Design & Manufacturing
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.
Center for Dimensional Measurement and Control in Manufacturing see "Dimensional Measurement and Control in Manufacturing, 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"
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 (CSDL) 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 (DNA).
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.of product and processes tailored for the application domains.
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.
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.
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 NSF Engineering Research Center for Reconfigurable Machining Systems and the Wu Manufacturing Research Laboratory.
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.
Laser Materials Processing Laboratory
Director: Elijah Kannatey-Asibu, Jr. (asibu@umich.edu)
1109 GG Brown
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.
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.
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 (NEMS). 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.