Research Centers and Labs

Automotive Laboratory, Walter E. Lay see "Walter E. Lay Automotive Laboratory"

Aluminum Metallurgy and Processing, Center for
Center Coordinator: Amit Ghosh (akg@engin.umich.edu)
2102 Dow
Phone: (734) 764-3322
The Center for Aluminum Metallurgy and Processing is an interdisciplinary center aimed at enhancing the use of aluminum alloys through research along several fronts: the physical and mechanical metallurgy of aluminum alloys, their processing to a variety of conventional and non-conventional product forms, their forming and joining to fabricate components, and to invent alloys and composites with superior structural properties.

Automated Modeling Laboratory
Director: Jeffrey L. Stein (stein@umich.edu)
G029 Auto Lab
Phone: (734) 763-7388
Fax: (734) 764-4256
The Automated Modeling Laboratory focuses on the development of methodologies and tools to assist engineers with their system modeling and simulation tasks. The objective of our research is to develop algorithms and software tools that facilitate the systematic development of models. This includes documentation about the models assumptions, accuracy, range of validity, quality etc.

Automotive Research Center
E-mail: arc-info@umich.edu
Director: Dennis N. Assanis (assanis@umich.edu)
Assistant Director: Zoran S. Filipi (filipi@umich.edu)
Contact person: Bruno P Vanzieleghem (brunov@umich.edu), Technical Program Manager
Contact number: (734) 647-3382
1008 Auto Lab
The Automotive Research Center (ARC) is the research module of the Army's National Automotive Center. The ARC represents a dramatic cost effective leveraging of automotive technology between government, industry, and academia. Research areas include: Intelligent vehicle dynamics and control, human centered design simulation, high performance structures and materials, advanced and hybrid powertrains, and integrated system design and simulation.

Automotive Structural Durability Simulation, Center for
Director: Jwo Pan (jwo@umich.edu)
1123 Auto Lab
Phone: (734) 764-9404
The purpose of the Center is to work with industry to solve real engineering problems in the area of automotive structural durability. Center researchers accomplish this by developing techniques for automotive components modeling, subsystem and full vehicle dynamic simulation, stress and fatigue life prediction, and design optimization.

Biomechanics Research Laboratory
Director: James A. Ashton-Miller (jaam@umich.edu)
3216 GG Brown
Phone: (734) 936-0366
Fax: (734) 763-9332
The Biomechanics Research Laboratory (BRL) maintains an international reputation for research excellence. Investigations in BRL are aimed at exploring the mechanical causes of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disabilities, diseases, and injuries. The lab seeks to gain basic insights into problems that have wide socioeconomic impact, from spine deformities in the young to falls in the elderly. Fundamental research is carried out that seeks to understand how the brain coordinates and controls a myriad of muscles in human locomotion and how aging affects that control. Scientific hypotheses are formulated and tested using experimental and analytic tools. The insights gained are used in medicine, ergonomics, kinesiology, psychology and other fields to improve preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative techniques.

Cavitation and Multiphase Flow Laboratory
Director: Steven L. Ceccio (ceccio@umich.edu)
1077 Lay Automotive Lab
Phone: (734) 936-0433
Fax: (734) 764-4256
The Cavitation and Multiphase Flow Laboratory is devoted to the study of a wide variety of multiphase flows, including gas-liquid flows, solid-gas flows, three-phase flows, cavitating, and boiling flows on both the laboratory and full scales.

Center for Aluminum Metallurgy and Processing see "Aluminum Metallurgy and Processing, Center for"

Center for Dimensional Measurement and Control in Manufacturing see "Dimensional Measurement and Control in Manufacturing, Center for"

Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems see "Intelligent Maintenance Systems, Center for"

Center for Laser Aided Intelligent Manufacturing see "Laser Aided Intelligent Manufacturing, Center for"

Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing see "Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing, Center for"

Combustion and Synthesis Kinetics & Diagnostics Laboratory
Contact: Margaret Wooldridge (mswool@umich.edu)
2202 GG Brown
Phone: (734) 647-4790
Fax: (734) 647-3170
The Combustion and Synthesis Kinetics & Diagnostics Laboratory is a facility where a range of laser-based diagnostics will be used to investigate basic characteristics of fundamental processes that are either related to combustion, especially pollutant formation, combustion-assisted materials synthesis, or chemical fire suppression and sprays. Its intention is to be both productive for the projects of individual interest and as a resource pool for the rest of the thermo-fluid science faculty. Furthermore, the combination of all available equipment will result in efficiencies of scale.

