Manufacturing Engineering offers mentored research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. We are constantly looking for hard-working, innovative researchers interested in participating in cutting-edge research in manufacturing processes and systems. Current research in the program is focused on the priority research areas listed below. If you are interested in joining one of our research groups, contact our faculty for more information.
Additive Manufacturing Processes & Design
Faculty Contact: Jason Weaver, Tracy Nelson, Michael Miles
- Hybrid (additive + subtractive) manufacturing processes
- Multi-material additive in metals and polymers
- Low-cost and open-source additive mfg hardware
- Dimensional accuracy and material properties
- Enriching STEM education through additive manufacturing
- Design for Manufacturability
Composites Processes & Simulation
Faculty Contact: Andy George
- Composites processing simulation and optimization
- Optimization of liquid composite molding for minimal void content
- Flow simulation and permeability measurement
Metal Processes & Simulation
Faculty Contacts: Tracy Nelson, Michael Miles, Yuri Hovanski
- Joining technologies such as friction stir welding and friction stir scribe
- Forming, fabrication, and joining of metal alloys
- Simulation of metal forming processes
Tribology & Biomaterials
Faculty Contact: Quentin Allen
- Friction, wear, and lubrication of bearing surfaces
- Precision manufacturing and surface modification
- Processing of biomaterials for orthopedic implants
Smart Factories & Automation
Faculty Contact: Yuri Hovanski
- Creating flexible sensor and information system solutions for teaching, research, and production manufacturing hardware
- Low-cost methods for integrating existing equipment into the Smart Factory
- Applying advances in product-based Internet of Things technology to factory-based settings