The Research Center for Energy Engineering and Environmental Preservation - Prof. G. Grossman
The Energy Engineering and Environmental Conservation Center conducts basic and applied research in energy-related areas. Twenty three faculty members are active in the Center, and in recent years some twenty immigrant scientists have joined the Center and enhanced its research activities. The Center’s overall research objectives are to improve and better understand the utilization of energy resources, while emphasizing environmental conservation. Research topics at the Center include: energy resources, energy conservation, heat transfer, multiphase flow, solar energy, wind energy, internal combustion engines, fuels and additives, vehicle engineering including alternative vehicles, reduction of road transport pollution, turbo machinery, turbines and jet engines, tribology, combustion, pyrolysis and gasification of oil shale, coal, biomass and organic waste, cryogenic cooling, heat pumps, filtering techniques, fluids engineering, air pollution, (vehicle) air conditioning, bio-thermal modeling and heat transfer and personal cooling systems. Since its establishment some twenty years ago, significant progress has been made. While the total number of members has remained about the same, new and modern laboratories have replaced the modest and outdated ones. Two new laboratories have been constructed within the last five years – the Optical Engineering Laboratory and the Cryogenic Cooling Laboratory – both with state-of-the-art equipment and well-funded research projects. Other laboratories have undergone a facelift, particularly the Tribology Laboratory, which has shifted its activities from the traditional toward nano-tribology. The Center's research activities are sponsored by government and public agencies and by competitive foundations and industry in Israel and abroad. Despite a significant reduction in Technion support in recent years, the Center has continued its activities unhindered, providing faculty members and graduate students with adequate means to conduct research. The Center has also maintained close ties with industry, providing consulting services and novel technical ideas for new enterprises (i.e., the Laser Surface Technology startup SurTech was initiated by the Tribology Laboratory). Details of the Center's research topics are listed in the following descriptions of the laboratories and in the short biographies of the faculty members. Projects and cooperation The Center has cooperated with the following institutions: Israel Science Foundation, Israel Ministry of Science, Israel Ministry of Defense, Israel Ministry of Trade and Industry, Israel Ministry of National Infrastructures, Israel Ministry of Transport, Israel Ministry of Environment. The Center has also been involved in inter-disciplinary research projects on campus at the Technion, e.g. with the Technion Transportation Research Institute and other Faculties. Equipment Laboratory facilities consist of test equipment for a wide range of thermal and flow measurements. The Center includes a machine shop for the construction of experimental apparatus. Following are a few typical examples of research projects carried out in the Center.
Energy conservation through friction and wear reduction by laser surface texturing of mechanical components such as pump seals, fluid film bearings, engine piston rings (The Tribology Lab).
Analysis of fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena, using advanced imaging techniques – PIV & IR (The Multiphase Flow Lab).
Microstructured & Nanostructured Optical Elements (Optical Engineering Lab).
Thermal management of electronic equipment, micro-PIV equipment, micro-thermal management equipment, microscopes of various kinds (The Multiphase Flow Lab). Development of novel transportation systems based on cybernetic vehicles and alternative-friendly propulsion systems: electric, hybrid, fuel cell and gas-powered (Internal combustion Engines Lab).
Aerosol Research Laboratory - Assoc. Prof. A. Oron
The Laboratory for Aerosol Research conducts basic and applied investigations of aerosols and closely related phenomena. The permanent Aerosol research group includes Prof. Em. C. Gutfinger, Assoc. Prof. A. Oron, Dr. M. Fichman Dr. L. Moldavsky and Dr. M. Shusser. The facilities of the Laboratory include a clean room of class 10, particle and smoke generators and counters, an acoustic wave generator and amplifier, acoustic intensity and frequency sensors and an acoustic intensity meter.
The main research topics include aerosol mechanics, filtration theory, pollution control technology, and gas–solid two-phase flows. During the last five years, members of the group authored about forty papers and presentations at conferences in many aspects of aerosol science. Brief summary of main research is given below.
Aerosol mechanics and filtration theory: Research is conducted on acoustic enhancement of filtration efficiency, including studying gas oscillations and particle behavior in resonance tubes and effect of acoustic waves on performance of fibrous aerosol filters.