Compliant Systems Design Laboratory
Director: Sridhar Kota (kota@umich.edu)
2231 GG Brown
Phone: (734) 936-0357
Fax: (734) 647-3170
The Compliant Systems Design Laboratory develops novel engineering solutions by utilizing mechanical compliance in design. The lab also develops analytical & computational tools for synthesis and analysis of compliant mechanisms integrated with actuators to form compliant system. Applications include MEMS, Adaptive Structures, and Product Design for No-Assembly.

Computational Physics Group
Director: Prof. Krishna Garikipati (krishna@umich.edu) (734) 936-0414
Lab: 3003 EECS
Phone: (734) 936-2925
The Computational Physics Group works on theoretical and computational aspects of problems in Biological Physics, Materials Physics and Mechanics, using methods of nonlinear continuum mechanics, numerical analysis and applied mathematics.

Computational Mechanics Laboratory
Director: Gregory M. Hulbert (hulbert@umich.edu)
3001B / 3005 / 3007 EECS
Phone: (734) 936-2925
Fax: (734) 647-3170
Established in 1988; supports more than 20 doctoral students, post-doctoral scholars and visiting professors working with Professors Greg Hulbert and Noboru Kikuchi; facilities include more than 15 engineering workstations, along with a multimedia presentation lab.

Computational Mechanics Laboratory
Director: Noboru Kikuchi (kikuchi@umich.edu)
3005 EECS
Other Affiliated Faculty: Zheng-Dong Ma
Phone: (734) 615-8180
Computer methods for mechanical engineering are intended. More specifically, basis for CAE including design optimization and nonlinear mechanics is the main research topic. Many CAE related computer codes have been developed, and they are still now integrated in some commercially available CAE software.

Computational Reacting Flows Laboratory
Director: Hong G. Im (hgim@umich.edu)
2046 GG Brown
Phone: (734) 615-5152
Fax: (734) 647-3170
The Computational Reacting Flows Laboratory explores diverse high-fidelity numerical modeling approaches to fundamental and practical combustion and reacting flow systems that are applicable to internal combustion engines, gas turbines, micro-combustors, and fuel reformers for fuel cells. The Laboratory is equipped with a 24-CPU Linux cluster based on Intel Pentium 4 processors, and a number of serial workstations for large-scale simulations.

Design Laboratory
Director: Steve Skerlos 3007 EECS
Phone: (734) 763-0036
Fax: (734) 647-3170
The Design Laboratory of the University of Michigan, from its creation in 1989, has been a leader in innovative application of engineerng design. Our faculty span the breadth of the Design Science horizon and we are constantly stretching those boundaries into even more novel areas such as MEMS, Environmental Design, and Smart Materials and Structures. Our main strength is our team sprit. Collaboration and interdisciplinary research and education produce a unique mix of talent and experience here. With so many players in such a variety of areas, we bring more to the field.

Dimensional Measurement and Control in Manufacturing, Center for
Director: Jack Hu (jackhu@umich.edu)
3001F EECS
Phone: (734) 615-4315
Fax: (734) 763-5700
The Center for Dimensional Measurement and Control in Manufacturing is a National Science Foundation - Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. The Center maintains a strong industry/university cooperative research program with three focused thrust areas: (1) dimensional measurement principles and systems, (2) dimensional control for machined parts, and (3) dimensional control of stamped parts. The Center brings together expertise from mechanical engineering, industrial and operations engineering, electrical engineering and computer science, and materials science and engineering, to address research needs and challenges in dimensional measurement and control.

Design Laboratory: Discrete Design Optimization Group (d*)
Director: Kazuhiro Saitou (kazu@umich.edu)
3007 EECS
Phone: (734) 763-0036
Fax: (734) 647-3170
Discrete Design Optimization Laboratory (d*) conducts research on state-of-the-art computational approaches to computer modeling and optimal synthesis of mechanical (and non-mechanical) products and systems. Topics include: computational design for manufacture/assembly/environment, simultaneous design of products/manufacturing systems/supply chains, computer modeling and synthesis of MEMS/NEMS, chemo/bio-informatics, and structure-based virtual screening for drug discovery and design.

