The Department of Mechanical Engineering has a thriving research community of globally-recognized experts in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, biomechanics, neuromechanics, and nanotechnology.
Research Areas
Our faculty, in coordination with post-doctoral associates and graduate and undergraduate students, constantly seek to expand the field of mechanical engineering by conducting state-of-the-art research in five main areas:
MEMS/NEMS/NANO
The interdisciplinary nature and expanding applications for nano- and micro-electrical-mechanical systems demonstrate the vast potential and impact of the field. The group researches nano/microfabrication, fabrication and characterization of advanced nanomaterials, nanomaterial-based sensors, polymer nanocomposites, nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, multiscale robotics, and nano- and microfluidics.
Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Together, students and faculty improve robotics technology through advanced research. All aspects of robotics are investigated, from sophisticated intelligence systems, novel robotic platforms and controls, to component technologies for robotic systems.
Biomechanics and Biomechanical Engineering
The biomechanics and materials research cluster uses theoretical, computational, experimental, and simulation-based approaches to study, characterize, and leverage the behavior of a wide range high performance materials, including biomaterials, metals, plastics/polymers, and composites.
Sustainable Energy
Environmental sustainability is important for society's future. The department develops solutions to energy challenges that promote economic and environmental sustainability. Through interdisciplinary collaborative research, education, and outreach programs, members engage in research on advanced and sustainable energy systems combined with fundamental and applied research in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics.
Product Design and Manufacturing
The design and manufacturing cluster focuses on realizing cost-effective and high performance products and systems through cross-disciplinary research spanning multiple areas including knowledge-based design, advanced materials and manufacturing process sciences, and intelligent systems integration technologies.
