Mechanical Engineering Research

Prof. Chen’s research involves studying the metal additive manufacturing process. By gaining a better understanding of the fundamental physics and dynamics at play within this complex process, Chen aims to design new processing technologies that enable manufacturers to 3D print consistent, highly reliable metal parts.

The MIN lab’s mission is to develop Appropriate Technology for Society (ATS) by advancing four key areas pertinent to advanced manufacturing –Ultra-Precision Machining (UPM), Sustainable Smart Manufacturing (SSM), Burr Minimization & Prevention (BMP) and Manufacturing for Design (MFD).

The LAMSML, led by Frank Pfefferkorn, helps move advanced manufacturing processes from arts, to science-based technologies that benefit industry. They are actively advancing their understanding of friction stir welding, laser polishing, cryogenic machining, additive-subtractive manufacturing, and micro end milling.

The Prabhakar Research Group Manufacturing and Mechanics Laboratory works on unraveling the mechanics of failure in reinforced composites under multi-physics environments, including extreme temperatures (high/low), moisture, salinity, and microbes. The aim is to enable damage-tolerant and resilient lightweight structures for sustaining such environmental stressors along with mechanical loadings like dynamic impact and fatigue.

The PEC is co-lead by Tim Osswald and Lih-Sheng Turng. Research interests at the PEC range from traditional plastics and polymeric/metal composites to bio-based polymers, and composites; from conventional to emerging and innovative processes; from geometric modeling and prototyping to process control and automation; from nanofilm and nanocomposites to microcellular plastics; and from advanced modeling and simulation to Internet and Web-based tools for design and manufacturing.

The REACH Lab is focused on the investigation of a wide range of human-centered robotics topics including medical robotics, manufacturing, and haptics. Our projects are collaborative in nature and involve researchers from a broad set of disciplines, including the departments of computer science, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering and various departments in the UW-Madison medical school.