Research Facilities

The University of Wisconsin-Madison encourages faculty members to work together on common research problems in cooperative research programs. Faculty members work together securing outside funds for research projects, advising graduate students, reporting on their work to the profession, and developing courses and textbooks based on their activities. Several such programs in the Department of Mechanical Engineering have received worldwide acclaim.

• Biomechanics Laboratory
• Convective Heat Transfer Laboratory
• Cryogenics & High Current Laboratories
• Engine Research Center
• Experimental Mechanics and Mechanical Measurements Laboratory
• Fluid Power Laboratory
• Laboratory for Applied Manufacturing Controls
• Laboratory for Integrated Computer-Aided Research on Virtual Engineering Design
• Mechanical Design Laboratory
• Mechanical Engineering Central Services Shop
• Molten Metal Laboratory
• Polymer Processing Research Group
• Powertrain Control Research Laboratory
• Rheology Research Center
• Sensors, Signal Processing and Real-Time Controls Integration
• Solar Energy Laboratory
• Spatial Automation Laboratory
• Structural Dynamics and Vibrations Research Group
• UW-Madison Robotics Laboratory
• Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics

Computer Facilities

Because computing plays such an important role in both undergraduate and graduate engineering education, all mechanical engineering students have access to a wide variety of computing systems. Since computing is an essential feature of modern engineering practice, most classes integrate computer usage and applications into the course work. There are also specific classes that cover computing techniques and problem solving tools.

The college's Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) provides all engineering students with convenient access to hundreds of workstations, PCs and Macintoshes. In addition, an advanced graphics laboratory, integrated parallel computers, and distributed parallel computing facilities are available for special projects. All of the systems are thoroughly integrated using advanced networking systems.

A wide variety of software is readily available for student use. This software ranges from simple tools for straightforward homework problems, to complex analysis packages for in-depth research and design. Complete document preparation software (word processing, graphics, etc.) and hardware (laser printing) are standard. The CAE facilities can be used by all students for class assignments, individual research, and study projects. The CAE centers are open continuously during the school year and consultants are available at the main center to help students.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has several classrooms specially equipped with workstations or PCs at each desk. These areas are used for specific courses but are also available for general use at other times. The rooms are fully integrated into the CAE network and contain on-site printers and plotters for output. Within the department, there are also many specialized computing facilities for research and teaching labs. For example, there are extensive computing facilities for projects and research in control systems, mechanical systems modeling, polymer processing, robotics, internal combustion engines and energy systems.

Copyright 2005 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System Date last modified: Thursday, 05-Aug-2004 11:26:33 CDT Date created: 02-Jun-1999 Content by: deptinfo@me.engr.wisc.edu Thank you for visiting!