Mechanical Engineering Laboratories


Combustion Simulation Research Laboratory

The primary focus of the Combustion Simulation Research Laboratory is to allow students and faculty to combine their efforts in the development and use of computational tools in the design and analysis of combustion systems. In order to analyze and design combustion systems, it is often necessary to understand the interactions between fluid flow, heat transfer, mass transfer, and combustion.

Computational Simulation Laboratory

The primary focus of the Computational Simulation Laboratory is to provide in-house resources and expertise in assisting tier-one suppliers to reduce product development time, as well as operating, manufacturing and R&D costs. To facilitate this goal, the Mechanical Engineering department is developing a research thrust in Simulation Engineering & Design Optimization (SEDO). The technical mission of this thrust is toward the integration of design and manufacturing processes through simulation, allowing the development of high quality products at low cost in economically and technologically challenging world markets.

Crash Safety Center
Crash Safety Center

The Crash Safety Center is a modern facility where Kettering faculty and students, along with corporate partners, will begin to study the interaction between structural crash mechanics and occupant protection. "It is a one-of-a-kind education and research facility. And it makes Kettering University the only university in the country that can offer undergraduate students this kind of curriculum in crash safety," states Associate Professor Janet Brelin-Fornari

DENSO International Dynamic Systems Design Studio

The primary focus of the DENSO International Dynamic Systems Design Studio is to allow students to combine their efforts in the development and use of computational tools in the design and analysis of multidisciplinary dynamic engineering systems. The DENSO studio will help prepare a new breed of engineers to use computational technologies for the design, analysis, and optimization of dynamic engineering systems.

GM e-Design/e-Manufacturing Studio

The vision of the Kettering University/General Motors e-Design & e-Manufacturing Studio is to provide students and faculty a facility to enable
global product design and manufacturing process. In order to provide global capabilities in design and manufacturing, the studio is equipped with fast computers and Internet 2 capabilities, state-of-the-art software in Unigraphics, and a EMCO tabletop machining center for rapid manufacturing. Equipment to be added soon includes a tabletop turning center and a ZCorp rapid prototyping machine.

NASA Computational Plasma Dynamics Laboratory

The NASA Computational Plasma Dynamics Laboratory (CPDL) is the first dedicated space-related research environment at Kettering University.  Plasma physics and propulsion research at macro and microscale is the primary mission of the CPDL. It promotes the exchange of the latest scientific and technical information that may enhance accomplishment of the high altitude and orbital missions by understanding the dynamics of plasma. It provides an opportunity for post-doctoral researchers, and undergraduate and graduate students of Science and Engineering to study high-speed propulsion, plasma physics, micro and nano flow science and related technologies using advanced computational tools.

Recirculating Wind Tunnel

In May 1998, a new variable-speed recirculating wind tunnel was installed at Kettering University.  With its broad range of capabilities and instrumentation, the tunnel serves as a focal point for the new Energy Systems Laboratory course and as a vehicle for student and faculty applied research projects.  The development of this facility continues with the addition of new instrumentation and experimental equipment.