Current Research

Advanced Meta-materials for Tweel Assemblies

Innovative solutions are being researched and developed for Michelin to reduce rolling resistance in Tweel assemblies for passenger and heavy truck vehicles. Reducing tires’ rolling resistance could help reduce dependence on fossil fuels as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (Read more.)

Closed Loop Robotics Employing Non-contact Feedback

A range of closed loop robotic control applications are considered, where non-contact feedback information, such as thermal signature, is used to boost the energy efficiency of certain automotive manufacturing processes without sacrificing product quality. (Read more.)

Enabling the Tweel for Passenger Vehicles

Researchers are working with Tweel assemblies — airless tires developed by Michelin — for passenger vehicles in this project to recommend a design that will enable superior ride and handling properties. (Read more.)

Gauging of Large Bearing Rings Using a Rotary Encoder-Based Instrument

The goal of this project is to design and test a novel instrument to be used for measuring the diameter and taper of large bearing rings without the need for a master. (Read more.)

Hatch Closure System Analysis

Hatch closure systems for vehicles are being analyzed to evaluate the robustness of the design relative to functional requirements and manufacturability. (Read more.)

Independent Hydrostatic Wheel Drives

With the goal to impact military application and improve energy efficiency and maneuverability of many heavy urban vehicles, this project explores the use of high power density hydrostatic motors. (Read more.) 

Machining Accuracy Improvement Through Visual Control of an Active Display 

Mechanical engineering investigators are looking into a new class of spatial position measurement systems. They are working to find out if an active image sensing system can be completely defined by the fundamental size of the array element, the true element shape, viewable array size, system magnification and color depth, all of which are dynamically controlled by the user. (Read more.)