Interdisciplinary Research Centers
Eleven Research Centers and two Research Programs at The Case School of Engineering pursue highly interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research in collaboration with industrial and government partners. The transfer of technology to industry is emphasized.
The educational programs of these Centers encompass the training of graduate students in advanced methods and strategies, thus preparing them to become important contributors to industry after graduation; the involvement of undergraduates in research; the presentation of seminars that are open to interested members of the community; and outreach to public schools to keep teachers abreast of scientific advances and to kindle the interest of students in seeking careers in engineering.
an NSF Science and Technology Center
Jack L. Koenig, Director
ALCOM, a consortium between CWRU, Kent State University, University of Akron, and the State of Ohio, conducts research and educational programs in liquid crystal (LC) technology. Thirty-four scientists from diverse fields collaborate to study the properties of LC materials and the application of LC technologies to optical displays. Other uses of LC include high-contrast flat panel displays, optical imaging devices, and thermometers. Future potential applications are flat-panel TV, optical computers, and integrated optical communications.
The Center conducts symposia, workshops, and short courses to train scientists from other academic institutions and industrial firms in LC technology, and to facilitate the transfer of technology for commercialization. The eye-catching properties of LC devices are also useful for demonstrating physical principles to public school teachers and students. The Center has recently established a World Wide Web (WWW) site to enhance the public's understanding of the potentials of LC technology.
J. Thomas Mortimer, Director
ANCL develops technology and devices to restore missing or impaired human body functions, and participates in transferring findings to industry for commercialization. The emerging technology of applied neural control, based on the electrical stimulation of neural tissue, makes possible the external electrical control of organs or body functions normally controlled by the nervous system.
Applications focus on correction of scoliosis; respiratory assists to patients with acute and chronic respiratory insufficiencey; and restoration of limb control and bowel, bladder, and sexual functions in patients with spinal cord injury.
Biomedical engineers are trained at ANCL to gain a working knowledge of fundamental and design aspects of life sciences, material sciences, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering, which have relevance to applied neural control. Through close association with the highly cross-disciplinary staff affiliated with the laboratory, students and researchers become able to work effectively with the nervous system.
The Center conducts an annual research day, to which all interested persons in the community are invited.
Yoram Rudy, Director
CBRTC fosters interdisciplinary research and training in the fields of cardiac electrophysiology and electrocardiology, in order to enhance understanding of electrical activity and rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) of the heart. It is hoped that this work will lead to improved diagnostic methods and better prevention and treatment strategies. The ultimate aim is to bring about a reduction of fatalities due to arrhythmias (estimated at 400,000 per year in the U.S.) and improved quality of life for afflicted individuals.
Participants in the Center include biophysicists, physiologists, biomedical engineers, cardiologists, and surgeons, working synergistically in the research and educational activities related to this field. The educational component builds on the graduate programs in the departments of Biomedical Engineering, and Physiology and Biophysics, and on the Fellowship Program in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology. Seminars, case presentations of diagnostic and treatment procedures, clinical lectures, and demonstrations of theoretical modeling of rhythm disorders are periodically conducted. Research is supported by private and government foundations, as well as by industry.
Anne Hiltner, Director
CAPRI performs interdisciplinary applied and basic research on structure-property relationships in polymer materials of interest to industry. Recent work of the Center has focused on the attributes of polymer blends and alloys and ways to improve their performance, on processing of layered polymer materials and structures, on polymers for medical applications, and on new thermoplastics and polyolefin systems.
CAPRI conducts an annual symposium to showcase the Center facilities and the research of Center graduate students and postdoctoral research associates. CAPRI co-sponsors, with the U.S. Army Research Office, the annual Asimolar Conference, which features discussions of cutting-edge issues related to polymers and their composites.
CAPRI is supported by several federal agencies, as well as industrial sponsors, 12 of whom serve on its advisory board.
CENTER FOR AUTOMATION AND INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS RESEARCH (CAISR)
Peter Tsivitse, Acting Director
CAISR integrates computer hardware, software, electronic, sensor, and engineering technologies to conduct basic and applied research and development in machine control, process control, and intelligent systems, and applies the results to practical problems. The Center utilizes knowledge from multiple fields, including neural networks, expert systems, fuzzy logic, simulation, modeling, control, and novel sensing techniques.
Recent projects include an "agile" manufacturing system to minimize downtime and cost when changing product assemblies; multiple-criteria decision-making approaches for assembly-line balancing; rapid-design strategies for incorporating concurrent engineering, high-speed robotics, and tactile sensing for machine and process control; and monitoring of tool and machine failure.
Roger E. Marchant, Director
CCB, supported by CWRU, the University of Cincinnati, and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, carries out research and development projects to investigate biomaterials and devices for use as cardiovascular implants in patients. The chemical and mechanical interfaces between the biomaterial and the host body are the foci of major study, the goal being to minimize adverse response of the human body to implants. Current projects include investigation of thrombosis (blood clotting) and infection mechanisms due to cardiovascular prosthesis, design and development of new biomaterials, and long-term biodegradation of elastomeric biomaterials.
CCB was recently awarded major grants from the Whitaker Foundation and the Ohio Board of Regents to establish a graduate training program in cardiovascular biomaterials. Students conduct research in this field and pursue integrated engineering and medical science courses. The Center plans to hold annual symposia at which participating students will discuss their work and outside speakers will present topical lectures in the field of cardiovascular biomaterials.