Pollution control technology: The main directions of research have been application of gas absorption by liquid drops to pollution control technology and use of electrical agglomeration for filtration of nano-particle emissions from diesel engines.
Gas-solid two-phase flows: Recent work concentrated on studying the interaction of periodic shock waves with aerosol particles and on investigating fluidized bed stability.
Liquid film flow on externally perturbed surfaces: Recent work concentrated on investigation of liquid film flow on various surfaces performing harmonic oscillations, such as a vertical cylindrical surface performing axial oscillations; a horizontal planar surface performing both tangential and normal oscillations.
Bio-thermal Technology Laboratory - Prof. A. Shitzer
The Bio-thermal Technology Laboratory focuses on applications of cryo-temperatures for the destruction or preservation of biological tissues, development of cryosurgical devices and processes, human comfort and protection in thermally hostile environments.
The Rechler Cryogenic Cooling Laboratory - Prof. G. Grossman
The Cryogenics Laboratory focuses on research and development on cryogenic cooling systems. The Cryogenic research group currently includes six graduate students and a research engineer. The main topics of research are on Stirling and Joule-Thomson cryocoolers.
Stirling cryocoolers: Research is conducted on several aspects of the Stirling cycle in an attempt to gain fundamental understanding of oscillating flow and heat transfer, which are crucial to the performance. The main activities include the development of a pulse tube cryocooler based on the Stirling cycle, development of a micro-cryocooler, and improved regenerators for existing Stirling cryocoolers by MEMS technology.
Joule-Thomson cryocoolers: Research is conducted on Joule-Thomson systems employing gas mixtures, which yield higher heat rates at lower pressures than those with a single-component gas. A theoretical study taking mixture liquefaction into consideration has been completed. Adsorption compressors for Joule-Thomson system are being investigated. Since the onset of its activity four years ago, grants have been received from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Cooperation has been established with industry, including Rafael and Ricor - a cryocooler manufacturer. A generous contribution has been received from the Rechler family and applied toward constructing and equipping the Laboratory.
Internal Combustion Engines Laboratory - Prof. Y. Zvirin
The Technion Internal Combustion Engines Laboratory (TICEL) investigates environmental-friendly transportation systems. Its research and teaching activities focus on the fields of internal combustion engines and alternative drive power sources (such as electric, hybrid, fuel cell and gas powered vehicles), after-treatment devices (catalytic converters, particulate filters, etc.) and various aspects of energy, power and heat systems. The staff includes six scientists/engineers (Ph.D's, most new immigrants) and four graduate students. The Lab offers undergraduate courses in ICE and Advanced Energy, and the senior staff members supervise various project courses in the abovementioned fields. Over the last seven years, 18 graduate students (Ph.D., M.Sc. and M.Eng.) have been supported by the Lab and used its facilities to conduct their experimental research. A small Technion budget is allocated to run the Lab. All research work is supported by contracts from different organizations: the European Union, Israeli government ministries (Environment, Transport, National Infrastructures and Defense, Industries and Services), the Israeli Refineries and Oil companies, Egged and Dan bus operators, etc. The results of the TICEL research work have had a significant impact on improving air quality in Israel and in reducing energy and fuel consumption.
Micro and Nanooptics Laboratory - Assoc. Prof. E. Hasman
The Micro and Nanooptics Laboratory deals with nanoscale optics and manipulation of radiative heat transfer by use of nanoscale structures. Lab is engaged in research and development of Polarization state manipulation, Subwavelength optical elements, Nanostructured optical elements, Nanophotonics, Nanooptics, Optical-metamaterial, Nanooptics and plasmonic sensors, Vectorial optics, Diffractive optics, Imaging polarimetry, Surface phonon and plasmon polaritons, Plasmonics, Near-field optics, Singular optics, Vectorial vortices, Geometric phase (Berry phase, Pancharatnam phase), Angular momentum of light, Spin-based plasmonics in nanostructures, Spin orbit interaction, Optical spin Hall effect, Dynamics of spinning light in nanoscale structures, Geometric symmetry breaking in nanoscale structures. Manipulation of a thermal emission, Thermodynamic in the near-field, Micro- and nanoscale radiative heat transfer, Coherent thermal emission, Surface waves in near-field thermodynamic (plasmons and phonon-polaritons).
