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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Professor
- Ichiro SHIMIZU
- Research Field
Solid Mechanics, Elasticity and Plasticity, Strength of Materials
- Keyword(s)
Engineering Solid Materials, Testing Methods of Materials and Products, Metal Forming, Biomedical Devices
- Research theme
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- Elastic-plastic deformation of engineering materials
- Development of testing methods for materials and products
- Product design considering characteristics of materials
- Functional optimization of solid structures and its application to medical devices
Outline of research activitiesVarious industrial products are made of solid materials such as metals, polymers, and ceramics. Although all solid materials deform elastically and plastically when forces are applied, their deformation behavior strongly depends on deformation mechanisms. Therefore, it is indispensable to understand their deformation properties to produce useful machines and durable apparatuses. Our laboratory has been working on subjects that aim to apply solid materials for various engineering applications; clarification and evaluation of deformation properties of engineering materials, study on influences of microstructure upon deformation properties of solids, and development of new forming techniques.
- Desired cooperation
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- Development of testing methods of engineering products
- Development of forming process of engineering materials and its evaluation
- Development of materials having specific deformation characteristics
- Design of solid structures and its application to products
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Professor
- Keiyu NAKAGAWA
- Research Field
Mechanical Material, Metal Engineering,Fatigue
- Keyword(s)
Soft magnetic amorphous alloy,Age hardening,Fatigue, Ultra-fine grain.
- Research theme
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- Fabrication of soft magnetic amorphas alloys using liquid quenching method.
- Age hardening of ultra-fine grain aluminum alloys.
- Effect of trace elements on fatigue prpperties for aluminum alloy for air craft.
Outline of research activitiesExamination of production conditions for soft magnetic amorphous ribbons by liquid rapidsolidification method using precipitation hardening Cu alloy rolls. In this paper, we investigated that production conditions for amorphous ribbons by liquid rapid solidification method.
- Desired cooperation
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- High performance of soft magnetic amorphous alloys using liquid quenching method.
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Professor
- Kenji NAKAI
- Research Field
Safety design of composite structures
- Keyword(s)
Airplane, Composite material, High strain-rate characteristic
- Research theme
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- Evaluation of high strain-rate mechanical properties of composite, metallic and polymeric materials
Outline of research activitiesIn recent years, composite and polymeric materials have been increasingly replacing conventional metallic materials in aerospace, civil, marine, rail and automotive industries. Some applications of composite and polymeric materials involve dynamically loaded components and structures. Therefore, there is a need to fully understand the dynamic behavior of composite materials for the analysis and design of composite and polymeric structures subjected to impact loadings. However, the mechanical properties of composite and polymeric materials under dynamic loading conditions are not well understood, because there are no standard impact test techniques.
Consequently, we experimentally and numerically examine the effects of strain rate on the compressive and tensile characteristics of composite and polymeric materials. High strain-rate stress-strain curves are obtained on the standard or modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). Low and intermediate strain-rate ones are measured in an Instron testing machine.- Desired cooperation
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- Determination of high strain-rate stress-strain curves of composite, metallic and polymeric materials used in aerospace, automotive and rail industries
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Professor
- Kenya KUWAGI
- Research Field
Multi-phase flow, Powder technology, Fluidized bed engineering
- Keyword(s)
Heat transfer, Multi-phase flow, powder, Fluidized bed, Numerical simulation
- Research theme
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- Powder simulation to improve blade of noodle dough mixer
- Thermal flow analysis of melted solder
- Mechanism of powder flow of vibrated granular beds
- Numerical simulation of heat transfer and fluid in an incinerator
Outline of research activitiesThere exist three states of matter, i.e. gas, liquid and solid and a flow in which two or three of these states are mixed is called a multi-phase flow. We analyze the flow and heat transfer of multiphase flows using numerical simulations and visualization systems. The thermal flow in the garbage incinerator and the dough mixing in the noodle dough kneader are analyzed as a flow of mixed solids and gases. Bubbles generated in the molten solder bath are analyzed as a flow of mixed liquid and gas. For such problems, we use open source code e.g. OpenFOAM for simulation. In order to visualize heat and flow, PIV, large-diameter Mach-Zehnder interferometer, system schlieren, and infrared thermal image analyzer are utilized.
