Skip to content

Labs & Facilities

Our home, the G.G. Brown Building, recently received a $46 million addition and an additional $50 million in renovations. The improvements provide state-of-the-art, student-centric instructional space. They also enable transformative research that combines core mechanical engineering with emerging technologies.

Project support

  • Wooldridge Combustion Laboratory

  • Wilson Student Team Project Center

Automotive & Future Transportation

  • Automotive Research Center

  • Automotive Structural Durability Simulation Center

  • Barton Research Group

  • General Motors/University of Michigan Automotive Collaborative Research Laboratory: Advanced Manufacturing Division

  • General Motors/University of Michigan Smart Materials & Structures Collaborative Research Laboratory

  • Powertrain Control Laboratory

  • Walter E. Lay Automotive Laboratory

Biomechanics & Biosystems Engineering

  • Bio-MicroElectro Mechanical Systems Lab

  • Biomechanics Research Laboratory

  • Biomechanics Research Laboratory

  • Human Biomechanics and Control Laboratory

  • Integrated Biosystems and Biomechanics Laboratory

  • Perkins Research Group

  • Soft Tissue Mechanics Laboratory

  • Epureanu Research Group

Controls

  • Powertrain Control Laboratory

  • Structural Dynamics and Controls Lab

  • Variable Gravity Research Laboratory

Design

  • Compliant Systems Design Laboratory

  • Design Lab

  • Environmental and Sustainable Technology Laboratory

  • Global Health Design Initiative

  • Laboratory for Innovation in Global Health Technology (LIGHT)

  • Optimal Design Laboratory

  • Precision Systems Design Lab

  • Sensory Augmentation and Rehabilitation Laboratory (SARL)

Dynamics and Vibrations

  • Laboratory for Automation and Mechanical Structures (LAMS)

  • Vibrations and Acoustics Laboratory: Microsystems

  • Epureanu Research Group

  • Structural Dynamics and Controls Lab

Energy

  • Michigan Industrial Energy Center (MIEC)

  • Energy Storage and Materials Simulation Lab

  • Fuel Cell Control Systems Laboratory

Fluids

  • Cavitation and Multiphase Flow Laboratory

  • Laboratory for Turbulence Physics and Computation
  • Scientific Computing and Flow Physics Laboratory

  • Technical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory

Manufacturing

  • Center for Dimensional Measurement and Control in Manufacturing

  • Center for Laser Aided Intelligent Manufacturing

  • Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing

  • Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems

  • Engineering Research Center in Reconfigurable Machining Systems

  • Integrated Manufacturing Systems Laboratory

  • S.M. Wu Manufacturing Research Center

Mechanics & Materials

  • Materials Characterization Lab

  • Mechanical Properties of Materials Laboratory

  • Laser Materials Processing Laboratory

  • Mechanical Testing Lab

  • Smart Materials and Structures Laboratory

Mechatronics & Robotics

  • Rehabilitation Robotics Group

  • Haptix Laboratory

Micro/Nano Engineering

  • Microsystems Technology and Science Laboratory

  • Nanomechanics Laboratory

  • The Violi Group

Multi-scale Computation and Computational Mechanics

  • Computational Mechanics Laboratory

  • Computational Mechanics Laboratory

  • Computational Physics Group

  • Laboratory for Turbulence Physics and Computation

  • Algorithmic Synthesis Laboratory

  • Automated Modeling Laboratory

  • The Violi Group

Thermal Sciences

  • Heat Transfer Physics

  • Laboratory for Transport & Interaction in Porous Media

  • Solid State Thermal Physics Laboratory

  • Quantitative Laser Diagnostics Laboratory

Algorithmic Synthesis Laboratory

Website: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~kazu/research-areas.html

Coordinator: Kazu Saitou

3007 EECS

Phone: 734-763-0036

Fax: 734-647-3170

Algorithmic Synthesis Laboratory (ASL) investigates theories and methods for modeling, abstraction, and algorithmic synthesis of mechanical, industrial, and biomedical systems. We emphasize the mathematical abstraction rooted on the fundamental understanding the target systems and the algorithmic generalization utilizing the tools in mechanical, industrial, computer science and engineering, including but not limited to, geometric and kinematic reasoning, image and pattern recognition, stochastic planning and optimization. Members of the laboratory are exposed, through our collaborators and sponsors, to broad application domains ranging from mechanical and industrial engineering to medical and pharmaceutical engineering.