In the Multiphase Flow Laboratory studies heat and mass transfer in multiphase flow, cooling of electronic chips and turbulence are studied. The Multiphase Flow research group includes Prof. Emeritus G. Hetsroni, ten graduate students and six “new” immigrant scientists. The main research topics are boiling, turbulence and thermal management of electronic equipment.
Boiling: Research is conducted on pool and flow boiling of pure water and water-surfactants solutions. The main contributions were in the area of boiling in micro-channels and capillary tubes, and in boiling of environmentally safe surfactant solutions. It was shown that surfactants can enhance boiling, and reduce the excess wall temperature. These could be very attractive for desalination and for thermal management of electronic equipment. The group is also active, together with the Soreq Nuclear Center, in developing a window for a high power accelerator.
Turbulence: Direct numerical simulation (DNS) of turbulent flow of pure water, and water containing a particulate phase is investigated. In particular, the interaction between the particles and the turbulence of the carrying fluid and the effect of the particles on the heat transfer from the wall is sought. The turbulent structures in the wall region of a flume were investigated by means of DNS and, experimentally, by means of three-dimensional Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV).
Thermal management of electronic and optical equipment: Cooling of computer chips, laser diodes etc., by means of single- and two-phase flow of fluid in micro-channels is conducted. This research requires high-speed Infrared Radiometers (IR), high-speed video and optical microscopes. It is also carried out for a consortium of optical communications equipment vendors. Lately, the Lab together with the Soreq Nuclear Center, have been actively involved in developing a window for a high power accelerator . The lab is also involved, with the Intel Corp., in developing novel cooling methods for high power electronic chips.
During the last four years, we authored some fifty papers, gave many keynote lectures and made numerous presentations at conferences. We also supported 16 graduate students, a number of Post-Docs and visitors from other countries. Our work on flow in micro-channels is described in a recent book by L.P.Yarin. A.Mosyak and G.Hetsroni “Fluid Flow, Heat Transfer and Boiling in Micro-Channels, Springer Verlag
The Nuclear Engineering Laboratory focuses on core physics, fuel management, reactor safety, thermo-hydraulic design of nuclear reactors, and industrial application of nuclear techniques. It includes Dr. Eitan Wacholder, Dr. Louis Tepper, Mr. Dov Hasan, Mr. Yuri Nekhamkin, Mr. Brodiansky Genadi. The lab activity has extended recently to include basic research and development in heat and mass transfer for space and environmental applications. The Lab activity concentrates on: 1. Thermal hydraulics aspects of reactor safety and operation. 2. Application of nuclear techniques in measurement and control. 3. Design of compact ceramic heater for augmented thruster in space. 4. Design of advance cells for conducting experiments for environmental studies. Advanced computer codes for thermal hydraulics simulation of a fuel channel under accident conditions are being developed at the Lab as part of an ongoing project supported by the Israel Atomic Energy Commission. In addition, numerical and engineering models are applied for advance design of experimental cells for environmental studies. We believe the above activity will be further expanded in the next 5 years. Part time research staff and engineers currently carry out the above activity. We are continuously looking for talented graduate students to join our team. The lab is well equipped to perform its research tasks in the near future.
The Environmental Multi-Phase Flow Laboratory (EMPFL) - Dr. R. van Hout
Research in The Environmental Multi-Phase Flow Laboratory (EMPFL) is directed towards environmental fluid flow problems such as dispersal of (bio-) aerosols in the atmospheric turbulent boundary layer, canopy flows and related particle dispersal/capture, erosion and particle deposition. Equipment: The EMPFL has state-of-the-art equipment for the measurement of the flow field as well as particle dispersion characteristics, such as two stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) systems (one high-speed system) as well as a high speed holographic cinematography system. Experimental facilities: * A square (50x50 mm2) water channel has been setup for the study of particle dynamics in turbulent flow. The fine scale structure of the turbulent boundary layer and its effect on particle entrainment and deposition is studied using both (high-speed) PIV as well as 3-D holographic particle tracking technique. * Isotropic, homogeneous turbulence chamber (40x40x40 cm3). In this transparent cubic chamber we generate isotropic, homogeneous turbulence by means of eight woofers mounted on the each corner of the chamber. We introduce particles into this flow in order to study the effect of turbulence on the particle dispersal characteristics. For example, small droplet behavior in clouds, spherical vs. non-spherical particle behavior and the effect of turbulence on settling velocities. * A small low velocity windtunnel (20x20 cm2 cross section) used for the study of flow patterns around (biological) structures that have morphological structures that may have an effect on particle release or capture.