Hatsuo Ishida, Director
CMMC was established by CWRU and the University of Akron, with added funding from NSF, the State of Ohio, and EPIC (representing industry), to enhance technology transfer among university and industrial members and to stimulate educational opportunities. CMMC emphasizes the development of new composite and related materials, and the advancement of fundamental understanding of their molecular structure, characteristics, microstructure, and rheology (flow behavior). Materials under investigation have potential uses in the automobile, aerospace, and electronics industries. One recent development is a polymer for use in aircraft interiors; this material is more fire-resistant and emits less toxic gas than phenolic resins currently used.
CMMC conducts tutorial programs and short courses in advanced materials for employees of member industrial companies and students from local colleges and universities. In addition, CMMC hires qualified high-school science students during the summer and has sponsored a science fair at a local school and tours of the Center.
Eric Baer, Director
The aims of this Center are to understand how the unique performance of natural materials arises from precise hierarchical organization, to apply lessons from biology to the design of new hierarchical material systems, and to develop new processes for building complex hierarchical structures. Biological hierarchical paradigms will be used to satisfy societal needs and to solve existing problems.
Jerome B. Lando and Anne Hiltner, Co-Directors
EPIC, a partnership between CWRU and the University of Akron, carries on research and development in the field of polymers and provides technical service and support, training and education, and problem solving to other academic institutions and to industry. EPIC facilitates the transfer of research results to companies for advanced development and commercialization.
Current EPIC projects include studies of ferroelectric and paraelectric nylons, compounds and blending research, polymer films for microelectronics, mechanisms of fatigue and abrasion in rubber and elastomers, three-dimensional flow simulations, and general polymer microstructure studies. EPIC brings together CWRU faculty from the departments of Macromolecular Science, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering.
Chung-Chiun Liu, Director
EDC carries out research, development, and application studies of advanced sensors for medical, biological, automotive, industrial process control, and environmental applications. The Center uses microfabrication technology combined with chemical, electronic, and mechanical principles in its quest for new sensing and detecting devices. The Center's aim is to generate and transfer to industry new sensor technology of potential commercial value. Eighteen CWRU faculty members plus about 45 graduate students currently participate in this work. Monthly topical seminars are conducted by and for students and faculty.
Recent microsensor developments by EDC include ion sensors for detecting corrosion products and conditions, dissolved-oxygen sensors, waste-stream monitors, plating/etching control sensors, stack-gas oxygen monitors, calorimetric combustible-gas sensors, and fiber-optic-based pyrometer (high-temperature) sensors.
Robert F. Savinell, Director
YCES conducts research and educational programs in electrochemical and allied fields. A major activity in the past year was continuation of an ARPA (Advanced Research Project Agency)-sponsored research program to develop a proton-exchange membrane (PEM) methanol/air fuel cell capable of operating at temperatures up to 200ûC. The aim is to provide a compact, efficient, reliable, and low-polluting energy source for automotive and military applications. The fuel cell uses new, highly stable polymeric materials and alloys to achieve improved reliability.
Recent breakthroughs in membrane technology and catalysts have resulted in a two-year extension of this research. Industrial interest in this work has attracted collaborative programs and licensing arrangements.
Additional projects include development of electrochemical hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide sensors for the industrial process and automotive industries.
The Center sponsors seminars and annual workshops on various electrochemical engineering and measurement topics for scientists, engineers, and technical managers from industry, government, and academia. Center participants currently include 40 regular and adjunct faculty members, 73 graduate students, and 10 postdoctoral and visiting scientists, as well as 8 continuing industrial affiliates.
John C. Angus, Director
The Diamond Research Program is one of only a few U.S. programs for fundamental research on diamonds. This program develops a science base to support emerging technologies in low-pressure growth of synthetic diamond and diamond-like materials, for potential applications to commercial products and processes.
Diamond and related materials exhibit superior hardness, wear resistance, and thermal conductivity, making them useful for tool coatings, wear-resistance surfaces, electronic heat sinks, and instrument windows. Potential electronic uses include flat-panel displays, high-temperature electronic components, and electrochemical electrodes.
The Diamond Research Program includes growth-rate experiments, electrochemical studies of electrodes, modeling, in situ measurements during growth, and evaluations of diamond-like materials. Major support comes from the National Science Foundation and the Office of Naval Research. Program participants include eight faculty members from various departments, four post-doctoral research associates, nine graduate students, and six undergraduates.
Mehran Mehregany, Director
The Microfabrication Laboratory (MFL) is a state-of-the-art facility that provides the latest in silicon micromachining processes along with integrated circuit fabrication capabilities for research, development, and prototype production of microsystems; in particular, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). MEMS encompasses the integration of sensors, actuators, and electronics onto a common silicon substrate, using microfabrication and related technologies. Microfabrication enables the development of small, funtionally sophisticated micromechanical devices (e.g., pressure microsensors, inertial microsensors, miniature displays, micromechanical light modulators, microvalves, micropumps, etc.) that can be mass-produced at low unit cost.
Current MEMS research is directed toward applications in the automotive, aerospace, optics, medical, and instrumentation fields. The MFL currently supports MEMS research involving 10 faculty, several post-doctoral researchers, and 25 graduate students. Its long-term goal is to support a state-wide network, Ohio MEMSNet, for MEMS research and development.
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