Automated Modeling Laboratory

Coordinator: Jeffrey Stein

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 Fuel and Combustion Technology

Website: http://boehman.engin.umich.edu/

Director: Andre Boehman

2007 Auto Lab

The Automotive Fuel and Combustion Technology (AFACT) group is devoted to studies of fuel chemistry, combustion and pollution control for combustion engines, and more generally for compression and spark ignition combustion processes. The mission of AFACT is to investigate and solve problems related to combustion engine emissions through innovation in engine combustion, exhaust aftertreatment and fuel formulation research. Typically, there are more than a dozen students, including some undergraduate laboratory assistants, involved in the research with the AFACT group at any given time.

Automotive Research Center

Website: http://arc.engin.umich.edu/

Primary Investigator: Bogdan Epureanu

2043 Auto Lab

The Automotive Research Center (ARC) is a University-based U.S. Army Center of Excellence for advancing the technology of high fidelity simulation of military and civilian ground vehicles. It represents the key basic research partner of the U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) in Warren, Michigan. The ARC was established in 1994 at the University of Michigan. Our partnership base has evolved over the years to meet the research needs of our Army sponsors and now include Wayne State University, Oakland University, University of Iowa, Clemson University, Virginia Tech, Michigan Tech, Mississippi State University and University of Alabama Birmingham.

Automotive Structural Durability Simulation Center

Director: Jwo Pan

1123 Auto Lab

Phone: 734-764-9404

The purpose of the Automotive Structural Durability Simulation 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.

Barton Research Group

Website: http://brg.engin.umich.edu/

Director: Kira Barton

2160 G.G. Brown

Phone: (734) 764-7293

Research in the Barton Research Group (BRG) combines the development of novel sensing and control strategies with experimental implementation. Equal part theory and application, the focus of the research is on innovative strategies for improving the performance of a wide range of systems. Current research topics include the exploration of novel sensing and control techniques for improving the coordination and precision motion control of multiple systems. The versatility of these strategies will be demonstrated through applications ranging from autonomous vehicles to emerging manufacturing processes.

Bio-MicroElectro Mechanical Systems Lab

Coordinator: Nikos Chronis

2178 GG Brown

Biomechanics Research Laboratory

Website: http://me.engin.umich.edu/brl/

Director: James Ashton-Miller

Affiliated Member: Kathleen Sienko

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

Coordinator: Steve Ceccio

1077 Autolab

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 Dimensional Measurement and Control in Manufacturing

Director: Jun Ni

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.

Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems

U-M Co-Director: Jun Ni

1206 HH Dow

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 manufacturers 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).

Center for Laser Aided Intelligent Manufacturing

Website: http://claim.engin.umich.edu/

Director: Jyoti Mazumder

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.

Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing

Website: https://clpam.engin.umich.edu/

Coordinator: Jyoti Mazumder

2041 GG Brown

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.

Wooldridge Combustion Laboratory

Website: http://wooldridge.engin.umich.edu/

Contact: Margaret Wooldridge

2156 GG Brown

Phone: (734) 936-0349

The Wooldridge Combustion Laboratory at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor focuses on high-temperature chemically reacting systems which are critical to widespread applications, including synthesis methods for advanced materials, power and propulsion generation, and chemical processing. Professor Wooldridge’s research program spans these diverse areas and focuses on experimental studies to enable major developments in materials, fuel chemistry, and combustion devices.

Compliant Systems Design Laboratory

Website: http://csdl.engin.umich.edu/

Director: Sridhar Kota

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 and computational tools for synthesis and analysis of compliant mechanisms integrated with actuators to form compliant system. Applications include microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), Adaptive Structures, and Product Design for No-Assembly (DNA).

Computational Mechanics Laboratory

Director: Greg Hulbert

Affiliated Member: Zheng-Dong Ma

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

Website: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~kikuchi/CMLWEB/indicator.html

Coordinator: Noboru Kikuchi

Affiliated Member: Zheng-Dong Ma

3005 EECS

Phone: 734-615-8180

Email: kikuchi@umich.edu

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 Physics Group

Website: https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/krishna/

Director: Krishna Garikipati

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.