Flow Control Laboratory (FCL) - Dr. David Greenblatt
Research in the Flow Control Laboratory involves the use of localized actuators to bring about global changes to flow fields of interest. Applications of this research are to industrial aerodynamics and hydrodynamics in general, including wind turbines, internal flows, industrial fans and compressors. The research aims to improve the efficiency of fluid machinery by means of active or passive flow control. Additional research of a fundamental nature includes flow transition and relaminarization, as well as vortex breakdown.
Experimental facilities: * The primary experimental facility is a 1m?0.61m low speed wind tunnel with wind speeds of up to 50 m/s and a test section extendable up to 6m. The tunnel incorporates transparent test sections and is optimized for optical measurements, such as particle Image velocimetry (PIV) and Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA). Test sections can easily be changed and modified and this provides for a low maintenance high throughput facility. Major projects will study dynamic stall control on wind turbine blades and flow control on linear cascades of fan blades. * A pipe flow facility is being used to study the generation of subcritical turbulence in developed and developing pipe flows and also the conditions under which the flow relaminarizes. * A fan test facility is currently being constructed that will be used for studying stall on industrial fan blades.
Measurement Equipment: The primary measurement techniques that will be employed in the laboratory are a high-power Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimeter (PIV), a multi-channel hot wire anemometer and a high speed pressure scanner. The PIV incorporates 2?200mJ Nd:YAG lasers and 2?4 megapixel cameras and will be used for three-dimensional flowfield measurements above and in the wake of turbine blades. The anemometer can be extended to a ten channel system.
The Optical Engineering Laboratory focuses on automatic visual inspection, optical metrology, sub-micron diffraction, non-conventional optical elements. The Lab is engaged in research and development of nano-optics, subwavelength optical elements, polarization manipulation based on nano-optics, polarization-biosensing, optical metrology, optical memory, and non-conventional laser resonators.
Pyrolysis Combustion and Gasification Laboratory - Prof. Em. J. Dayan
The Pyrolysis Combustion and Gasification Laboratory focuses on process development for efficient usage of fuels and fuel generation from biomass, organic waste and municipal garbage. In addition, the Lab deals with extraction of volatiles from coal and oil shale. The experimental work is carried out by new immigrant scientists and by graduate students. Theoretical work is continuing in cooperation with Prof. Y. Zimmels of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty, Prof. M. Eisen, Dean of the Chemistry Faculty, Prof. Emeritus A. Shavit of the Mechanical Engineering Faculty at Technion, and scientists from Cranfield University in the UK and from U. C. Berkeley. The program is aimed to achieve two goals: (1) to provide a viable process, which will help alleviate the dependency of energy production on the rapidly depleting oil and natural gas resources while maintaining this technology to exploit the classical fossil fuels; (2) to reduce environmental damage caused by the disposal of solid organic wastes from industrial, agricultural and urban sources. The main efforts in the last decade have concentrated on the development of a two-chamber gasifier, a modification of the idea suggested by M.R. Judd of South Africa to process low-grade coal. Due to its unique design, the two-chamber reactor provides adequate separation between two zones, gasification and combustion, yielding medium-high BTU gas (a mixture of carbon mono-oxide and hydrogen), even though air and not oxygen is used for combustion. In the final system, the power generating subsystem will share waste heat with the gasifier for drying the waste/biomass or providing other methods of heat recovery to increase efficiency. Possible power generation subsystems that will further contribute to environment preservation are those based on fuel cells, as the major constituent of the syngas is hydrogen. The developed gasification system will be integrated with gas turbines or other types of conventional power plants. Alternatively, the product syngas will be used as feedstock for further synthesis in petrochemical plants.
The Solar Energy Laboratory group currently consists of two graduate students and a research engineer. The main research topics are flat plate and concentrating collectors, air heaters, heat storage, solar cooling, dehumidification and air conditioning systems, and solar water desalination.
