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Pradip N. Sheth
Associate Professor
Telephone: (434) 924-7366
Office: MEC 208B
E-mail: pns7q@virginia.edu
Pradip Sheth joined UVA in 1985 and is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to joining UVA, he worked at Allis-Chalmers Corporation (1974-1985) and at University of Michigan/Ford Motor Company research program (1971-1974). His industrial work involved design, manufacturing, CAD/CAM/CAE, and automation as an individual contributor and also as a manager.
At the University of Virginia, Dr. Sheth has taught graduate courses on Manufacturing Systems, Manufacturing Automation Technologies, Manufacturing Processes and Materials, Mechanical Design, and Dynamics/Control of Multibody Systems. At the undergraduate level, Dr. Sheth teaches courses on Engineering Design, Dynamics, Control Systems engineering, and Mechatronics. Dr. Sheth has developed a Mechatronics Laboratory at the University of Virginia for teaching and research involving undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Sheth's research at the University of Virginia focuses on a combination of analytical, computational, and experimental methods including hardware prototypes for control of motions as applied to flexible automation of products and manufacturing tools, multibody mechanical systems for machinery, rotating machinery including geared drive systems and modeling of bearings, robots, biomechanical devices, and vehicles. Current research in these areas include (i) the development of a smart walker for the elderly, and a smart ankle brace for children with cerebral palsy, including patient specific modeling of human motion biomechanics, (ii) the development of computational tools for rotating machinery dynamics and control, and (iii) optimization of multibody systems, including applications of Mechatronics.
Many of Dr. Sheth's research projects involve direct links with industrial companies. Dr. Sheth has also served as a regional coordinator for a statewide program on Manufacturing Action Program (MAP) which was devoted to assisting small and mid-size manufacturing companies in Virginia. Dr. Sheth is presently affiliated with research in the Rotating Machinery and Controls (ROMAC) Lab and with the Motion Lab at the Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center.
Dr. Sheth is a co-developer of a CAE system called IMP for modeling and dynamic analysis of spatial machinery systems. He holds a patent on a vibration absorber system for vertical pumps. One patent on assistive walkers and two patents on an inspection system for high mast light poles are currently pending.
Updated November, 2007
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