Design Lab

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 engineering 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 spirit. 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.

DOE EFRC: Mechano-Chemical Understanding of Solid Ion Conductors (MUSIC)

Director: Jeff Sakamoto

MUSIC focuses on understanding an emerging branch of science involving mechanical and chemical phenomena that affect advanced battery designs. U-M and eight partner institutions will explore the use of ceramic ion conductors as replacements for the traditional liquid or polymer electrolytes in common lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and in flow cells for storing renewable energy in the grid.

Energy Storage and Materials Simulation Lab

Website: http://www.umich.edu/~djsiege

Coordinator: Donald Siegel

Email: djsiege@umich.edu

Phoenix Memorial Energy Institute Laboratory

The Energy Storage and Materials Simulation Lab (ESMS Lab) aims to address the materials and systems-level challenges facing the development of efficient methods for high-density energy storage. Our primary emphasis is on applications in transportation (fuel cell and battery electric vehicles) and power generation (enabling base-load intermittent sources). We make extensive use of high-performance computing, and have additional expertise in the areas of mechanical properties of materials, surface & interface science, metallic alloys, and multi-scale modeling.

Engineering Research Center in Reconfigurable Machining Systems

Website: http://erc.engin.umich.edu

Director: Yoram Koren

Affiliated Member: Dawn Tilbury, Elijah Kannatey-Asibu Jr., James Moyne, Jun Ni

1100 HH Dow

Phone: 734-763-9999

Email: erc_staff@umich.edu

Fax: 734-763-5700

In 1996, with an 11-year grant from the National Science Foundation, leading manufacturers and the State of Michigan, Professors Yoram Koren and A. Galip Ulsoy inaugurate the Engineering Research Center for Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMS). It was a massive response to industry’s need for speedier transformation of manufacturing in an era of overwhelming technological change. The RMS Center was the first NSF-sponsored ERC in the U-M College of Engineering.

From 2007 to 2010 the ERC/RMS has continued its stream of innovations, funded by sole industry support. ERC/RMS methodologies, patents and machines have been implemented in industry and improved product quality and factory productivity by significant margins. Professor Koren was the Center Director from its launch in 1996 through 2010 and Professors Ulsoy and Jun Ni have served as deputy directors.

Total funding for the Center through 2009 was $48M. The testbed, facilities, student areas and conference rooms were built and furnished using ERC/RMS.

Environmental and Sustainable Technology Laboratory

Director: Steve Skerlos

2190 GG Brown

Email: skerlos@umich.edu

The Environmental and Sustainable Technology Laboratory (EAST) is dedicated to technology, knowledge, and policy innovations that reduce the impact of engineering design and manufacturing decisions on the environment. Primary activities include the life cycle evaluation of technology systems and fundamental research leading to novel technologies that minimize environmental and health risks in manufacturing.

Epureanu Research Group

Website: www-personal.umich.edu/~epureanu

Director: Bogdan Epureanu

Phone: (734)-647-6391

Fax: (734)-647-9379

Our research group is located in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. We focus on biological and epidemiological systems, aerospace and automotive structures, and turbomachinery. Examples include creating novel mechano-chemical dynamic models of nanoscale intracellular transport processes, developing the next generation of highly sensitive diagnosis and monitoring techniques, discovering novel methods for forecasting tipping points in complex systems such as disease epidemics and ecological systems, developing innovative reduced order models of multi-physics systems such as Li-ion batteries and complex structures, creating advanced system identification and control methodologies for smart structures and fluid-structural systems. We blend novel methods and theory with fundamental experiments in linear and nonlinear dynamics from macro to nano-scale.

Fuel Cell Control Systems Laboratory

Website: https://fuelcell.engin.umich.edu/

Director: Anna Stefanopoulou

Affiliated Member: Huei Peng

Phoenix Memorial Laboratory, Room 3039

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, National Science Foundation and the Automotive Research Center.