Solar collectors: A wide variety of solar collectors have been studied, developed and built in the Laboratory over the years. This research activity resulted in numerous publications and two patents on flat-plate collectors. A solar concentrator based on a spherical reflector with a tracking absorber was investigated. Several models of this collector were built, for heating of water, thermal oil, and liquid metals. One of the models had a 10-meter diameter dish and produced steam at 300o C. Another model of this collector is currently being developed for combined heat and concentrated PV applications, in cooperation with Tel Aviv University.
Solar cooling: Various studies have been conducted in the laboratory on heat-activated cooling, using the absorption cycle in both closed and open configurations. A liquid desiccant system for cooling, dehumidification and air conditioning has recently been completed. Powered by an array of flat plate collectors, the system serves a group of offices on the top floor of the Energy Engineering Center building and supplies up to 20 kW of cooling power. This project was conducted in cooperation with several EU countries. The system provided much needed data on transfer coefficients in the dehumidification process. An improved model of the system is presently under construction.
Solar water desalination: The Laboratory has investigated a regenerative type of solar still that employs internal heat recovery to gain several effects of desalination from solar heat. The still operates at atmospheric pressure and employs natural convection to transfer evaporated water to the condenser. Our research has yielded improved still geometry, and a working model was recently completed and tested. The Laboratory, first established in the 1970’s, has received funding from the Israel Ministry of National Infrastructures, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and directly from industry for specific projects. A dozen graduate students and numerous undergraduates have conducted their projects in the Laboratory, including several visitors from abroad.
Transport Processes in Porous Materials and Aerosols Laboratory - Prof. M. Shapiro
The Laboratory of Transport Processes in Porous Materials and Aerosols focuses on studying the properties of ceramic materials, improvement of insulation properties, vibro fluidization, and suspensions of particulates in air filtration systems and clean rooms. The Lab employs about 12 new immigrant sciences and post-doctoral fellows, and has been home to more than 15 Ph.D. and M.Sc. students and many undergraduate students, who used its facilities for studies and research projects. The Laboratory of Transport Processes in Porous Materials and Aerosols was established in order to carry out basic and applied research in the areas of thermophysical properties of dense and porous ceramics, composite and powder materials, vibrofluidization, mixing and separation and conveying of bulk solid materials. Since 1988, the Laboratory has carried out research projects on wave propagation in vibrated layers of solid particles, kinetics of reactive synthesis of powder materials and thermal conductivity studies of powders in various thermodynamic conditions. In parallel, the Laboratory provides extensive consulting services, including design and thermal testing of ceramic materials and powder composites under extreme conditions of high temperature (up to 2000 K) and vacuum.
The Tribology Laboratory, founded in 1992, focuses on the study of friction and wear, hydrodynamic lubrication, surface engineering, micro-tribology, and bio-tribology. The Shamban Tribology Laboratory employs about 15 scientists, engineers and students at various levels (undergraduate, and graduate). Research work, of both theoretical and experimental nature, concentrates on understanding tribological processes on all levels, from macro to nano, such as surface texturing for energy conservation, contact adhesion and friction modeling, wear mechanisms and tribology of human cartilage. The modern testing and measuring equipment in the Laboratory allows the study of numerous friction and wear mechanisms, as well as providing consultation and problem solving to the industry. Indeed, in the last five years very strong work relations have been established with a large number of industrial companies both in Israel and abroad. The most current research activities concentrate on laser surface texturing (LST) to reduce friction and wear and conserve energy, Nano-Tribology for studying nano-scale fretting, Contact mechanics to model contact and friction, and Bio-Tribology applied to studying the effect of various lubricants on human cartilage. The Laboratory also provides mechanical engineering undergraduate students with hands-on experience in Tribology. Some 60 students are accommodated every year in this program.
The activities of the Computer Graphics and Computer Aided Design (CAD) Laboratory involve three main areas: teaching, basic research, and funded research projects. Since the Laboratory's inception, it has enhanced engineering education at the Technion by providing students with theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience in the expanding field of computerized design. The Laboratory offers courses in interactive computer graphics, individual engineering CAD software packages and computational geometry, as well as special projects in the field of CAD.
