Research
Academics
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Manufacturing research in the Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science department focuses on the following areas:
- Nanomanufacturing
- Instrumentation
- Fabrication
- Self assembly
- Machining dynamics
- Dynamic Nanoindentation
Examples of research projects include atomic force microscope based nanofabrication of master pattern molds for use in soft lithography; biocatalytic microcontact printing; automated CAD/CAM-based nanolithography using a custom atomic force microscope; non-linear dynamics of high-speed milling; uncharted islands of chatter instability in milling; surface location error and chatter prediction for helical end mills; measurement nonlinearity interpreted as material behavior in dynamic nanoindentation; and milling optimization of removal rate and accuracy with uncertainty.
Core Faculty:
Devendra P. Garg, Professor - Dr. Garg's research in the Robotics and Manufacturing Automation Laboratory is on the control of multiple robots that can work together.
Brian P. Mann, Assistant Professor - Dr. Mann's research encompasses nonlinear dynamics and vibration utilizing analytical, numerical, and experimental techniques; fundamental investigations of phenomenon and application areas where dynamical systems theory plays an important role.
Laurens E. Howle, Associate Professor - Dr. Howle's research encompasses thermal science, fluid dynamics, and nonlinear dynamics.
Benjamin B. Yellen, Assistant Professor - Dr. Yellen's research focuses on theoretical and experimental studies on concentration gradients arising in ionic fluids and magnetic liquids.
Stefan Zauscher, Alfred M. Hunt Faculty Scholar and Associate Professor - Dr. Zauscher's research focuses on nano-mechanical and nano-tribological characterization (elasticity, friction, adhesion) of materials including organic thin films; self-assembled monolayers, polymeric gels, and cellulosics; fabrication of polymeric nanostructures by scanning probe lithography; colloidal probe and atomic force microscopy; single molecule force spectroscopy applied to ligand-receptor binding; biomolecular nano- and micro sensors.
The mission of Duke's Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science educational programs is to provide the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to be successful in the practice of engineering; the preparation necessary to undertake professional registration; an educational preparation for graduate or professional study; and an education background that is the basis for professional growth and leadership throughout a career that may encompass a broad range of endeavors, both technical and non-technical.