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. |
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. |
Zinc Aluminum Alloys  Zinc – Aluminum alloys as an environmentally friendly alternative to bronze for bearings Classic problems with Z-Al alloys are dimensional stability, corrosion resistance, and brittle fracture. This technology solves the strength and brittleness problems through new forming techniques. This inventor has written a book chapter on this topic. |
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. |
Coatings Research Institute  The CRI's two-fold mission is to be a leading academic organization that develops relevant scientific knowledge for understanding and for expanding the science and technology of paints, coatings, inks, adhesives and related nano-based materials. Areas of expertise represented in the CRI include, among others, coating technologies and formulation, polymer modification, cross-linking mechanisms and enabling technologies such as nanotechnology (nanoparticle materials), polymer structure/property relationships, characterization, vibrational spectroscopy (Raman and FT-IR), thermal analysis (DSC,DMA,TGA, DEA) and nanotribology. |
Surface Science and Nano-Tribology Laboratory (SSNTL) The Surface Science and Nano-Tribology Laboratory (SSNTL) is equipped with a Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM), a Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM), a Nano Indenter XP system, a Localized Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (LEIS) and other major equipment. Ongoing activities includes studies of surface mechanics and nano-tribology, as well as surface structure of polymeric coatings and other molecular films, and corrosion mechanisms at the micro and nano-scale. For example, a modified SPM has been used to study mechanical properties of nanomaterial and the newly developed Localized Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscope (LEIS) enables measurement of the impedance dot by dot with a resolution of microns while it scans across the surface of sample. Combined with Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM), that can image surface morphology with nano and sub-nano resolution, this technology allows investigation of corrosion mechanism in micro and nano-scale. Other areas of expertise include the mechanisms of fouling release coatings (nanotribological properties of non-toxic fouling release coating systems) and micro mar resistance (MMR), and different responses of the coatings/materials to scratch stress. |
National Dendrimer and Nanotechnology Center The National Dendrimer and Nanotechnology Center is the catalyst for dendrimer-based research initiatives. The Center’s current research agenda focuses on several types of dendrimer and nanoscale sciences: Drug encapsulation, release and disease targeting protocols are being established and tested for cancer therapy and anti-flammatory drug systems using a range of dendrimer carrier structures; researching cytotoxicity of dendrimers and other nanoscale structures; the use of dendrimers as a catalyst in the production of carbon nanotubes at the lowest temperatures recorded; the attachment of oligonucleotides to dendrimers for targeting, amplification or detection in biological systems; development of nuclear magnetic reagents which allow higher resolution and site specific targeting to disease or inflammation; stabilization of nano-crystals or quantum dots with unique optical, electronic or other properties for use in bio-labeling, and flat panel display technologies; development of lower-cost synthetic routes to new proprietary dendrimers and dendritic polymers; development of dendrimers as in-vivo nano-diagnostic agents and devices. |
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. |
Finite Element Analysis and Computer-Aided Engineering This reseach is focused on developing an array of technologies including finite element, boundary element, and finite difference programs for specific applications such as phase change, material fracture, contact stresses, sheet metal forming, strength evaluations, injection molding, etc. Developing interface programs for smooth and complete data transfer between CADD systems and F.E. programs. |
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. |
Physical Processes Involved in Adhesive Bonding and Material Damage Skills and expertise is available for modeling, analysis and simulation of contact between deformable bodies including mechanical models, mathematical formulations, variational analysis, and numerical analysis of the associated variational formulations. Areas of current activity are modeling of Industrial Processes by PDEs, variational inequalities as well as thermoelastic dynamic contact with friction, wear, adhesion or damage. |
Materials Testing Laboratory The Materials Testing Laboratory supports testing of plastics, metals, and fuels and lubricants. Laboratory analysis and certified testing in these areas is supported by a Tinius Olson tensile test machine (30,000# load cell). The laboratory has capabilities for magnetic particle testing, fluorescent penetrant testing, eddy current testing, and carbon analysis tests. The facilitity incorporates a complete metallurgy lab, high temperature furnaces, humidity chamber, hardness testing, micro-hardness testing, abrasion testing, plastics testing (extrusion and deflection), gas chromatograph, infra-red spectrophotometer, sulfur in oil analyzer, and fuel and lubricant testing apparatus. |
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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