The Laboratory has developed a research program that focuses on assembly, geometrical modeling design, process planning, manufacturing, reverse engineering, rapid prototyping, reconstruction of 3D objects, surface design with geometrical and physical constraints, man-machine interfaces such as models from a single 2D sketch, and dedicated sketches for sheet metal design. Recently research efforts have also focused on augmented reality in engineering applications.
BRML's research interests span the spectrum - from the theoretical in kinematics, mechanism design, kinematics of MEMS mechanisms, and biomechanics to the applied in medical robotic devices, biorobotics and rehabilitation systems. The aim of my work is to develop new analysis and synthesis tools for the design, manipulation and control of medical robotic systems, and utilize kinematics and dynamics tools for biomechanical modeling and study of the large joints..
Control of Flexible Structures Laboratory - Prof. L. Mirkin:
Active (feedback) control of large flexible structures (LFS), development of new sampled-data control strategies for active control of LFS, control-oriented modeling of mechanical structures, application of smart materials for active vibration suspension.
Integrated Product Development Laboratory - Prof. M. Weiss:
Areas of interest include: conceptual design of new products, quality and design models, robust design, concurrent engineering, algorithms for synthesis and systems engineering. Typical projects include: novel inclined elevator system, automatic parking systems, location & velocity transducer, conceptual design of new products, quality and design models, robust design, concurrent engineering, algorithms for synthesis.
Industrial Robotics Laboratory - Prof. M. Shoham:
New robot structures, parallel robots, miniature robots, medical robots, kinematic and dynamic of robots.
Manufacturing Systems Laboratory - Prof. E. Zussman:
The Manufacturing Systems Laboratory conducts research in the planning and control of manufacturing processes. Research areas focus on process modeling and characterizations, development of tools for process simulation, as well as prototyping systems/sensors for process monitoring and control. Current research activities include investigations in: microassembly; nanofibers handling and assembly; assembly/disassembly modeling and planning; on-line monitoring and control of sheet-metal thinning; assembly process control; optimal placement of sensors for improved monitoring
The projects have been funded by the Israel Ministry of Science, the European Community, Niedersachsen Fund (Germany), France-Israel Bi-national Research Program, Motorola Communications Israel, Rotem Industries, Rafael.
The Mechatronics Laboratory combines precision mechanical engineering, dynamics, electronics, real-time signal processing and control engineering. Current research involves analysis and modeling of coupled systems, where electro-magnetic or electro-static forces are coupled to precision instruments and to vibrating systems. Ongoing projects deal with rotating machines, magnetic bearings, active diagnostics, and precise piezoelectric actuators, and with the effect of added vibration on motion and friction. The laboratory has a long tradition of dynamic testing measurements and modal testing.
Metal Forming Laboratory - Prof. J. Tirosh:
The Laboratory's research activities currently focus on building a foundation for 'Smart Manufacturing'. Metal forming manufacturing has three main levels: (a) advanced manufacturing - improving an existing process after viewing its results; (b) intelligent manufacturing: monitoring one or several variables during the process and correcting them 'on line' according to pre-set rules; (c) smart manufacturing - as in (b) but the rules improving the process are provided by the process itself via a 'self learning' scheme.
To implement the above concepts, the Laboratory has been conducting a research study, "Deep Drawing with Fluid Assisted Pressure and Differential Temperature", funded by the Israel Ministry of Science. The research first studied the inherent limitations of classical deep drawing, including: early flange wrinkling, early rupture along the walls of the product (necking-instability), high resistance to plastic flow due to excessive interfacial friction, and high surface roughness of the product. The current research effort seeks basic relationships between the above deficiencies and the operational tools which can eliminate them, including: a controlled blank holder force, a controlled hydrostatic fluid pressure (to replace rigid dies), optimized die curvature, temperature variation, controlled strain rate, and more. Several improvements have already been implemented into a small-scale apparatus for Deep Drawing, which will serve as a basis for the proposed Intelligent Manufacturing, to be followed by Smart Manufacturing.
Investigation of vibrations in mechanical systems, vibration abatement, signature analysis of vibrating systems, diagnostics. Ongoing projects include the following: Detection of fatigue cracks in blades: This method is based on a bilinear stiffness model, and is applied via an acoustic excitation; Detection of machine tool wear via vibration signatures: This is part of IDMAP, an EC projects with 25 partners; Multimedia teaching of vibration based diagnostics: Development of dedicated interactive signal processing tasks; Diagnostics of gears: Gearbox diagnostics, using, in particular, the Westland database, which includes vibration measurements induced by the main power transmission of a US Navy CH-46E helicopter under different fault conditions.
