Master of Science in Engineering

Biomedical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Civil Engineering Electrical Engineering Computer Engineering Materials Joining Engineering

Engineering Research: Faculty and Ongoing ProjectsBiomedical ResearchFaculty DirectorsRoger Gonzalez, Ph.D., P.E.(University of Texas, Austin, 1994 )

JoshWebb, Ph.D.(Stanford University, 2010)

ACL Deficient Knee ResearchNSF Funded ProjectMeasure muscle forces, ground reaction forces, and joint anglesTest with cadaver knees and fixturesVerify computational modelDevelop scientific basis for surgery or therapy

LEGS ProstheticsDesign, create , testLower extremity artificial limbsUse in developing worldInexpensiveMaintenance freeImprove gait

LEGS ProstheticsCurrently in use in Kenya, Senegal, Bangladesh, Sierra Leone

Graduate Work in Mechanical Engineering

Greg Reynolds, Ph.D, P.E.(Virginia Tech, 1982)Jesse French, Ph. D.(University of Tulsa, 2010)

Mechanical Engineering Research

MaterialsFluidsBiomimeticsEnergy GenerationEnergy StorageTechnology Transfer to Developing People GroupsSustainable MaterialsBiomimicryAlternative Energy Generation and Capture

AEM is here.AlternativeEnergyMaterialsWind Solar Hydro Nuclear Geothermal Radiation Magnetic Vibration Waste Energy Energy Harvesting Natural Fibers Natural PolymersLow Energy Polymers Hybrid Composites Quartz Ceramics Form Function Materials Critical Ratios Movement Manufacturing FlowResonanceResearch in ME - Fall 2011Continuing Research AssistantshipNon-Rotational Fluid Energy Capture (Materials, Energy, Fluids)New Sponsored Research Assistantship #1Sustainability in Non-Metallic Repairs (Materials, Composites, Polymers)New Sponsored Research Assistantship #2Alternative Energy Materials (Materials, Energy, Fluids)

Structural Composites ResearchFaculty DirectorStephen R. Ayers, PhD(University of S. Queensland, 2001)

Composite Materials for High Performance Durable Bridge DecksProject Aim:To develop a bridge deck replacement system which effectively utilizes the enhanced durability and performance of FRP composites while improving installed costs, standard supply options and accessibility for regular structural engineers

Where Are We At?1996 First FRP bridge constructedNo Name Creek, KS2008118 bridges constructed to dateMost bridges in northeastern US82% from 4 suppliersNo code based designPre-approved designs no ability of engineer to modify propertiesOn-going problems with concentrated loadsCost discrepancy down from 10:1 to 3:1

Why Arent We Doing Better?Cost Non-standard design practicesSpecialized ManufactureThe lack of a competitive, open bidding process for projects Targeting a Better Solution4 Guiding Principles for New Development

Above anything else, a new approach to composite bridge structures is required which better addresses the up-front cost disparity between composite designs and traditional solutions.A new approach to composite bridge structures is required which places the design role back in the hands of the DOT, county engineer and contracted design engineers.A new approach to composite bridge structures is required which better harmonizes with the existing practices and equipment of established construction teams. A new approach to composite bridge structures is required where design engineers be able to produce specifications which can be competitively bid on for construction.

FRP Reinforced Polymer ConcretePolymer ConcreteMix based on specific gravitiesSelf separating during cure to develop tensile and compression zonesUses fly-ash waste products (environmental benefits)Improved bond between reinforcement and matrixImproved structural properties compared to regular concretePrepared similar to regular concrete

3-D FRP Reinforcement SystemBased on standard pultruded profilesLower costImproved availabilitySquare hollow shapesReduced structure weightImproved manufacturabilityImproved bonding no ribs or physical anchorages required

Opportunities for MS Students?Materials development and characterizationComponent mechanics studies (short and long-term)Manufacturing techniquesTechnology scale-up into larger components and full-size bridgeElectrical Engineering ResearchFaculty DirectorsJoonwan Kim, Ph. D., P.E.(University of Alabama, Huntsville, 2003

Seung Kim, Ph. D.(University of Alabama, Huntsville, 2004)

- Adaptive Noise Canceller (ANC) design using the variable step size algorithm

-Design and build military communication systems for Rockwell Collins Ins. Design and build an augmented positioning system capable of logging the position of a mobile vehicle.

-Design a receiver for Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) over shortwave bands with diversity capability

Research in Computer Engineering and Control SystemsMarian Iordache, Ph. D. (University of Notre Dame, 2004)

Software Tools for Concurrent ProgrammingSoftware tools for converting sequential programs to concurrent programs are available.However, programs can be considerably more efficient when written from the beginning as concurrent programs.Concurrent programming is notoriously difficult.

Solution: Generate automatically the concurrency code.

Software Tools for Concurrent ProgrammingAn area of research at LeTourneau University is the development of software tools that help automate concurrent programming. This work involves:Specification languages for concurrency control.Formal representations of concurrency specifications (Petri nets).Formal synthesis methods (supervisory control).Much programming.

Opportunities for MS StudentsRules and heuristics for a computationally efficient application of supervisory control methods.Supervisory control algorithms for software applications.Specification languages and translators.

Materials Joining Engineering ResearchFaculty DirectorYoni Adonyi, PhD, PE(The Ohio State University, 1989)

Thermoelectric materials for solid-state power generation, engineered semiconductor weldingNeed MJE, ME and EE candidates (2 Graduate Researcher positions) for FEA modeling of thermal- and stress analysis, diffusion and surface tension fundamentals, experiments, testing.Career opportunities after graduation: Advanced Manufacturing in electronics industry, PhD acceptance at EE, Mat Science, Welding Engineering programsUS citizens or permanent residents only

Background

Seebeck, Peltier, and Thomson effectsFigure of Merit

Power

Anisotropy

Activity 1 Modeling and Validation

Innovative (solid-state) welding of High Performance Steels for BridgesFriction Stir, High Frequency, Thermal Stir and hybrid solid-state processesNeed MJE, ME and EE candidates (2 positions) for FEA modeling of hybrid process development, tool wear studies.Funded by Federal Highway Administration (Research Lab), in conjunction with NASA and Navy Surface Warfare CenterFurther career opportunities: Advanced Manufacturing, PhD acceptance in Mat Science- , Manufacturing- and Welding- Engineering programs

Project StructureActivity 1 Tool Wear Modeling

What is new?Innovative process development (Hybrid HF/FSW welding)Positioned to avoid rediscovering the wheel (East Texas)Concave shoulder FSW toolBase metal gap closure control for proximity effectHigh strength steel expertise up to 150 ksi UTSPost weld processing (PWHT)