Research by Faculty

Jake Abbott 138 KENN 801-585-6672 jake.abbott@utah.edu
  • Medical robotics
  • Wireless magnetic microrobots
  • Teleoperation
  • Haptics
Daniel O. Adams 2222 MEB 801-585-9807 adams@mech.utah.edu
  • Mechanics of composite materials
  • Damage mechanics
  • Micromechanics
Timothy A. Ameel 142 KENN 801-585-9730 ameel@mech.utah.edu
  • Microscale Joule-Thompson cryogenic cooling system
  • Convection heat transfer in the slip flow regime - experimental studies
  • Convection heat transfer in the slip flow regime - analytical/computational modeling
  • Minor losses in microchannel flows - experiments and computational modeling
  • Microscale mixing
  • Microchannel fluid flow characterization using PIV, LIF, and MTV
Eberhard Bamberg 2256 MEB 801-585-0722 bamberg@mech.utah.edu
  • Conceptual Design and Analysis Environment (CDAE).
  • This unique design environment is specifically targeted at conceptualdesign of high-precision machinery and production equipment. The softwareis be to be programmed in Java using DirectX or OpenGL code to enhancethe 3-D graphics. An underlying database holds key information on a widevariety of structural and mechanical elements. The graphical interfaceuses geometric primitives for fast modeling and the underlying finiteelement code accurately predicts static and
  • Dynamic performance while keeping track of all aspects of economics (componentcost, lead time, reliability, maintenance requirements, etc).
  • Design of microand meso machinery.
  • Machining of even the smallest mechanical components is presently doneon conventional, ultra-precise production equipment. Because the workvolume of such machines is much larger than what is needed for these smallparts, machine utilization is generally very poor. The enormous weightof the machine tools results in reduced dynamic performance while thelarge overall size results make is susceptible to thermal errors and distortion.In addition, the big machines take up unnecessary floor space and havea fairly high price tag.
  • The solution to the above mentioned dilemma would be the creation of productionequipment specifically designed for the machining of very small parts.The greatly reduced work volume would lead to drastically reduced overallsize, resulting in vastly improved dynamics and thermal performance.
  • One graduate student is currently working on such a machine. We are designinga 5-axis micro-milling machine where the smallest endmill has a diameterof only 0.1mm (0.005”).
Stacy Morris Bamberg 169 KENN 801-585-9081 sbamberg@mech.utah.edu
  • Bio-instrumentation
  • Gait analysis
  • Motion tracking
  • Medical therapeutics
Donald S. Bloswick 2266B MEB 801-581-4163 Bloswick@mech.utah.edu
  • Design and fabricationof a device to support the head of cardiovascular surgeon. The surgeonis in India but I am in contact with his brother who is in the MPH programat UU. The device must attach (comfortably) to the surgeon and supportthe weight of his head while his torso is flexed when he performs surgery. It must be designed to be sterilized for use on the operating room.
  • Design and fabricationof a device that can be attached to stairs which allows the user to havea "handle" in front of him/her when going up or down stairs.The handle must move with the user but allow the user to pull (when goingup) or push against (when going down), The handle must be unobtrusivewhen not in use and, if possible, attach to existing stairway handrails.
  • Improvement ofan existing arm/hand support/restraint device to minimize erratic typingmovements for people with CP or other condition that cause spastic movements.The existing device is an open-loop system that simply resists arm movement.A closed-loop system is required which will respond to and dampen movementsas a function of (1) velocity, (2) acceleration, (3) jerk, or some combinationof these parameters.
  • Current posturalcontrol literature suggests that very light sensory input on the hand(much below the ability to provide mechanical support) is very beneficialfor maintenance of balance. We would like to get a cane instrumented witha strain gauge (output +/- 10V) that I could connect to an A to D boardand gather info in conjunction with kinematic and kinetic data. The canewould probably have to be mounted on a base so that it could stand upon its own.
  • Design and fabricationof a "mechanical horse" (like the mechanical Bulls you see inbars and at the state fair) to provide exercise for children with CP.
Kuan Chen 160 KENN 801-581-4150 chen@mech.utah.edu
  • Microscale aero- and gas dynamics modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental studies
  • Second-law analysis and optimization of themal systems and components
  • Energy research
  • Micro mixers and other MEMS devices
K. Larry DeVries 2224 MEB 801-581-7101 kldevries@mech.utah.edu
  • Testing of adhesivejoints to compare strength with predictions from fracture mechanics analyses
  • Measurement ofthe fracture path in adhesive joints and comparison with the paths withthe paths of maximum energy release rate
  • Adhesive bonding of composites
  • Designing of adhesive joints
Bruce Gale 2237 MEB 801-585-5944 gale@mech.utah.edu
  • Microfluidic systemsfor the detection and separation of biowarfare agents, viruses, bacteria,or nanoparticles.
  • Microscale opticaldetectors and sensors for biological agents and chemicals such as oxygenand glucose.
  • Highly prallel, microscale DNA extration and amplification efforts requiring fluid control, heat management and cycling, and design.
  • Microarray projects involving microfluidics and multiple experiments using a variety of cells and biomolecules.
  • Testing of a micro-NMR device.
  • Development of microscale pumps and flow control devices
Ian Harvey 114 KENN 801-585-6162 irharvey@mech.utah.edu
  • Developing electrostatic MEMS actuation powered by a Scanning Electron Microscope.
  • Rapid screening and qualification of electronic packaging through a unique cyclic bending apparatus. Increases the timeliness and effectiveness of wafer-level packaging qualification, and decreasing overall CSP product development cost and risk.
