“Water and energy systems are intricately interconnected. Our research interests lie in the areas of materials design, advanced manufacturing, and device fabrication to address the integrated challenges around the energy nexus.”
— Pei Dong, assistant professor of mechanical engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering's core strength in engineering mechanics, materials, and manufacturing promotes analysis and fabrication of advanced materials (superalloys, polymer composites, nanomaterials) and complex devices for industries like aerospace, energy, water treatment, and medicine.
Areas of Focus
Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
Advanced materials research focuses on manufacturing and analysis of new emerging and multifunctional materials. Researchers aim to synthesize additively manufactured materials based on high-temperature and high-performance polymers as well as biodegradable composites and fibers. These new emerging materials have applications in many industries, especially in textile, energy, and biomedical.
Principle Investigator: Shay Bagheri
Energy and Environmental Sustainability
Research in advanced materials for energy and environmental sustainability focuses on developing and integrating high-performance materials to address challenges in energy generation and water treatment. Emphasis is placed on nanomaterials, polymers, and their hybrid and hierarchical composites, which enable tailored nanostructures that combine the strengths of multiple material components to enhance functionality. This work includes fabricating high-efficiency solar cells and designing portable, flexible systems that integrate energy harvesting with storage. Additionally, the research advances energy-efficient water desalination and decontamination technologies, including portable treatment systems powered by renewable energy sources.
Principle Investigator: Pei Dong
Micro/Nano Mechanics and Photonics
Fundamental research is conducted on micro/nanoscale mechanics and photonics with nanomaterials for innovations in nanobiosensors. Researchers explore broad fields including nanophotonics, optofluidic, optoelectronics, and plasmonics to create innovations in advanced materials and manufacturing for high-performance, low-cost sensor devices. The research aims to develop advanced, high-performance materials with new functionalities in mechanical, optical, and electrical properties.
Principle Investigator: Pilgyu Kang
Micro/Nano Transport Engineering
This research studies the fundamental physics underlying nano and microscale transport phenomena in fluids, especially involving interfaces and electric fields. This work will enable the design of better sustainable energy systems, more energy-efficient and affordable wastewater treatment methods, and even improved treatments for diseases like cancer.
Principle Investigator: Jeffrey Moran
Reliability and Mechanics of Failure
Research in this area investigates how materials break under stress. The overarching theme of this research is to explore the effects of complex microstructure on emergent physical properties in engineering materials. Exquisite control over microscopic properties, such as local elastic anisotropy or the geometry and topology of the microstructure, enables the design of functional local mechanical properties.
Principle Investigator: Mehdi Amiri
Tribology and Surface Mechanics
Researchers investigate surface and interfacial mechanics as well as friction and wear phenomena from nano to macro scales. The research seeks to reduce energy and material consumption in systems with moving components operating especially in harsh environments (e.g., very high temperatures). In addition, researchers explore new techniques to improve the wear resistance of new materials (e.g., additively manufactured polymers/metals).
Principle Investigator: Ali Beheshti