Center for Dimensional Measurement and Control in Manufacturing see "Dimensional Measurement and Control in Manufacturing, Center for"

Engineering Research Center in Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems
E-mail: erc_staff@umich.edu
Director: Yoram Koren (ykoren@umich.edu); Deputy Director: Jun Ni (junni@umich.edu)
Other Contact: Tonya Marion Other Affiliated Faculty: Galip Ulsoy; Jun Ni; Jack Hu; Elijah Kannatey-Asibu Jr.
Phone: (734) 763-9999
Fax: (734) 763-5700
The NSF-sponsored Engineering Research Center in Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (ERC/RMS) was established in 1996 to develop the science base for reconfigurable manufacturing, specifically in machining. Three research areas are: (1) System-level design, (2) Control & Information, and (3) In-Process Metrology. A test bed is available for proof-of-concept demonstrations and research integration. The ERCRMS is financially supported by NSF, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Cummins and additional IO companies.

Environmental and Sustainable Technology Laboratory
Director: Steve Skerlos (skerlos@umich.edu)
The Environmental and Sustainable Technology Laboratory was established to provide an infrastructure which permits leadership in research related to environmentally-friendly design and manufacturing. Primary activities include sustainable design, environmental evaluation of technology systems, and fundamental research leading to the development of novel technologies that aim to minimize environmental and health risks in manufacturing.

Fuel Cell Control Systems Laboratory
Director: Anna Stefanopoulou (annastef@umich.edu) and Huei Peng (hpeng@umich.edu)
1082 Auto Lab
The experimental set-up in the Fuel Cell Control Systems Laboratory allows the implementation of multivariable controllers, fault detection, and diagnostic algorithms for the regulation of reactant flow and pressure, stack temperature, and membrane humidity. It is anticipated that the development and testing of real-time control and diagnostic systems will accelerate the use of Fuel Cells by enhancing their safety, increasing their efficiency, and ensuring their robustness in real world applications. The lab collaborates with The Schatz Energy Research Center, Ford Motor Company, United Technologies, NSF and the ARC.

General Motors/University of Michigan Collaborative Research Laboratory in Advanced Vehicle Manufacturing
University Co-Director: S. Jack Hu (jackhu@umich.edu)
3001 EECS
Phone: (734) 615-4316
The General Motors Collaborative Research Lab in Advanced Vehicle Manufacturing (GM/UM AVM CRL) was established to carry out research and development activities in areas that are of critical importance to GM's vehicle manufacturing operations, with particular emphasis on automotive body manufacturing processes and systems. It also help facilitate the exchange of technical personnel and knowledge between GM Research and Development and the University of Michigan. Current research thrust areas include assembly, welding and joining, metal forming, and manufacturing systems.

General Motors/University of Michigan Engine Systems Research Collaborative Research Laboratory
University Co-director: Dennis Assanis (assanis@umich.edu)
The General Motors Collaborative Research Laboratory is the focal point for the conduct of joint research in areas that are core to GM's business, critical to its long-term competitiveness, and commensurate with the scholarly expertise and intellectual pursuits of the University Faculty. The Laboratory also supports the transfer of knowledge, technology, and engineering human talent to GM through courses, personnel exchange, and graduate student involvement in the GM-sponsored research projects.

Haptics and Mechantronics in Mechanical Engineering Research
Director: R. Brent Gillespie (brentg@umich.edu)
The Haptics and Mechantronics in Mechanical Engineering Research Laboratory conducts research in the areas of haptics, mechantronics and robotics.

