Advanced Aerospace Materials Simulation Laboratory
The Advanced Aerospace Materials Simulation (AAMS) Laboratory, founded by Dr. Yang, is dedicated to pioneering research in high-fidelity, simulation-driven engineering of advanced composites and heterogeneous materials. The lab primarily supports the work of Dr. Yang and his research team—including graduate students and postdoctoral researchers—in developing numerical methods and conducting sophisticated simulations to model the behavior of aerospace materials under various conditions.
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Advanced Nano Systems Laboratory
This lab leverages advanced nanofabrication and nano-characterization techniques across a broad range of applications in mechanical, biomedical, and electrical engineering. Current research focuses include the isolation of circulating tumor cells from blood, the development of novel nanoscale antibacterial coatings, and the analysis of nanowire-integrated solar energy conversion systems.
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Aerosol and Air Quality Sensing Group
The Aerosol and Air Sensing Group (AASG) focuses on aerosol science and air quality monitoring, with a particular emphasis on particulate matter and gaseous pollutants and their effects on regional air quality, human health, and climate change. Our research explores the origins and transmission of bioaerosols through bioinformatics, examines the environmental impacts of stranded sargassum on water, beaches, and air quality, and measures landfill methane emissions using affordable, low-cost methane sensors.
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Aerodynamics and Computational Fluid Dynamics Laboratory
The Aerodynamics and Computational Fluid Dynamics Laboratory focuses on the development of high-order numerical algorithms for simulating complex aerodynamic phenomena. Our research covers a range of areas including aerodynamic flow fields, aeroelasticity with fully coupled fluid-structure interaction, unsteady multi-stage turbomachinery aerodynamics and aeromechanics, as well as active and passive flow control strategies. We have developed an in-house CFD code optimized for high-performance parallel computing, based on these advanced methodologies. Beyond code development and application, the lab also explores novel aircraft concepts such as the Supersonic Bi-Directional Flying Wing and the Co-Flow Jet Aircraft.
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Fuel Cell Laboratory
Research in this lab focuses on advancing the understanding and performance of fuel cell technologies through both experimental and computational approaches. Key areas of study include investigating water transport mechanisms in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, modeling the performance of PEM and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), and developing multi-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for various fuel cell types. Additional efforts involve studying two-phase flow phenomena experimentally and through modeling, optimizing flow field designs for hydrogen PEM and DMFC systems, and developing novel techniques for measuring local current densities within these cells.
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Internal Combustion Engines Laboratory
This lab provides comprehensive facilities to support undergraduate and graduate education, as well as cutting-edge research in electrochemical power sources, composite structural materials, and sensors. It is equipped for a wide range of experimental work, including mechanical testing with systems such as the MTS 858 tabletop tension/fatigue machine, Instron MT2 torsion machine, Wilson Rockwell hardness tester, and a rolling machine. Metallographic studies are supported by high-temperature furnaces (Thermo Scientific, Sybron, and Lindberg), Buehler cutting, grinding, and polishing equipment, and an Olympus microscope with imaging capabilities. For materials synthesis and processing, the lab features a chemical fume hood, a flow-through Thermo Scientific tube furnace, hot plates, and a hot press. Electrochemical research is enabled by advanced electrochemical analytical systems and electrical power sources, allowing for in-depth investigations into the performance and behavior of energy materials.
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Membrane & Catalysis Research Lab
Micromechanics of Extreme Materials Lab
This lab's research focuses on the thermo-mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of crystalline materials under extreme environments, with particular emphasis on applications in high-temperature and nuclear materials. We explore the microstructural origins of material strength and degradation, investigating phenomena such as creep, fatigue, and radiation-induced damage to better understand and predict material performance in demanding conditions.
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Micro/Nano Fabrication of Advanced Functional Materials Lab
The Micro/Nano Fabrication of Advanced Functional Materials Lab conducts interdisciplinary research at the convergence of materials science, nanotechnology, electrochemistry, electrical and biomedical engineering, MEMS, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML). The lab is dedicated to developing cutting-edge micro- and nanofabrication techniques for creating novel structures and synthesizing materials with tailored properties for use in electronics, energy storage, and biosensing. AI/ML technologies are increasingly integrated into the lab’s work to accelerate materials discovery, optimize device performance, and advance diagnostics in health-related applications.
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Tissue Biomechanics Laboratory
The Tissue Biomechanics Laboratory is dedicated to the study of the biomechanical, electrical, and transport behaviors of biological soft tissues (e.g., intervertebral disc).
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Wind Tunnel Laboratory
The Wind Tunnel Laboratory features a subsonic wind tunnel with a test section measuring 24″x24″x48″ and a maximum flow speed of 50 m/s. The tunnel is equipped with a 6-component force and moment balance, a LabView data acquisition system, and a 3D Particle Velocimetry Imaging system for detailed flow field visualization and measurement. These facilities support experimental research focused on co-flow jet flow control for airfoils and jet-boat tail passive flow control aimed at reducing base drag.