Global Design Laboratory

Website: http://globaldesign.engin.umich.edu/

Director: Jesse Austin-Breneman

Research in the Global Design Laboratory is aimed at developing improved process and support tools to help design teams make better decisions when facing complex system design tasks. By bridging the foundations of formal complex system design with a deep understanding of actual practice, our work provides insight into the design of complex engineering systems and delivers strategies for reaching a better global design.

Current research topics include the use of multi-disciplinary optimization to model expert design teams and developing support tools to help engineers improve their system-level thinking. These strategies are applied in a variety of areas, from aerospace to automotive design to emerging markets.

Global Health Design Initiative (GHDI)

Website: https://globalhealthdesign.engin.umich.edu/

The Global Health Design Initiative provides students with an opportunity to address global health challenges through clinical immersion and design coursework. Students have performed design ethnography at hospitals in Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nicaragua, and China to identify and prioritize healthcare challenges that can be partially addressed through engineering design. The overarching objectives of such clinical immersion experiences are to provide students with an opportunity to apply and further develop design ethnography skills, establish intercultural and interdisciplinary communication skills, and gain an understanding of the local and broader contexts of design.

General Motors/University of Michigan Smart Materials & Structures Collaborative Research Laboratory

Website: http://sms.engin.umich.edu/

University Co-Director: Diann Brei

The mission of the GM/UM SMS CRL is to exploit the emerging capabilities of smart materials and structures to create and support innovative advanced device technologies for automotive applications of value and interest to GM and extension to dual technologies for strategic partners.

Haptix Laboratory

Website: http://haptixlab.engin.umich.edu/

Director: Brent Gillespie

The Haptix Laboratory is home to a set of research projects aimed at developing and applying human/machine interface devices to exploit the human sense of touch (haptics).

Heat Transfer Physics

Website: https://htp.engin.umich.edu/

Director: Massoud Kaviany

2186 / 3108 GG Brown

Phone: 734-764-3487

Fax: 734-647-3170

In our Heat Transfer Physics research, we seek this atomic-structure design (including nanostructures and quantum confinements) and optimization of the carrier energy kinetics (transition rates). This is rendered in the figure below. Our current research projects include laser cooling of solids, phonon recycling in transistors, phonovoltaic, α-voltaic, and phonocatalysis. We work on high figure-of-merit thermoelectric materials around the role of phonons. We are also working on the molecular dynamics explanation of the thermoreceptor gating.

Integrated Manufacturing Systems Laboratory

Director: Jun Ni

1100 HH Dow

The Integrated Manufacturing Systems Laboratory is 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 (ERC-RMS) and the S. M. Wu Manufacturing Research Laboratory.

Integrated Biosystems and Biomechanics Laboratory

Website: http://me.engin.umich.edu/ibbl/

Coordinator: Jianping Fu

Phone: 215-746-2266

Email: jpfu@umich.edu

Our group’s research interests lie at the nexus of micro/nanoengineering, biophysics, biology, and biotechnology. Specifically, we focus on developing integrated, technology and biology based translational approaches to address critical challenges in human immune and neurological diseases. We integrate micro/nanoengineering tools and systems biology methods with new discoveries of mechanobiology, epigenetics, and classic signaling networks to provide transformative diagnostic and therapeutic solutions targeting immune and neurological diseases. We are also interested in developing novel synthetic biomimetic tools and platforms for understanding cancer biology, prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

Laboratory for Automation and Mechanical Structures (LAMS)

Coordinator: Galip Ulsoy

2277 GG Brown

Phone: 734-763-2227

Email: ulsoy@umich.edu

The focus of research in LAMS is in two areas: (1) Automation of mechanical systems, and (2) dynamics and vibration of mechanical structures.

Laboratory for Innovation in Global Health Technology (LIGHT)

Website: http://sienkolab.engin.umich.edu/drupal/node/77

Coordinator: Kathleen Sienko

1109 / 3121 GG Brown

Phone: 734-764-8308

Email: sienko@umich.edu

The Laboratory for Innovation in Global Health Technology focuses on the co-creative design of low-cost and simple technology solutions to healthcare challenges in resource-limited settings.

