Current auto-related research at Clemson University includes the following:

More efficient engines. Harnessing world-class computational capabilities, researchers in Clemson’s computational fluid dynamics lab can predict and eventually control intricate fluid flows in everything from the interiors of engines to the exteriors of speeding cars. Using Clemson’s supercomputing capabilities, researchers are developing complex aerodynamic modeling that may help eliminate time-consuming prototype testing. Clemson has one of the top university labs focused on CFD improvements to aircraft jet engines, power-generating turbines and race cars.
Jim Leylek, associate professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-5640

Drive-by-wire technology for use in mainstream automobiles. “By wire” means that the steering, braking and throttle are controlled by the electrical pulses going through the wires instead of mechanical linkages. Drive-by-wire technology holds promise of quicker response times in braking and maneuvering.
John Wagner, assistant professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-7376

Computer-aided development of novel materials and processing technologies which will enable the development of more efficient and environment friendly vehicles, as well as electrical power generators.
Mica Grujicic, Wilfred P. and Helen S. Tiencken Professor of Mechanical Engineering -- (864) 656-5630

Toughened plastics for automotive uses, such as bumpers and interior structural components.
Dave Zumbrunnen, Warren H. Owen-Duke Energy Professor of Mechanical Engineering -- (864) 656-5625

Modeling and analysis of emerging manufacturing processes, such as cost-effective, environmentally conscious machining.
Yong Huang, assistant professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-5643

Modeling and implementation of E-manufacturing (Internet-based distributed manufacturing). This research could provide a platform for remote process/system monitoring and optimization, helping pave the way for fully integrated automobile manufacturing.
Yong Huang, assistant professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-5643

Virtual-reality testing to determine how drivers’ attention is affected by cell phone use, conversations with passengers or even the use of electronic navigation aids.
Leo Gugerty, assistant Professor, psychology -- (864) 656-4467

Pedestrian visibility and perceptions of visibility in nighttime driving.
Richard Tyrrell, associate professor, psychology -- (864) 656-4977

Research into whether in-car displays, such as the windshield displays that detect objects in fog, truly help drivers or only distract them.
Fred Switzer, professor, psychology -- (864) 656-4980

Computer-modeling tools that will help the U.S. Army develop 21st-century tanks and vehicles. The design and simulation approaches are needed to make tomorrow’s hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles cheaper, lighter, faster, more stable and more fuel-efficient.
Georges Fadel, professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-5620
Jay Ochterbeck, associate professor, mechanical engineer -- (864) 656-3292
Imtiaz Haque, professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-5628
John Wagner, assistant professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-7376

Quieter rides, thanks to development of advanced computational and modeling methods to predict and prevent road noise and vibration.
Lonny Thompson, associate professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-5631
Harry Law, professor, mechanical engineer -- (864) 656-5634
Imtiaz Haque, professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-5628

Enhanced ride comfort and handling, thanks to research in aerodynamics, suspension and chassis design.
Harry Law, professor, mechanical engineer -- (864) 656-5634
Jim Leylek, associate professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-5640
Richard Figliola, professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-5635

Novel research which may provide insight into how car-generated pollutants are removed from the air during rainstorms.
John Saylor, assistant professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-5621

Research in enhanced thermal system management for automobiles. Improved heat control and dissipation could lead to significantly lighter, more fuel-efficient engines with reduced tailpipe emissions.
Jay Ochterbeck, associate professor, mechanical engineer -- (864) 656-3292
John Wagner, assistant professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-7376

Greater fuel efficiency, made possible by development of lighter-weight structures and through advances in continuously variable transmissions.
Sherill Biggers, professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-0139
John Kennedy, professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-5632
Imtiaz Haque, professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-5628

Breakthrough research into development of sturdy road materials made from recycled tires.
Serji Amirkhanian, professor, civil engineering -- (864) 656-3316

Researchers with CAEFF are developing fibers that could make hydrogen a practical fuel for cars. The fibers are highly porous and contain metal nanoparticles designed to attract and adsorb hydrogen. The goal is to create a material that can store gaseous hydrogen at liquid densities.
Dan Edie, Dow Chemical Professor of Chemical Engineering -- (864) 656-4535
Mark Thies, Professor of Chemical engineering -- (864) 656-5424

Developing computer-based models of the human driver, which will be used to develop virtual prototyping of vehicles. Total virtual-reality design could significantly shorten the design process.
Imtiaz Haque, professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-5628
Josh Summers, assistant professor, mechanical engineering -- (864) 656-3295

Finding a more efficient means to make biodiesel. The alternative fuel is a blend made from petrodiesel and used cooking oil from restuarants, as well as from vegetable oils, greases or rendered animal fats. There is no performance loss from the cleaner burning renewable energy product. Its use requires little or no diesel engine modification. National leaders expect biodiesel to be a step toward energy independence.
James Goodwin, professor, chemical engineering -- (864) 656-6614

Motor vehicle-related injuries are the leading cause of death for persons aged 1-24 years in the United States. In South Carolina, young people are dying in traffic crashes at a rate 66 percent higher than the national average. Clemson’s Center for Safety Research and Education uses advanced technology to incorporate research-based classroom instruction in areas such as social responsibility, risk taking and risk perception.
Kim Alexander, director, Center for Safety Research and Education -- (864) 656-0664

Clemson’s Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET) is developing improved uses for optical fiber in automobiles. Fibers route information between a car’s electronics and on-board sensors. They are considerably lighter than electrical wires, thereby reducing the weight and size of wiring harnesses. Light carried by future optical fibers is expected to pull elegant double duty, by providing internal and external lighting as well.
John Ballato, associate professor, materials science and engineering -- (864) 646-4839