- Desired cooperation
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- Numerical simulation and visualization of powder/particles
- Development of energy/environmental facility
- Problems associated with fluid and/or heat transfer
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Professor
- Koji YOSHIDA
- Research Field
Control Engineering, Robotics, Measurement engineering
- Keyword(s)
Multi-body systems, Dynamics, Control, Dynamic mass measurement
- Research theme
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- Studies on Control Strategy for Multi-body Systems
- Studies on Dynamic Mass Measurement
Outline of research activitiesStudies on Control Strategy for Multi-body Systems
We can take each of the machines as a system that is composed of many parts including adjacent parts that are connected by a joint so that they can move relative to each other. We can typically assume that each part is rigid enough that it will never bend or twist while in motion. Such a part is called a rigid body. We can consider industrial robotic arms and even automobiles as systems with rigid bodies. When the rigid bodies in the system move, various forces are applied to the system from the inside. Then, we must ask, what is the relationship between the forces and the motions of the rigid bodies? In the control engineering laboratory, we study such problems for mechanical systems and try to control or measure the mechanical values of the system in order to obtain effective control methods.
Studies on Dynamic Mass Measurement
We also try to obtain effective estimation methods for some mechanical values of the system (including total mass) based on dynamics. Solving the problem of measuring the weights of heavy in-motion vehicles with high precision belongs to the field of dynamic mass measurement.- Desired cooperation
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- Control of mechanical systems
- Dynamic muss measurement
- Application of robotic technology
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Professor
- Masaji TANAKA
- Research Field
Design, Mechanical Drawing, Manufacturing System
- Keyword(s)
Mechanical Drawing, Sketch, Solid Model, Automation System, CAD, CAM, i-Construction
- Research theme
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- Automatic conversion of sketches into 3D models
- Automatic conversion of constraction drawings into 3D models
Outline of research activitiesMechanisms that allow humans to recognize and understand 2D drawings in 3D have long been actively studied in the fields of artificial intelligence and mechanical engineering. However, there is no real system until now. In our research, its automation methods have developed. Currently, the main themes are: (1) Sketches are often used to draw new ideas such as mechanical parts. We have developed a method to automatically convert them into 3D models. (2) In the civil engineering and construction industry, IT techniques are being promoted, but it is difficult until now. We have developed a system to automatically convert its 2D drawings into 3D models.
- Desired cooperation
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- Research and development of new software related to CAD or applying CAD
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Professor
- Masanori SEKI
- Research Field
Machine Design, Tribology
- Keyword(s)
Rolling Fatigue, Tribology, Machine Element, Peening
- Research theme
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- Improvement in rolling contact fatigue life due to materials and surface treatments
- Influence of lubricant on rolling contact fatigue
- Application of cavitation peening
- Performance evaluation of plastic gears
Outline of research activitiesMachine elements such as screws, gears, bearings, shafts, and springs are components needed for mechanisms. The performance improvement of machine elements is essential for that of the mechanical device. Therefore, in the machine design laboratory, we work toward the high performance and high strength of machine elements in terms of materials, machining, and surface treatments. Specifically, we are working on the performance evaluation of plastic gears using gear testing machines, the rolling contact fatigue life evaluation of bearings with a ball-on-disk contact tester, the sliding characteristic evaluation of steel using a high temperature tribometer.
- Desired cooperation
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- Evaluation of rolling contact fatigue life of steel
- Evaluation of sliding characteristic of steel
- Performance evaluation of plastic gears
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Professor
- Ryota HAYASHI
- Research Field
Vertebrate Paleontology, Bone Histology, Evolutionary Biology
- Keyword(s)
Dinosaur, Mammal, Bone Histology, Aquatic Adaptation, Ontogeny
- Research theme
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- Dinosaur evolution and ecology
- Secondary adaptation of tetrapods to life in water
- Gigantism and dwarfism of vertebrates
Outline of research activitiesBone histology is the study of internal bone tissues, and provides important clues to physiological and ecological aspects of extinct animals such as the growth rate, longevities, potential metabolism and aquatic adaptation.
I am currently conducting researches on bone histology of large tetrapods (e.g., dinosaur, mammal and amphibians) to understand their gigantism, dwarfism and aquatic adaptations.- Desired cooperation
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- Researches on living vertebrates (e.g., ecology, anatomy, and pathology)
- Paleoenvironment researches based on geology
- Vertebrate paleontological researches
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Professor
- Tetsuya KINUGASA
- Research Field
Robotics, Control engineering
- Keyword(s)
Search and Rescue Robot, Biomechanics
- Research theme
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- Biped locomotion based on passsive dynamic walking
- Simple and adaptive myriapod robot using passive elements
- Biomechanics on archosaurs
- Flexible mono-tread mobile track
Outline of research activitiesIn our research, we focus on three main themes: the development of a simple and adaptive myriapod robot using passive dynamics, biped locomotion based on passive dynamic walking, and the creation of a unique mobile mechanism known as the flexible mono-tread mobile track (FMT).