Laboratory for Transport & Interaction in Porous Media

Director: Massoud Kaviany

2186 / 3108 GG Brown

Phone: 734-764-3487

Fax: 734-647-3170

The Laboratory on Transport and Interaction in Porous Media synthesizes and analyzes porous media for heat and mass transfer applications. The approach of the lab combines the fundamentals of thermal transport (phonon, electron, fluid particle, and photon) and interaction (energy coversion), with special functions for this particular medium. Scientists/engineers trained in this discipline acquire the knowledge in fundamental sciences, with a large range of length and time scales and physical and chemical phenomena, and in scores of applications, that directly affect the industry and the environment.

Laboratory for Turbulence Physics and Computation

Director: Rayhaneh Akhavan

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 modeling strategies.

Laser Materials Processing Laboratory

Website: http://asibu.engin.umich.edu/

Director: Elijah Kannatey-Asibu Jr.

1109 / 1133 GG Brown

Phone: 734-936-0408

Email: asibu@umich.edu

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.

Materials Characterization Lab

Coordinator: Ellen Arruda

3121 GG Brown

Mechanical Properties of Materials Laboratory

Website: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~thouless/

Director: Michael Thouless

2157 GG Brown

The Mechanical Properties of Materials Laboratory does numerical and experimental research in the fracture and deformation of engineering materials.

Mechanical Testing Lab

Coordinator: Ellen Arruda

1025 GG Brown

Microsystems Technology and Science Laboratory

Coordinator: Katsuo Kurabayashi

Affiliated Member: Edgar Meyhofer, Kazu Saitou, Steve Skerlos

SSEL/EMAL/MEMS

Nanomechanics Laboratory

Website: http://www.umich.edu/~nanomech/

Director: Edgar Meyhofer

1100 GG Brown

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.

Optimal Design Laboratory

Website: http://ode.engin.umich.edu

Director: Panos Papalambros

3200 EECS

Phone: 734-647-8401

Fax: 734-647-8403

The Optimal Design (ODE) Laboratory 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.

Perkins Research Group

Website: http://www.ncp.engin.umich.edu/

Director: Noel Perkins

Phone: (734) 936-0403

Our lab employs wireless sensors to measure human motion in the contexts of athletic performance, soldier performance, human health and rehabilitation, and worker safety and health. Our research translates data harvested from tiny inertial sensors to yield quantitative metrics of human performance for myriad applications. In a separate line of research, we study the mechanics of single molecule DNA and DNA/protein interactions and the mechanics of viruses.

Powertrain Control Laboratory

Website: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~annastef/PCL_Lab.html

Director: Anna Stefanopoulou

G008, 1082 Auto Lab

Phone: 734-936-0424

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

Website: http://psdl.engin.umich.edu/

Coordinator: Shorya Awtar

Affiliated Member: Pramod Sangi Reddy

2009 GG Brown

Email: awtar@umich.edu

Fax: 734-64-3170

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

1123 / 2007 Auto Lab

Phone: 734-647-9607

We focus on developing and applying laser-based and other optical measurement techniques to enable studies of mass and energy transfer at high pressures and high temperatures in mechanically restricted and vibrating environments, such as present in IC engines, stationary combustion, and multi-phase mixing processes to address the next generation of questions in combustion research.

Rehabilitation Robotics Group

Website: http://rehabrobotics.umich.edu/

Coordinator: Dan Ferris

Affiliated Members: Brent Gillespie, C. David RemyKathleen Sienko

1402 Washington Heights Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Phone: 734-647-2740

The University of Michigan Rehabilitation Robotics Group consists of 11 faculty members working in the field of rehabilitation robotics. Rehabilitation robotics is the field of science and engineering concerned with powered devices for improving function or mobility in individuals with disabilities. It includes powered devices for movement therapy (e.g., after a stroke or spinal cord injury) and of robotic devices for the chronic assistance of human function (e.g., powered prosthetics and orthotics). The group has members from five different units – Biomedical Engineering; Kinesiology; Mechanical Engineering; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; and Psychology. Each Rehabilitation Robotics Group member directs a research laboratory developing and/or testing technologies to aid in the rehabilitation of individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal disabilities.

S.M. Wu Manufacturing Research Center

Website: http://wumrc.engin.umich.edu/

Director: Jun Ni

Affiliated Member: Albert Shih

1051 / 1100 HH Dow

Phone: 734-764-5299

Email: wu_group@umich.edu

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.