Robot Navigation Laboratory - Prof. E. Rimon:
Sensor based navigation of mobile robots, area coverage algorithms for mobile robots, navigation and control of multi-legged robots, workpiece fixturing algorithms.
The Schlesinger Laboratory for Lifecycle Engineering is an important driving force for research and development in areas related to assembly. Research topics include various aspects of assembly/disassembly and product manufacturing (e.g., fitting, tolerance, handling, reconfigurable, etc.) with reference to products and assemblies, microsystems and medical applications. These are in general supported by several technologies, such as reconfigurable systems, parallel robots, reverse engineering and fluidic alignment. In parallel to the technological developments, several basic research projects have been carried out in order to better understand the assembly process and to enable on-line measurements and control systems.
Sensory-Motor Integration Laboratory (SMILe) - Dr. M. Zacksenhouse:
The Laboratory focuses on biologically inspired sensory motor integration in dexterous manipulation. The overall goal is to develop the technology to support Programming by Human Demonstration (PHD) of dexterous robot hands and the interaction of such robots with the environment. These capabilities are critical for alleviating the burden of programming dexterous robots that include a large number of degrees of freedom and extend their application to tasks that involve interaction with the environment. Current projects include: (1) A coordination based recognition of manipulative hand movements, (2) Oscillatory Neural Networks for generation and control of rhythmic movement (e.g., yo-yo playing), and (3) Instantaneous Model Impedance Control. The research and development conducted in the Laboratory are expected to benefit interactive tele-operation like that involved in dismantling bombs, human-robot interaction like that involved in robot helpers or virtual environment, and flexible assembly systems.
The Material Mechanics Laboratory is concerned with fundamental problems in solid mechanics, particularly with the mechanical behavior of composite materials, microsystems, bones, metals and polymers under static and dynamic loading conditions. The main research topics are: development of constitutive equations for metals and composites; investigation of failure mechanisms in composites; fracture mechanics and the dynamics of crack growth; damage tolerance and residual strength relevant to impact loading; ballistic penetration mechanics; adhesive bonding; acoustic emission; vibration damping; the solution of equilibrium and buckling problems for elastic and inelastic media; fatigue behavior; biomechanical behavior of human bones and tissues; development and investigation of orthopedic composite material elements to be used for replacement in the human body; deformation and strength of micromechanical elements. Laboratory facilities consist of test equipment for a wide range of static and dynamic loading at room and elevated temperatures: MTS system of 25-ton load capacity, two INSTRON testing machines of 15-ton and 10-ton capacity, Impact loading machines with computerized data acquisition systems, video and strain gauge recording instrumentation. Acoustic emission detection apparatus, environmental chambers, Hopkinson Bars for determining strength of materials under high rates of loading, high frequency (20 kHz) Shaker, High speed digital camera KODAK(SR-1000c) (10kHz) for non-intrusive oscillation measurements; SEM? scanning electron microscope (JSM 840), accurate (12 bit @ 10 MS/sec) NICOLET and high speed HP (8 bit @ 1 GS/sec) digital scopes. The laboratory includes a machine shop for the precise fabrication of specimens of metals and composite materials.
Development and application of new and innovative computational methods (finite element, spectral element, boundary element, finite strip, finite volume, variational asymptotic methods) for fluid and solid mechanics; rotating flows; non-Newtonian fluids; computation modeling of crystal growth processes; dynamic and hydrodynamic stabilities. Dynamic finite element modeling and control of flexible structures, bicycles and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS).
Control and Automation - Prof. J. Dayan:
Advanced Laboratory for Control and Automation, computer interfacing and integration of computer control, and other real-time systems to various industrial applications.
(Functions mainly as a teaching laboratory.)