Firstly, our primary aim is to design the FMT, which utilizes a mono-track system that can flex in three dimensions. Additionally, we are conducting research on the bio-inspired robots using passive dynamics. Our goal is to understand the mechanisms of living organisms, which lead us to hypothesize that the interaction between the robot and its environment inherently includes a control mechanism, which improves its mobility and stabilizes locomotion.- Desired cooperation
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- Applications of the FMT for outdoor tasks and environmental inspections.
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Associate professor
- Chihiro KONDO
- Research Field
Internal Combustion Engine, Combustion, Instrumentation Engineering, Numerical Simulation
- Keyword(s)
Engine systems, Combustion, Alternative fuel,Waste Heat Recovery from Internal Combustion Engines
- Research theme
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- Study on the combustion in engine systems and method of production and optimal usage of alternative fuels for vehicles and electricity generators
Outline of research activitiesThe engine is an essential piece of machinery that is used in vehicles, electricity generators, ships, and so on. However, fossil fuels are limited in their amount and engines exhaust carbon dioxide from the burning of hydrocarbon-based fuels, which is treated as a cause of global warming. Therefore, in order to deal with these problems, an alternative fuel is proposed that is comparable to fossil fuel in terms of fuel properties such as ignitability, calorific value, cold flow properties and oxidation, but which is environmentally friendly. In this laboratory, a study is conducted on the production and optimal usage of alternative fuels such as biofuel (e.g., biodiesel), gaseous fuel, and so on. Combustion technology for engine systems for low fuel consumption rate using natural gas and hydrogen is also studied.
- Desired cooperation
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- Development of higher output and higher thermal efficiency CNG engines (especially direct-injection spark-ignition CNG engines)
- Development of gas flow mesurement method using inorganic fluorescent particles (fluorescent PIV)
- The production method and evaluation method of bio-fuel especially made from waste oil in the oily wastewater
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Associate professor
- Koji IWANO
- Research Field
Fluid engineering, Mechanical engineering, Chemical engineering, Environmental engineering
- Keyword(s)
Turbulence, Transport phenomena, Multiphase flow
- Research theme
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- Scalar mixing in liquid-phase turbulent flows
- Momentum/Heat/Mass transport across wind-wave air-water interface
- Behavior of droplets and bubbles in turbulent flows
Outline of research activitiesIn order to improve the performance of various industrial devices and to make effective use of energy, it is important to understand and control the mechanisms of momentum, heat, and mass transport by turbulent flows. Understanding of turbulent transport phenomena is also essential for accurate prediction of meteorological phenomena. Our specific research topics include: experiments and numerical simulations to elucidate the mixing mechanism of scalars in liquid-phase turbulent jets; measurements of momentum, heat, and mass transport across wind-wave air-water interfaces to improve the prediction accuracy of typhoons; experiments to elucidate the behavior of droplets and bubbles in turbulent flows; and the development of novel devices (plasma actuators) to reduce fluid friction drag.
- Desired cooperation
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- Turbulent transport phenomena in industrial and environmental processes.
- Development of novel fluid measurement methods for complex flow fields.
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Associate professor
- Motoki TERANO
- Research Field
Manufacturing processing
- Keyword(s)
Metal Forming,Microsturucture control, Micro/nano forming, Tribology
- Research theme
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- Development of local microsturucture control method
- Precision metal forming using CAE analysis
- Development of efficient fabrication method of functional surface by nano forming
Outline of research activitiesThe mechanical and electro-magnetic characteristics of metals are dependent on microstructures such as crystal orientation and grain diameter. In recent years, comprehensive studies have been carried out on thermo-mechanical control processing to improve physical properties of metallic materials without adding rare elements in order to save energy and resources. For example, high performance metals, such as ultrafine grain steel and magnetic steel, are developed by a combination of rolling and heat treatment. These metals exhibit uniform characteristics. However, it is more efficient if suitable characteristics can be generated at required positions. In our research, a new technology to control only material surface microstructure is being studied.
- Desired cooperation
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- Local microsturucture control
- CAE analysis for metal forming
- Fabrication of functional surface by nano forming
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Lecturer
- Akihiro TAKEMURA
- Research Field
Plastic Deformation, Metal crystal Structure, Corrosion Proof
- Keyword(s)
Metal material, Material Property, Maching Process, Productivity
- Research theme
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- Influence of maching on chemical property of material
- Influence of heat treatment on heat-transfer performance of material
- Reserch of metal maching performance
Outline of research activitiesIn the case of metal materials are machined, the surface of materials are plastic defomed. Cristal structure of metal surface is strained by plastic deformation. The crystal structure strain changes the chemical property of surface. This phenomenon is called a mechano-chemical reaction. We study the mechano-chemical reaction and the relationship of machining process and material property.
- Desired cooperation
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- Improving the machinability of metal materials
- Anticorrosion engineering of metal surface treatment and processing
- Improvement of metallic materials productivity