Research Laboratories
Materials Processing and Analysis Laboratory(MPAL)
Upson I, Rooms 114, 201, 201A
Contact: Dr Matthew Cavalli
The Materials Processing and Analysis Laboratory supports materials characterization activities for both classes and research projects. Capabilities include a 50 kN universal test machine (with extensometer or digital image correlation), a 7.5 kN electromagnetic tension/torsion fatigue system, tube and muffle furnaces, Rockwell and Vickers hardness testers, and various sectioning, grinding, and polishing equipment.
Measurement and Prototyping Laboratory
Upson I, Room 221
Contact: Dr. William Semke (Data Acuistion and Measurements)
Contact: Prof. Lowell Stanlake (Rapid Prototyping)
Data acquisition systems and measurement tools are available for various experimental applications. The rapid prototyping system is used to quickly fabricate one-off parts for research or class projects that would otherwise require significant machinist time. These parts can allow visualization of a complex geometry or can serve as functional structures, depending on the application. Projects have included airfoil sections for the wind tunnels, a full-scale tip model of a production wind turbine blade, payload bays for unmanned aircraft and more. Build dimensions up to 10” X 10” X 12” can be accommodated and parts are fabricated with a layer thickness of 0.013”.
ME Shop Complex
Upson I, Rooms 102, 104, 105, 111
Contact: Jay Evenstad
The main ME Machine Shop (104), Student Shop (102), Welding Shop (105) and Wood Shop (111) contain general fabrication equipment including lathes, mills, drill presses, saws, brakes, grinders, welding stations (TIG, MIG, arc), and a CNC machining center. Project work spaces are also available. Students and faculty make use of the shop for in-house fabrication of research equipment and production prototypes.
While doing research at the Mechanical Engineering department, many parts for new technology do not exist and need to be designed and manufactured. UND M.E. has two big shops full of all the equipment and machinery needed to manufacture parts.
Robotics and Intelligence Systems Laboratory (RISL)
Upson I, Room 200
Contact: Dr. Jeremiah Neubert
Robotics and intelligent systems research that is conducted by both undergraduate and graduate students. Projects include machine vision systems, augmented reality, and robotic motion.
Unmanned Aircraft System Engineering (UASE)
Harrington Hall, Room 120/Upson I, Rooms 106, 217, 219
Contact: Dr. William Semke
Unmanned Aircraft system Engineering (UASE) team involves students from Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Aerospace Science under the supervision of professors and field experts of UND. The UASE contributes to the UND Center of Excellence through its development of payloads and sensors for UAS.
Vibration and Precision Technology Laboratory (VPTL)
Upson I, Rooms 217, 219
Contact: Dr. William Semke
The Vibration and Precision Technology Laboratory (VPTL) is involved with multiple contemporary research projects in ultra-precision technologies, space hardware design, precision vibration control, and smart actuator development.
Wind Tunnel Laboratory
Upson I, Rooms 100, 114
Contact: Dr. Forrest Ames
The wind tunnel in the fluid mechanics laboratory was originally designed for the investigation of gas turbine vane heat transfer and aerodynamics. The facility is powered by a 60 HP blower with a variable frequency drive. The wind tunnel can drive flows up to 300 ft/s and has a flow capacity of 13,800 cfm. The wind tunnel is currently being used for a DOE sponsored study related to turbine vane heat transfer and film cooling in a syngas environment.
