wood, asphalt, and polymers. (See CTC web page, projects section) In previous years, she has experienced reasonable success in attracting both industrial and public funding for her work from Conoco, Louisiana Pacific and the National Science Foundation. |
Frontier Carbon Materials Dr. Yap leads a very focused effort in the atomic bonding control of frontier carbon materials. The majority of his time is specifically spent improving recent innovations in the field such as growing carbon-nitride crystals at 800C and 15 atm. Approximately half of Dr. Yap’s work could be classified as highly theoretical with a 10-15 year discovery horizon and the other half being directed in the general direction of a more near term application (5 year horizon). |
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. |
Center for Merchandising and Design Technology  The CMDT serves as a bridge between academic resources and the textile/apparel industry. Technology systems include a Human Solutions VITUS/Smart 3-D Body Scanner, and FLIR Systems ThermoVision A20M Infrared Imaging System and Rapid Prototyping equipment. Specialized facilities include an environment chamber and a motion capture room. The center comprises the Apparel Production Laboratory, the Textile Testing Laboratory, and the Multimedia Laboratory. |
Thermal Profiling of the Human Torso This research project is designed to evaluate next-to-skin (NTS) fabrics on the human body under different environmental conditions and levels of activity. In addition, the project is constructed to use this information to develop a body-mapping process that will guide the development of a customized "second skin" (garment) to facilitate thermal transfer and to build a database of thermal images of the human torso that will allow for mass customization of individualized garments. |
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. |
Exploiting Low-density Intermetallic Alloys New cubic trialuminides based on titanium have been formed recently by selective alloying with chromium or manganese. These new low density alloys have good strength at high temperatures and excellent oxidation resistance. In this research program, ductility enhancement is being established through determination of the nature of the dislocations carrying the deformation by means of transmission electron microscopy and computer simulation of images. Exploitation of these materials as thermally sprayed protective coatings for a variety of materials is also being studied, as is their use in intermetallic composites formed with various ceramic reinforcements. Finally, ultrahigh pressure hot isostatic pressing of mechanically alloyed trialuminides is being examined as a means of producing nanostructured versions of these materials. |
High Transition Temperature Shape Memory Alloys Selected site substitution alloying is being used to develop new high transition temperature shape memory alloys. Currently available alloys are restricted in their use to temperatures of the order of 100C or less. Most potential high transition temperature shape memory alloys based on intermetallics are brittle, but in many cases can be ductilized through selected alloying. Similarly, the shape-memory effect can be enhanced by manipulating the balance between deformation by slip and twinning. |
NMR Spectrometer  With support from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities: Departmental Multi-User Instrumentation (CRIF:MU) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Eastern Michigan University has acquired a 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) Spectrometer. This instrument permits the initiation of projects not possible currently and will lead to greater interaction of faculty in Chemistry with those in the College of Technology and Biology. Research projects to benefit from the NMR spectrometer include studies on nitrogen-phosphorus flame retardants, natural product synthesis, nitrogen heterocycle synthesis, and organic and heterocycle synthesis. This instrument helps attract research-oriented faculty and improve the learning experience for graduate and undergraduate student researchers. The formal teaching program will be immediately and positively affected in a senior laboratory class on synthesis. |
Magneto-Electric Nanostructures for Novel Microwave The objective of this collaborative research is to fabricate and study the magneto-electric interactions in novel one-dimensional ferromagnetic-ferroelectric nanostructures, and to exploit them for innovative device applications. The program is motivated by theoretical models that suggest much stronger interactions in such nanostructure geometries than in standard thin films and laminate structures. The approach is to synthesize nanowire and nanotube composites consisting of ferroelectric materials, such as lead zirconium titanante or barium titanate, with ferrimagnetic nickel- or cobalt ferrite.
A comprehensive research program is planned consisting of the following components: sample fabrication, structural characterization, magneto-electric interaction studies spanning a wide frequency range, device studies, and theoretical modeling. Efforts will focus on the creation of novel nanostructures using innovative processing methods and examine their use for a new class of microwave devices that are both electric and magnetic field tunable. At the University of Alabama, the PI will lead the sample fabrication, structural characterization and device fabrication efforts; while the physical property measurements, theoretical studies and device applications will be led by the PI at Oakland University.
The efforts will bring together a multidisciplinary team of investigators that will make significant contributions to scientific knowledge, education outreach and infrastructure, and potentially lead to a host of next-generation devices for the national defense and consumer electronics. The program will provide support for graduate and undergraduate students, including underrepresented minorities, and contribute to their broad interdisciplinary training. Project personnel will collaborate with local schools to facilitate participation by high school students in research. |
Automotive Research and Industrial Mentorship Program Eight women undergraduate students are recruited for a ten-week summer experience in the field of mechanical engineering. Students will have the opportunity to do research in automotive-related areas of the fluid and thermal sciences, energy and tribology. The main features of the program include: (1) a three-tier mentorship program, that involves faculty, industrial mentors and graduate students; (2) strong endorsements and commitments from industrial mentors and major automotive companies (e.g. General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, FEV Technology) that have long histories of research and development, including opportunities for participation at the industrial sites;(3) skill motivation and confidence building activities through direct mentorship by female role models and (4) networking and peer support opportunities through coordinated professional activities outside the university. These professional activities include industry and lab tours, seminars, coordinated activities with professional societies such as the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE), interactions with invited speakers, oral presentations and the opportunity to attend and/or present research findings at a conference. In order to emphasize the importance of professional development, networking and peer support, all students will be enrolled in the SWE and the SAE. The majority of the students will be recruited from two and four year colleges that offer few summer research opportunities for undergraduate students with a special emphasis placed on recruiting minority women students from southeastern Michigan, as well as from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide. It is anticipated that this REU Site will increase the number of women in mechanical engineering who pursue careers in engineering and embark upon graduate studies to pursue careers in industry, government or academia. |
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