Heat Transfer Physics
Director: Massoud Kaviany (kaviany@umich.edu)
2186 GG Brown (Director, 3108 GG Brown)
Phone: (734) 764-3487
Fax: (734) 647-3170
Our research is on transport and transformation kinetics of thermal energy involving phonon, electron, fluid particle and photon, with innovative use in new technologies. Our current projects include molecular design of thermoelectric materials used for cooling or power generation. While small electronic band gaps and relatively high carrier concentrations help with desirable enhancing electrical properties (Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity), enhancing phonon scatterings help with desirable lowering phonon conductivity. Using quantum and molecular dynamics computation, we search for molecular structures (including nano-structures) with high thermoelectric figure of merit. In laser cooling of ion-doped crystals, the absorbed photon has a deficit in overcoming the electronic gap and is made up by absorbing phonos (thus cooling the crystal). We look at increasing the efficiency (and extending the cooling range to cryogenic temperatures) of this laser cooling by optimizing the photon absorption using nano powders, and by examining the role of crystal phonon density of states and the dopant concentration. In MEMS cryo-cooler project, we use a novel staged micro thermoelectric cooler designed to cool functional microstructures. The thermoelectric materials used are telluride compound films, and with complete back etching and using suspension posts, we plan to eliminate substrate parasitic heat transfer. We also examine onset of motion of dropwise condensate (on inclined substrate) under applied DC potential, experimentally, with theoretical description based on overcoming of the static three-phase contact line (TCL) friction by electrowetting (i.e., exerting electrostatic force thus causing an imbalance in TCL surface tension forces).

Heterogeneous Multiscale Materials Laboratory
Director: Ann Marie Sastry (amsastry@umich.edu)
1027 / 2008 / 2154 / 2155 GG Brown
Phone: (734) 764-3061
The Heterogeneous Multiscale Materials Laboratory (HMML) develops materials, models and demonstrations of technology. We study heterogeneous micro- and nanostructures, and develop ways to best employ the combined properties of each phase, for problems in energy and biological systems.

Hybrid Vehicle Systems Lab
Director: Zoran Filipi (filipi@umich.edu)
2031 W.E. Lay Automotive Lab
Phone: (734) 936-0427
The lab develops tools and methodologies for design, analysis and optimization of complex hybrid vehicle propulsion systems. The fundamental insight related to energy conversion and storage supports development of predictive models and system integration. The lab pursues modeling and simulation of new concepts and demonstrations using the engine- or powertrain-in-the-loop capability.

Integrated Manufacturing Systems Laboratory
Director: Jun Ni (junni@umich.edu)
The largest manufacturing laboratory in the US, with numerous machine tools, measurement and inspection systems and other research equipment. This facility houses the activities of the Engineering Research Center for Reconfigurable Machining Systems and the Wu Manufacturing Research Laboratory.

Intelligent Maintenance Systems, Center for
U-M Co-Director: Jun Ni (junni@umich.edu)
Phone: (734) 936-2918
Fax: (734) 936 0363
Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems (CIMS) is concentrated on bringing about innovations on predictive maintenance technologies, including intelligent machine degradation assessment methodologies, e-prognostics, and e-diagnostics to enable manufactures and customers to have products and machines with near-zero breakdown conditions. The IMS plans to develop intelligent prognostics software such as digital Watchdog Agent TM (prognostics on a chip and algorithm) for in-situ machine degradation assessment and remote monitoring as well as web-enabled agents for internet augmented intelligent maintenance and e-service business decision-making systems (e.g. e-business tools).

Laboratory for Automation and Mechanical Structures (LAMS)
Director: Galip Ulsoy (ulsoy@umich.edu)
2277 GG Brown
Other Affiliated Faculty: Matt Castanier (mpc@umich.edu)
Phone: (734) 763-2227
The focus of research in LAMS is in two areas: (1) automation of mechanical systems, and (2) dynamics and vibration of mechanical structures.

Laboratory on Transport, Reaction and Phase Change in Porous Media see "Transport, Reaction and Phase Change in Porous Media, Laboratory on"

Laboratory for Turbulence Physics and Computation see "Turbulence Physics and Computation, Laboratory on"

Laser Aided Intelligent Manufacturing, Center for
Director: Jyotirmoy (Jyoti) Mazumder (mazumder@umich.edu)
Other Contact: Susan C. Charnley 1132 / 1133 / 1134 / 1136 GG Brown
Phone: (734) 647-6824
Fax: (734) 763-5772
The Center for Laser Aided Intelligent Manufacturing (CLAIM) is a university/corporate partnership dedicated to advancing the applications of laser technology to such materials processing/manufacturing applications as welding, drilling, cladding, chemical vapor deposition, ablation, direct metal deposition and surface treatment.

Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing, Center for
Director: Jyotirmoy (Jyoti) Mazumder (mazumder@umich.edu)
Contact: Susan C. Charnley, Secretary, (734) 647-6824
Phone: (734) 647-6824
Fax: (734) 763-5772
Center Mission: The University of Michigan Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing is created to develop a fundamental understanding of laser-aided intelligent manufacturing to reduce lead-time for concept-to-product manufacturing for U. S. industry.

Laser Materials Processing Laboratory
Director: Elijah Kannatey-Asibu, Jr. (asibu@umich.edu)
1109 GG Brown
Phone: (734) 936-0408
The Laser Materials Processing Laboratory conducts research in many facets of laser manufacturing including weld pool fluid flow, heat affected zone microstructure, thermal analysis of dual beam laser welding, on-line monitoring of laser weld quality, and process monitoring.

Mechanical Properties of Materials Laboratory
Director: Michael Thouless (thouless@umich.edu)
Does numerical and experimental research in the fracture and deformation of engineering materials.

Mechanosynthesis Group
Director: John Hart (ajohnh@umich.edu)
1000 GG Brown
Phone: (734) 615-6146
Fax: (734) 864-5751
The mechanosynthesis group aims to expand the science of how to synthesize nanostructures and engineer their fundamental properties; to create new manufacturing technologies to realize the related chemical, mechanical, and thermal assembly processes; and to pioneer applications which harness the unique properties of these building blocks at small and large scales. Examples of science include studies of the growth mechanism of nanowires and nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition; examples of manufacturing technology include machines for growth of long strands and large-area films of nanostructures, along with novel device integration methods; and examples of applications include high-performance energy conversion devices and reinforced fiber composites. We aim to foster a highly creative, energetic, and focused research environment, utilizing skills and insights from many disciplines in engineering and science.

Microsystems Technology and Science Lab
Director: Katsuo Kurabayashi (katsuo@umich.edu)
2021 G G Brown
Phone: (734) 615-5211
Fax: (734) 647-3137
Microsystems Technology and Science Lab aims to develop new technologies for future MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) and NanoElectroMechanical Systems. This mission is supported by solid knowledge on micro/nanoscale physical phenomena, device design rules, and materials processing. Our major research activities are categorized into three major areas: (1) micro/nano-scale electrothermal transport; (2) device design & material processing; and (3) biomoleclar nanotechnology for the next generation of microsystems technology. Our research is highly interdisciplinary and promotes active interactions with electrical engineers, materials scientists, and biophysicists. Our desire is to carry out cutting-edge research supporting emerging microsystems technology and nanotechnology.

Mobile Robotics Laboratory
Coordinator: Johann Borenstein (johannb@umich.edu)
Advanced Technologies Lab
Room 148
1101 Beal Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2110
Phone: (734) 763-1560
Fax: (775) 860-9599
The Mobile Robotics Laboratory develops and prototypes experimental mobile robot systems including innovative mobile robots, obstacle avoidance systems, positioning systems, and robotic aids for the disabled.

Multiscale Computational Nanoscience Laboratory
Assistant Professor: Angela Violi (avioli@umich.edu)
2024 GG Brown
2350 Hayward Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Phone: (734) 936-0575

Nanomechanics Laboratory
Director: Edgar Meyhöfer (meyhofer@umich.edu)
The research interest/mission/fields of the Nanomechanics Laboratory include molecular and cellular biomechanics, single molecule biophysics, biomolecular nanotechnology, cell physiology, comparative functional morphology and ultrastructure, development of microscopy-based techniques for the manipulation and detection of single molecules.

NSF Engineering Research Center for Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems see "Engineering Research Center for Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems, NSF"

Optimal Design Laboratory
Director: Panos Y. Papalambros (pyp@umich.edu)
3200 EECS
Phone: (734) 647-8401
Fax: (734) 647-8403
The Optimal Design Lab is dedicated to research in design methods and tools that improve the design process and the quality of designed artifacts. The analytical decision-making paradigm is used to study product development methods from an interdisciplinary perspective that includes engineering, business, psychology, art and architecture. Studies in automotive systems, such as hybrid propulsion technologies, are specifically emphasized.

