Research Interests and Projects

Research and working with industry to solve problems is an essential facet of the Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology Department.

Alternative energy

Dr. Brad Rogers is active in alternative energy. He has extensive experience in fuel cells and their auxiliary equipment. His graduate students have done hydrogen fueled internal combustion engine work. Solar powered devices (refrigerators and steam turbines) and wind power are also current topics of investigation.

Applied Innovation Outreach

The Applied Innovation Outreach program provides engineering, design and product development consulting services to entrepreneurs and small- to medium-sized companies who have a solid, innovative product idea. Students are involved as a part of their educational experience helping entrepreneurs take their conceptual designs to an actual manufactured prototype. This allows entrepreneurs to be able to move to the next step – taking their idea to commercialization.

Automation

Mr. Jerry Gintz's expertise in automation and manufacturing is both deep and varied. His current interests are primarily focused on industrial automation and its uses in a wide variety of industries. Automated manufacturing, energy system controls, and material handling are examples of his diverse work in automation. He also is deeply involved in industry training in automation for both engineers and technicians through the department’s automation outreach program.

Haas Technical Center

Research in the Haas Technical Center is under the direction of Dr. Russ Biekert and Mr. Jerry Gintz. They are particularly interested in 3- and 4-axis material removal and advanced turning operations. Non-traditional machining processes, process planning and management for quality are additional expertise areas. See the Haas Technical Center page for more information on the multiple new CNC machining centers.

Optimization

Dr. John Rajadas is active in applying optimization techniques to various problems. These have included turbine engines, various aerospace structures and other devices.

"Smart" materials and aeroelasticity

Dr. Changho Nam's research is directed at developing materials and control systems, primarily for aircraft and missile airframes. For more information, see Dr. Nam’s Web site.

Student Projects

The manufacturing engineering technology capstone (senior design) course sequence involves student teams in designing and implementing various projects. These projects are taken to the SME WESTEC Manufacturing Challenge Competition in Los Angeles each spring. For more information and photos of past projects, see the Recent Student Projects page.

Technology Services

The Department offers Technology Services to help individuals and companies solve problems and increase their competitiveness. Projects are performed by supervised graduate or undergraduate engineering technology students. For more information, see the Technology Services page.