Scientific Computing and Flow Physics Laboratory

Website: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~ejohnsen

Director: Eric Johnsen

2043 Lay Auto Lab

Phone: 734-764-2122

Research in the Scientific Computing and Flow Physics Laboratory draws from applied mathematics, numerical analysis, physical modeling and high-performance computing to develop new techniques for numerical simulations and modeling of fluid mechanics problems. We use these techniques to uncover the basic physics underlying complex multiscale flows, including multiphase flows, unsteady flows, high-speed flows and shock waves, turbulence and mixing, interfacial instabilities, plasma dynamics and non-newtonian flows. Our work applies to biomedical engineering, energy, aeronautics, turbomachinery and naval engineering.

Sensory Augmentation and Rehabilitation Laboratory (SARL)

Website: http://sienkolab.engin.umich.edu/drupal/node/78

Coordinator: Kathleen Sienko

1109 / 3121 GG Brown

Phone: 734-764-8308

Email: sienko@umich.edu

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.

Smart Materials and Structures Laboratory

Director: Diann Brei

Affiliated Member: Jon Luntz

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

Website: http://stml.engin.umich.edu/

Director: Ellen Arruda

1025 / 3126 GG Brown

The Soft Tissues Mechanics Laboratory (STML) at the University of Michigan studies the soft tissues of the human body, such as skin and heart. 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. Research in the STML is divided into three areas: experimental investigation, constitutive modeling, and finite element simulations.

Solid State Thermal Physics Laboratory

Director: Kevin Pipe

2211A GG Brown

Phone: 734-763-6624

Email: pipe@umich.edu

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.

Structural Dynamics and Controls Lab

Website: http://sdcl.engin.umich.edu/

Director: Kon-Well Wang

2271 GG Brown

Phone: (734) 764-8464

Fax: (734) 615-8089

The research missions of the Structural Dynamics and Controls Lab (SDCL) are to develop better understanding of the dynamic characteristics of mechanical structures, and to create novel analysis, design, and control methodologies for achieving better system performance (e.g. low vibration, high stability, high precision, etc.).

Technical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory

Website: http://www.personal.engin.umich.edu/~drd/

Director: David Dowling

1021 Autolab

The Technical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory is used to conduct research in a wide range of fluid mechanical and acoustic 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.

Variable Gravity Research Laboratory

Coordinator: Bill Schultz

Research areas include bubble 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: Microsystems

Website: http://microsystems.engin.umich.edu/

Coordinator: Kenn Oldham

1106 GG Brown / 2200 EECS

Phone: (734) 936-3824

Fax: 734-647-3170

The Vibrations and Acoustics Laboratory conducts research in vibrations, acoustics, structural dynamics, nonlinear dynamics, and wave propagation.

The Violi Group

Website: http://www.umich.edu/~violilab/

Coordinator: Angela Violi

2024 GG Brown

Phone: 734-936-0575

The research carried in this laboratory aims to develop a multiscale computational nanoscience to study the formation and fate of nanoparticles in the environment. The use of multiscale methods, such as the Kinetic Monte Carlo technique combined with Molecular Dynamics, makes it possible to follow the transformations that occur during nanoparticle formation and their interactions with other systems in a chemically specific way, providing information on both the chemical structure and the configuration of the system (i.e. their agglomerates).

Walter E. Lay Automotive Laboratory

Coordinator: André Boehman

Affiliated Members: John Hoard, George Lavoie, Huei Peng, Volker Sick, Jason Siegel, Anna Stefanopoulou, Margaret Wooldridge

2045 W. E. Lay Automotive Lab

Phone: 764-8464

Email: autolab-info@umich.edu

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: alternative fuels, batteries, engine friction, combustion, engine controls, emissions control, fuel efficiency, laser diagnostics applied to engines, vehicular electronics design, vehicle aerodynamics and vehicle powertrain design. It encompasses 20 engine test cells, a five-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.

Virtual tour of the Autolab research labs

Wilson Student Team Project Center

Coordinator: Don Geister

Website: http://teamprojects.engin.umich.edu/

Wilson Center Building, 2603 Draper Dr.

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.