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