Orthopaedic Research Laboratories
Director: Steven Goldstein (stevegld@umich.edu)
G-161, 400 North Ingalls
Phone: (734) 763-9674
Fax: (734) 647-0003
Research in the Orthopaedic Research Laboratories is categorized into ten project groups: clinical research, fracture healing, growth and development, lower extremity sports research, physical force effects on tissues in vivo, physical force effects on cells in vitro, shoulder and knee joint biomechanics research, structure and function of bone and bone constructs, tissue engineering and aging fragility in bone and cartilage.

The PLM Alliance
Director: Debasish (Deba) Dutta (dutta@umich.edu)
2225 / 2225A GG Brown
Phone: (734) 936-3567
Other Contact: Dr. Lalit Patil
The PLM Alliance is an inter-disciplinary center for fundamental and applied research on Product Lifecycle Management concepts, processes and tools, and the synergistic development of PLM educational resources for classroom use.

Powertrain Control Laboratory
Director: Anna Stefanopoulou (annastef@umich.edu)
G008 and 1082 Auto Lab
Phone: (734) 936-0424 (G008) and (734) 764-4272 (1082)
Fax: (734) 764-4256
The Powertrain Control Laboratory's research addresses the theory and design of control systems for internal combustion engines and advanced powertrains. The lab focuses on transient system behavior for engines equipped with innovative mechanisms: electronic primary throttle, intake runner valves, air by-pass valve, variable camshaft timing actuators, variable valve timing actuators, exhaust gas recirculation valves, variable nozzles turbine and hybrid turbochargers.

Precision Systems Design Lab
Assistant Professor: Shorya Awtar (awtar@umich.edu)
2009 GGBrown
Fax: (734) 647-3170
This lab conducts research in the design of high-precision high-bandwidth motion systems for macro, micro and nano scale applications. Our design philosophy is based on the principles of precision engineering and mechatronics, and relies heavily on the engineering disciplines of kinematics, mechanics, dynamics and controls.

Quantitative Laser Diagnostics Laboratory
Director: Volker Sick (vsick@umich.edu)
2023 Auto Lab
Phone: (734) 647-9607
Fax: (734) 764-4256
The Quantitative Laser Diagnostics Laboratory is involved in the development and application of quantitative laser diagnostic tools for reactive and non-reactive flows with a particular emphasis on internal combustion engines.

Sensory Augmentation and Rehabilitation Laboratory
Director: Kathleen Sienko (sienko@umich.edu)
3121 GG Brown
Phone: (734) 764-8308
The Sensory Augmentation and Rehabilitation Laboratory focuses on the design, development, and assessment of medical devices, especially for balance-impaired populations such as vestibular-deficient patients, patients with sensory deficits (peripheral neuropathies), and the elderly. We also study the effects of aging (and specialized balance disorders) on postural control and balance as well as the design of preventative and rehabilitative devices for these populations.

S. M. Wu Manufacturing Research Center
E-mail: wu_group@umich.edu
Director: Jun Ni (junni@umich.edu)
1051 / 1100 HH Dow // 2250 GG Brown
Other Affiliated Faculty: Albert Shih
Phone: (734) 764-5299
Fax: (734) 936-0363
The S. M. Wu Manufacturing Research Center conducts basic and applied research in manufacturing science and engineering. Its broad scope of research consists of six different research laboratories for: assembly and materials joining, dimensional measurement, drill research, in-process quality improvement, machine tools and machining, and sheet metal stamping and material forming.

Smart Materials and Structures Laboratory
Director: Diann E. Brei (dibrei@umich.edu)
2203 GG Brown
The Smart Materials and Structures Laboratory designs smart structures, with particular concentration on the development of innovative actuators incorporating smart materials such as piezoelectrics, electrostrictives, and shape memory alloys. Lab researchers are interested in continuing research in actuators as well as branching out into other smart structure applications such as vibration control, shape control and health monitoring.

