Several students in the mechanical and aerospace research labs have been awarded the National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this prestigious fellowship gives leading students the increased freedom and flexibility to pursue research interests in cutting-edge science and technology. Nanoscale Energy Transport Laboratory: MacKenzie Sinden-Redding is using Time-Domain Thermoreflectance… Continue reading »
Jul
26
Discovery Channel finds UVa’s Robotic Manta Rays
Professor Hilary Bart-Smith leads a MURI project (a Multi-disciplinary University Research Initiative) consisting of participants from the University of Virginia, Princeton University, UCLA and West Chester University to create a robotic manta ray. This fascinating project is aptly illustrated in this report. http://watch.discoverychannel.ca/daily-planet/may-2012/daily-planet—may-15-2012/#clip679805
Apr
19
Chris Baker to present at ASME 2012 Summer Heat Transfer Conference in Puerto Rico
Chris Baker will present “Thermal Rectification for the Enhancement of Heat Transfer” at the ASME 2012 Summer Heat Transfer Conference in Puerto Rico. Chris works in the Nanoscale Heat Transfer Lab directed by Associate Dean Pamela Norris. Abstract of ”Thermal Rectification for the Enhancement of Heat Transfer”: Presented is an application of thermal rectifiers to the thermal management… Continue reading »
Apr
18
UVa Mechatronics: State-of-the-Art Rapid Prototyping Lab
If creating models and mechanical devices constitutes a hands-on curriculum, UVA’s mechatronics projects could be called “hands- and minds-on” learning. Mechatronics combines mechanical, electronic, computer, software and control engineering with systems-design engineering to imagine and manufacture useful products. Developing students’ design skills beyond the theoretical is critical as employers increasingly seek graduates with applied, tested… Continue reading »
Mar
08
Prof Haj-Hariri and Grad Student Develop New Patented Manufacturing Technology for Carbon-Fiber Composites
A project led by Professor and Department Chair Hossein Haj-Hariri and Mr. Joey Wyatt (MAE BS’06, MS’08) resulted in the development of a carbon-fiber tape laying machine. This patented technology has been incorporated into the manufacturing of mostly carbon-composite jet engine which is claimed could dramatically cut the amount of fuel used by airlines. The… Continue reading »
Feb
17
Retropropulsion for Entry, Descent and Landing into Mars
Supersonic jets are fired forward of a spacecraft in order to decelerate the vehicle during entry into the Martian atmosphere prior to parachute deployment. These retropropulsion jets are positioned off the center of the model in order to preserve the drag of the vehicle without jets. Experiments at the UVa Aerospace Research Lab use a hypersonic… Continue reading »
Feb
17
Hypersonic Propulsion
For NASA’s access to space mission and the Air Force’s high-speed atmospheric vehicles, new engines are being developed to propel aircraft to hypersonic speeds. The engines will use a combination of standard gas turbines up to Mach 3 and then ram/scramjets to about Mach 12. A National Center for Hypersonic Combined Cycle Propulsion is led… Continue reading »
Dec
13
Low-boom Supersonic Inlet
The supersonic inlet research being conducted is helping to change civil air travel. The group from the University of Virginia includes Prof. Eric Loth and M.S. student Tyler Gillen, from University of Illinois Ph.D candidate Michael Rybalko, engineers from NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH, and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in Savannah, GA. Currently, aircraft… Continue reading »
Dec
13
Fabricating Superoleophobic Coatings
Anti-wetting materials have the potential for dramatic performance improvements in many applications such as drag reduction for marine vehicles and fluid power systems, anti-fouling & icing on aircraft and wind turbines, and stain-resistant coatings. The degree to which a solid surface repels a liquid mainly depends upon two factors: surface energy and surface morphology. The… Continue reading »
Dec
09
Central Pattern Generator Control: Biologically Inspired Neural Control of Tensegrity Structures and Propulsors
Central Pattern Generator Control: Biologically Inspired Neural Control of Tensegrity Structures and Propulsors. The aim of this research is to integrate neuronal circuits with tensegrity structures for use in bio-inspired aquatic propulsion.
