Laboratories

We are a research team in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics at Drexel University, led by Assistant Professor Wes Chang. We conduct research on batteries and electrochemical engineering, and we seek to understand how local material properties (e.g. electrode microstructure and surface chemistry, electrolyte conductivity) affect cell-level behavior (e.g. cycling performance and dynamics, gas formation, changes in mechanical stiffness).

Our approach blends curiosity-driven fundamental science with policy-aware applied research. We think broadly about how the technology is influenced by scalability, cost and resource availability.

Wesley Chang: Research Group Website

Emphasis in this laboratory is placed on understanding the mechanical properties of human joints, characterization of the mechanical properties of biological materials, studies of human movements, and design and development of artificial limbs. Facilities include a 3-D kinematic measuring system, Instron testing machine, and microcomputers for data acquisition and processing. Additional biomechanical laboratory facilities are available at Moss Rehab Hospital.

Sorin Siegler: Research Group Website

Our lab focuses on developing miniaturized devices and systems for biological and medical applications using microfabrication and microfluidics technologies in collaboration with biologists and medical doctors. The nature of our research is highly multidisciplinary and integrates diverse disciplines such as mechanical/ materials engineering, physics, chemistry, and biological sciences and medicine. Current research projects include but are not limited to: Liver-on-a-Chip (Engineering the Liver sinusoid); Implantable Microdevice for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus; Microfluidics Laboratory Kits; and AC Electrokinetic Manipulation of liquids and particles in microfluidic environment.

Hongseok (Moses) Noh: Research Group Website

The department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics has a classroom dedicated to computer aided design (CAD). The CAD lab in the MEM department houses computers with up-to-date software used for educating students on the use of software such as AutoCAD, ANSYS, Abaqus, and CREO. CAD software is a critical aspect of competitive product design.

The room is equipped with 42 workstations. Students also have the opportunity to use the CAD lab outside of class time. Any questions about this room should be directed to the MEM Lab Manager, Rayfield Dobbins.

Alexander Fridman: Plasma Institute Website

The College of Engineering resource offers a full-service fabrication machine shop. Located next to the Innovation Studio, this facility has three full-time machinists with a combined industrial and academic experience of more than 75 years. The shop is a multi-purpose machining facility capable of meeting all design needs. The shop and its staff specialize in research and academic custom work, scientific instrumentation, biomedical devices, testing fixtures and fabrications of all sizes.

machineshop@drexel.edu

This lab utilizes materials design, modeling, and simulation, and thin film science and technology, to control lattice and electronic degrees of freedom and structure, and functional properties. Engineered properties, in turn, permit excitation phenomena that can be used to capture, convert, carry and convey energy and information. Areas of application of our research include photovoltaic energy conversion, and information and communications technologies.

Lab Website

In the Multiscale Computational Mechanics and Biomechanics LAB (MCMB LAB), building on a multidisciplinary education and research experience in theoretical and applied mechanics, biomechanics, and computational science and engineering, we develop advanced numerical methods and modern top-down optimization schemes to simulate and optimize biological and biomimetic materials. Our research lies in the broad areas of numerical optimization, bio-inspired design, and computational modeling of the damage mechanisms of biological materials, encompassing a wide spectrum of methodologies ranging from micromechanics to multiscale simulations.

Lab Website

The Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Group (TAMG) focuses on using experimental, analytical and computational tools to understand deformation and failure of materials, components and structures in a broad range of time and length scales. To accomplish this goal, TAMG develops procedures that include mechanical behavior characterization coupled with non-destructive testing and modern computational tools. This information is used both for understanding the role of important material scales in the observed bulk behavior and for the formulation of laws that can model the response to prescribed loading conditions.

Antonios Kontsos: Research Group Website

Accessible by undergraduates in their junior and senior years, this computer lab offers all the software used in undergraduate MEM courses. Students use this lab to collaborate on class projects, use CAD software, and work on senior design projects. With over 60 computers, 2 projectors and a networked printer, students have ample computational resources at their disposal. Any questions about activities in this room should be directed to the MEM Lab Manager, Rayfield Dobbins.

The Undergraduate Experiment Laboratory houses all equipment used in all MEM lab courses (MEM311, MEM331 and MEM351). In addition to the equipment used for these courses, there are also 14 large area workbenches outfitted with computers, miscellaneous measuring tools and power outlets. Located in AEL 072, the UG experiment lab also serves as a workplace for senior design projects. Students have storage space and tools available to them here. Any questions about equipment or activities in this lab should be directed to the MEM lab manager, Rayfield Dobbins.