Research

Advanced Manufacturing and Design

Advanced Manufacturing started with the early stages of 3D printing and has grown with the technology. Today, a full survey of advanced manufacturing is part of the department’s research strategy. Strengths include novel approaches to materials, multi-axis printing, multi-tool printing and assembly, and integration of industry with education.

Point of contact: Bart Raeymaekers

Bioinspired Engineering

Nature is often the best engineer, and studying the complex systems found in the natural world often leads to novel solutions. Researchers in this area have taken the mechanics found in insects, sea creatures, humans, and other organisms to tackle complex global issues.

Dynamics, Vibrations, and Acoustics

When energy travels, it creates a response. Whether it travels across a solid surface or through the air, the study of those effects yields possibilities for automotives, medical devices, the power grid, and more.

Energy Systems

Energy use is a critical element in global sustainability, demanding constant development in efficiency and new sources. From novel methods of solar energy collection to microscale-level analysis of propulsion systems, this focus area offers a wide range of possibilities for power.

Mechanics

Understanding the behavior of complex systems requires a suite of tools based in physics and mathematics, and developing and implementing those tools is the work of the Mechanics Focus Area. This discipline gives results that can be integrated widely across interdisciplinary applications, increasing the understanding of foundational engineering principles.

Nuclear Engineering

The use of nuclear energy, the policies surrounding its implementation, and the safety of its deployment are the strengths of faculty in the Nuclear Engineering Focus Area. Members of this team have been instrumental in the expansion of nuclear energy in Virginia, and maintain international partnerships to offer highly competitive opportunities to students.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

One of the oldest disciplines in mechanical engineering is also the seat of some of its most groundbreaking innovations. In addition to the legacy approach which includes metal parts and controls, faculty have been widely recognized for their contributions in soft robotics, mechatronics, autonomous systems, adaptive systems, and more.

Thermo-Fluid Sciences

The movement of heat and the flow of fluids has a wide variety of applications including technology, health care, food science, propulsion, and consumer products. Research in this area includes mathematical modeling and physical testing to drive new breakthroughs.