Applied Research
Faculty in the Automotive Engineering Technology program and students have a rich history of performing undergraduate research and presenting it locally, regionally, and nationally.
Our students have conducted research in various fields such as vehicle dynamics, chassis design, engine thermodynamics, additive manufacturing, and manufacturing processes.
Some of the conferences where our students have presented their work:
- Posters on the Hill, Washington, DC, 2014
- National Conference for Undergraduate Research, Ashville, NC, 2015
- SME NAMRC, Charlotte, NC, 2015
- Posters at St. Paul, St. Paul, MN, 2015
- Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, Austin, TX, 2017
- National Conference for Undergraduate Research, Memphis, TN, 2017
- National Conference for Undergraduate Research, Oklahoma City, OK, 2018
Minnesota Center for Automotive Research
The Minnesota Center for Automotive Research focuses on student and faculty research dealing with government agencies and industries that are developing alternative fuels, such as ethanol. The center will also work with such manufacturers as General Motors and others that are interested in addressing fuel economy and emissions issues.
3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing)
The 750 square feet facility supports additive manufacturing and precision measurement courses and laboratory work. Some of the equipment includes 3D Printers based on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), Stereolithography (SLA), and Binder Jetting. Other equipment includes a Coordinate Measurement Machine, Laser Scanner, and Visual Dimensional Measurement System.
This lab is used for 3D printing projects in Intro to Parametric Modeling Class (MET 142), Quality Measurement in Metrology (MET 386), and Various Senior Design Projects. The lab is extensively used for undergraduate and graduate research projects. Students have presented this research in multiple national and international conferences. Research has also been published in peer-reviewed Journals.
Automation and Robotics
Our department also has unique facilities for research in next-generation robotics and automation technologies including IIoT, PLCs, and Advanced Parametric Modeling. Students use Arduinos, Fanuc robotic arms, and Advanced Creo tools to come up with unique solutions to challenging day-to-day problems.