  • Entrepreneur working as the co-founder and VP of Technology Development for Fort Supply Technologies (RFID solutions for livestock) and for nFocus Microsystems, Inc., a student-led start-up company developing MEMS sensors.
Stephen C. Jacobsen 2138 MEB 801-581-6499 s.jacobsen@sarcos.com
Sarcos Research Corp. 801-585 7023
  • (Also, research professor appointments in Computer Science and Bioengineering)
  • Robotics
  • MEMS
  • Sensors
  • Medicalimaging
Debra Mascaro 2220b MEB 801-581-7687 dmascaro@mech.utah.edu
  • Organic electronics and optoelectronics
  • Micro and nanofabrication
Stephen Mascaro 142 KENN 801-581-7228 smascaro@mech.utah.edu
  • Robotics and mechatronics
  • System dynamics and control
  • Haptics
  • Sensors and actuators
  • Human-machine systems 
Patrick A. McMurtry 171KENN 801-581-3559 mcmurtry@mech.utah.edu
  • Shock waves andshock structure in rocket nozzles
  • Supersonic flowin aerospace applications
  • Effect of firesand other accident scenarios on rocket motors
  • Numerical simulationof fluid-structure interactions
  • Numerical algorithmdevelopment for computational mechanics
  • Turbulence modelingin boundary layer flows
  • Numerical modelingof biological membranes
Sanford Meek 143 KENN 801-581-8562 meek@mech.utah.edu
  • Control of prosthetic limbs  
  • Neuro-prosthetic signal processing 
  • Neuro-prosthetic feedback and control
  • Bio-inspired legged robotics
  • Human gait analysis
Meredith Metzger 164 KENN 801-581-5032 Metzger@mech.utah.edu
  • Passive drag reduction techniques 
  • Reynolds number effects on turbulent boundary layer structure
  • Universal scaling parameters for turbulent boundary layers
  • Development of novel sensors for fluid mechanics measurement
  • Pollutant dispersion in the atmosphere Aerodynamics of small unmanned aerial vehicles
  • Sensitivity analysis in fluids engineering design
Mark A. Minor 2254 MEB 801-587-7771 minor@mech.utah.edu
  • Design, modeling,and control of robotic systems
Ken Monson 2132 MEB 801-585-5191 ken.monson@mech.utah.edu
  • Injury biomechanics; traumatic brain injury mechanics; cerebral blood vessel mechanics; vascular mechanotransduction; blast injury
Eric R. Pardyjak 176 KENN 801-585-6414 Pardyjak@mech.utah.edu
Environmental Fluid Dynamics (EFD) Laboratory
The work done at the EFD Laboratory at the University of Utah attempts to further the understanding of fluid flow phenomena in the natural world. Applications are vast but include Air Quality and Sustainable Energy.  To this end, the laboratory employs a variety of state of the art scientific investigation techniques including: large scale field measurements (both Urban and Rural), numerical modeling and simulation and laboratory scale measurements. EFD encompasses a wide area of research and interdisciplinary topics. Our group regularly interfaces with Meteorology, Computer Science, Atmospheric Chemistry, Biology, Architecture + Urban Planning and Human Behavior. Recent projects in the laboratory include:
  • Fast Response Modeling of Urban Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer
    • Optimization of Urban Designs for Air Quality and Energy Efficiency (NSF)
    • Developing state of the dispersion models using graphics processor unit  (GPU) technology (NSF, STAR Institute)
  • Urban Carbon Dioxide Flux and Energy Balance Measurements (NSF)
  • Development of a Windbreak Dust Predictive Model and Mitigation Planning Tool (SERDP)
  • Investigating the relationship between indoor and outdoor air quality along the US/Mexico Border (SCERP)
  • Wind Energy (Small Contracts)
  • Urban Fluid Mechanics Field/Lab experiments – understanding flow and dispersion around buildings (DOE/DOD)
  • Turbulent mixing in the atmospheric boundary layer
William Provancher 2120 MEB 801-581-4119 wil@mech.utah.edu
  • Haptics, Tactile Sensing and Feedback
  • Meso-scale manufacturing and embedded mechatronics (Smart Materials) using manufacturing techniques such as LIGS, SDM (Shape Deposition Manufacturing), or other layered manufacturing.
  • Climbing Robots focusing on foot/surface interactions, tactile sensing, and adhesion
Robert B. Roemer 2250 MEB 801-585-5631 roemer@mech.utah.edu
  • Modeling andexperiments involving the heating of tumors for cancer therapy, and theassociated feedback control system design and evaluation for optimallycontrolling the tumor temperatures.
  • Modeling of thetemperature distributions inside dinosaurs and large crocodiles to helpunderstand if dinosaurs are "warm blooded"
  • Design of a specialstanding/sitting wheelchair that can balance on two wheels.
  • Modeling of temperaturedistributions inside plants that have temperature regulatory systems.
Gary M. Sandquist 2252 MEB 801-581-7372 gmsand@mech.utah.edu, gms@asp-llc.com
  • Nuclear and environmental engineering
  • Advanced energy systems including fission
  • Fusion, and hydrogen based fuel cells
  • Nuclear and hazardous waste management
  • Risk assessment
  • Health physics
  • Manufacturing, rapid prototyping, sensor development for polymer manufacturing processes
Kent S Udell 2110C MEB 801-585-0369 udell@mech.utah.edu
  • Contaminated aquifer restoration
  • Enhanced petroleum recovery
  • Fluid mechanics
  • Heat transfer
  • Mass transfer
  • Multiphase transport in porous media
  • Microscale heat transfer