There are a number of research programs on the interaction of friction and system dynamics as it applies to computers, turbine blades, aircraft and automotive braking systems, and other friction devices. In addition to thermal issues, the dynamics, mechanics, control, and acoustic response of friction-excited systems are investigated for design of such systems with desired attributes. Adaptive and nonlinear control techniques are applied to control motion in robotic applications and to compensate for nonlinear friction dynamics in devices that require very high precision. A major research program on the prediction of forced vibrations is carried out through the GUIde Consortium, an alliance of government, universities, and industry that conducts and organizes research activities focused on vibrations in turbines. Mechanics of materials research in the department addresses issues related to materials processing and the fundamentals of failure.
New efforts are under way to develop nontraditional surface finishing techniques.
Also, wear and failure of materials are investigated to better understand failure mechanisms such as wear of head-disk mechanisms in computers and cracking of thin bonded films. In addition, research is conducted on failure due to delamination of layers in shape-deposited parts resulting from residual thermal stresses. Through this framework, each student has the opportunity to work directly with faculty members to make a significant contribution. For more information on these options, students are encouraged to contact the Graduate Office directly.