Research strengths and labs in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Research strengths and labs within the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.

We create models of fluid flow to help produce cleaner power, conserve energy, and understand structural instability. We also make measurements using advanced optics to interrogate complex fluids and nano-particle suspensions. Our research employs some of the world's largest computers in order to simulate the complex flows occurring in nature and engineered systems. We combine these simulations with laser-based experimental diagnostics from our experimental laboratories to reveal comprehensive images of velocity, pressure, and temperature.

We improve health through advancements in bioengineering and biomechanical design, and through operational and human factors-based improvements to the way healthcare is delivered. 

In the Dynamic Systems and Control group, we focus on modeling and control design of complex and multidisciplinary systems. Examples of application areas are wind energy, wearable robotics, physiological systems, and machine diagnostics.

 

Energy is an important and exciting topic not only in the MIE department, but at UMass Amherst more generally. We contribute to this important national priority through our work on wind energy, energy efficiency, and energy economics and policy. We have the nation’s foremost graduate wind energy research program, developing cutting edge research solutions to issues ranging from turbine dynamics and controls to wind resource assessment. The University of Massachusetts Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, founded in 1997, is a national leader in industrial energy efficiency and combined heat and power. We approach energy efficiency and energy technology R&D policy from multiple perspectives, combining deep technological knowledge in thermodynamics, mechanical design, and operations research, with an understanding of the economic, social, political, and environmental drivers that are key to effecting changes on the ground.

  • Erin Baker (Energy Transition Institute)
  • Dragoljub (Beka) Kosanovic
  • Matthew A. Lackner (Wind Energy Center)
  • James F. Manwell  (Wind Energy Center)
  • Jon McGowan  (Wind Energy Center)
  • Yaha Modarres-Sadeghi
  • Krish Thiagarajan Sharman
  • David Schmidt
  • Golbon Zakeri

In the design group, our labs conduct research in engineering analysis models and ontologies, finite element analysis models of biological and biomechanical systems, the development of pedagogical tools for supporting engineering education and mechatronics and robotics research focusing on powered exoskeletons and intelligent prosthetics. We use industry standard computer software packages. We also strongly encourage innovative research through our "Partnerships for Innovation Program."

The manufacturing program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Mechanical Engineering program is centered around the Injection Molding Lab. This lab is involved in numerous research topics involving injection molding. The research work is both numerical and experimental. Typical research area ranges from optimization of injection molding process, minimization of birefringence and residual stress, processing of biodegradable nanocomposite, application of rapid thermal response molding, micro injection molding. Most of the research work is carried out in close coordination with industries in an effort to solve industrial problems.

In the Human Factors Group, we design products, interfaces, and systems that make peoples’ lives more safe, healthy, enjoyable and productive. We use a state-of-the-art driving simulator to study the effects of in-vehicle technologies on driver performance and collaborate with physicians and nurses to design information systems that help care providers co-manage patients’ chronic diseases. By designing systems that account for how people see, hear, think, and physically function, our research is leading to transportation and healthcare systems that save lives and money.

In the Robotics and Mechatronics group, we use studies of human motion and motor control to guide our research in making robots more useful and natural for people to physically interact with. Research topics span physical human-robot interaction, prosthetic and exoskeleton design and control, new sensing platforms, and mechatronic system architecture design.