Soft Tissue Mechanics Laboratory
Director: Ellen Arruda (arruda@umich.edu)
1025 / 3126 GG Brown
The Soft Tissue Mechanics Laboratory (STML) at the University of Michigan studies the soft tissues of the human body, such as skin, tendon and skeletal and heart muscle. The goal is to build on the current understanding of the mechanics of these tissues through experimentation and modeling. At this time, there is particular interest in measuring the constitutive behavior of soft tissues and in developing a better constitutive model that relates the complex structure of the tissue to its mechanical response. Much of the current work in th lab involves tissue engineering of ligaments, tandons, muscle and the interfaces between them. Research in the STML is divided into four areas: tissue engineering, experimental characterization, analytical constitutive modeling, and finite element simulations.

Solid Freeform Fabrication Laboratory
Director: Suman Das (sumandas@umich.edu)
1113B GG Brown
Phone: (734) 615-6646
Fax: (734) 647-3170
The solid freeform fabrication laboratory focuses on development of laser-based layered manufacturing techniques. We design machines, develop materials deposition and processing systems, and implement real-time process control for the production of heterogeneous devices. Applications of our techniques are being investigated for tissue engineering scaffolds, small scale energy storage, production and conversion devices, and high performance turbine engine components. We are also investigating near-field optical techniques for nanofabrication.

Solid State Thermal Physics Laboratory
Director: Kevin Pipe (pipe@umich.edu)
2211A GG Brown
Other Affiliated Faculty: Max Shtein
Phone: (734) 763-6624
Fax: (734) 647-3170
The Solid State Thermal Physics Laboratory conducts research in heat transfer at micro and nano size scales, especially examining electronic/optoelectronic devices and thermoelectric/thermionic effects.

Technical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory
Director: David Dowling (drd@umich.edu)
The Technical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory is used to conduct research in a wide range of fluid mechanical and acoutic topics. It currently houses research efforts involving multi-dimensional measurements of liquid polymer flow, detection and localization of hydroacoustic sound sources in reverberant environments, and instrumentation development work for high Reynolds number wall-bounded turbulent flows.

Turbulence Physics and Computation, Laboratory on
Director: Rayhaneh Akhavan (raa@umich.edu)
2016 GG Brown
Phone: (734) 763-1048
Fax: (734) 647-3170
The Laboratory for Turbulence Physics and Computation seeks basic insight into the complex physics of turbulent flows through numerical simulations in order to develop novel turbulence control and turbulence modelling strategies.

Variable Gravity Research Laboratory
Director: William W. Schultz (schultz@umich.edu)
Co-Director: Herman Merte, Jr. (merte@umich.edu)
2027 Auto Lab
Phone: (734) 936-0351
Fax: (734) 764-4256
Research areas include buble dynamics, dryout/rewetting of heated surfaces under microgravity conditions, pool boiling curves in microgravity, and origin of the dynamic growth of vapor bubbles associated with vapor explosions.

Vibrations and Acoustics Laboratory
Director: Noel Perkins (ncp@umich.edu)
2200 EECS // 1106 GG Brown
Other Affiliated Faculty: Karl Grosh; Bogdan Epureanu; Dave Dowling; Kenn Oldham
Fax: (734) 647-3170
The Vibrations and Acoustics Laboratory conducts research in vibrations, acoustics, structural dynamics, nonlinear dynamics, and wave propagation.

Walter E. Lay Automotive Laboratory
Director: Dennis Assanis assanis@umich.edu
2045 W. E. Lay Automotive Lab
Phone: (734) 764-8464
True to its namesake, former Mechanical Engineering professor Walter E. Lay (BSE ME '15), the Lay Automotive Lab has supported education and research since the early 1900s. Today, the Lab's research interests are wide-ranging but generally associated with: engine combustion, emissions control, friction, fuel efficiency, vehicular hybrid propulsion and electronics design, and vehicle aerodynamics. It encompasses twelve engine test cells, a high-bay vehicle laboratory, machine shops, and instructional and computer laboratories, including Fluid Mechanics. Michigan Engineering's proximity to Detroit -- the heart of the nation's auto industry -- has made the Lay Automotive Lab a vital contributor to industry.

Wilson Student Team Project Center
Director: Donald E. Geister (saag@umich.edu)
Phone: (734) 615-6400
Fax: (734) 615-6411
Description: meets a critical need by providing students with dedicated space and facilities of teams to compete nationally; 10,000 square-foot center, located behind the Francios-Xavier Bagnoud Building and adjacent to Wave Field.