Diagnostics of Rotating Machines Laboratory - Dr. Miriam Zackenhouse:
The research is targeted at developing signal processing tools, signal generation models and diagnostics techniques for improving the diagnostics of rotating machines. Two specific applications are being considered: (a) Gearbox diagnostics, using, in particular, the Westland database, which includes vibration measurements induced by the main power transmission of a US Navy CH-46E helicopter under different fault conditions, and (b) Tool wear monitoring of rotating cutting tools. The research is focused on:
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Signal processing tools for blind source to separate different vibration sources
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Signal generation models to describe the effect of the strong vibrations induced by the large collector gear
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Diagnostics techniques based on Neural Networks and in particular the two-sensor technique and the novelty index
Computerized machines for automatic machining of diamonds for mass production, new technologies of diamonds and gemstones production.
Research is conducted in the following laboratories and a contact person for each laboratory is listed:
Biomechanics Laboratory - Prof. A. Rotem: Research focuses on two main topics: (1) developing superior prostheses by using the advantages of composite materials; and (2) studying the bio-mechanical behavior of new kinds of implants inserted into skeleton in new positions for better performance and durability and lower pain levels.
Characterization of Materials Laboratory - Prof. D. Rittel: This laboratory is used to characterize the microstructure and failure mechanisms of materials. The laboratory includes optical and scanning electron microscopes (SEM) with image acquisition and processing facilities. Moreover, capabilities of the laboratory open new directions of research which emphasize the relation between microstructure and mechanical properties of materials.
Composite Materials Laboratory - Prof. J. Lifshitz This laboratory conducts basic and applied research on the mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composite materials. Loading conditions span a very large range, from creep and relaxation to cyclic fatigue, impact and high strain-rate loading. The characterization includes properties in the out-of-plane direction (3D). The laboratory has strong interaction with industry by conducting tests and providing guidance in solving mechanical problems.
Micromechanics and Failure Laboratory - Prof. E. Altus: The research in this laboratory focuses on theoretical (modeling) and experimental studies of the following areas: (1) Fatigue life of magnesium alloys (AM50, AZ91), including multilevel loading; (2) Effects of Laser surface treatment on fatigue life of Titanium alloys; (3) Fatigue failure of Shape Memory alloys; (4) Mechanical behavior of heterogeneous microbeams; and (5) Microstructure analysis by Surface Force Microscope.
Fracture Mechanics Laboratory - Prof. D. Rittel: Mechanical and physical aspects of fracture of structural materials are investigated in the Fracture Mechanics Laboratory. Emphasis is focused on the dynamic failure of engineering materials, including the characterization of the dynamic mechanical and fracture properties, and the characterization of the failure micromechanisms. The conversion of mechanical energy into thermal energy (thermomechanical coupling) which is associated with deformation and fracture, is also investigated. This laboratory includes several Kolsky bars (split Hopkinson) for studying the response to compression and tension, high speed data acquisition, and dedicated processing software.
Nonlinear and Chaotic Dynamical Systems - Prof. O. Gottlieb: The programs in this research group include: (1) nonlinear chaotic dynamics and spatio-temporal instabilities in (continuum) mechanical systems and structures; (2) stability and (piezoelectric) control of nonlinear micro-beams with application to scanning probe microscopy; (3) dynamics of fluid-structure interaction and suppression of vortex-induced vibrations. The objective of these programs is to provide a fundamental understanding of the dynamical system global bifurcation structure and ultimately enable derivation of nonlinear model based control strategies designed to eliminate undesirable response. The tools employed combine theoretical (asymptotic analyses, bifurcation techniques) and experimental (non-intrusive high-speed video) methods.
The Micromechanics Laboratory that was established in October 2000, provides facilities for studying the mechanical behavior of miniature devices, with typical lengths of 10-5m. These devices, known as "MEMS" (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) or "Microsystems", are currently being used as sensing and activating mechanisms in many areas like transportation, optical switching, health care, automated manufacturing, environmental monitoring, defense systems and a wide variety of consumer products.
An important aspect of microsystem design is to characterize their mechanical performance and failure mechanisms (fracture and fatigue). The response at the microscale is different from macroscopic behavior and thus requires the development of special experimental infrastructure and techniques for working at microscales.
The Laboratory contains the following equipment: DI Dimension 3100 Scanning Probe Microscope; Scanning vibrometer (Polytec) for measuring displacement and velocity with laser optics, having a probe size as small as 3 microns; Piezoelectric actuators and amplifiers, with a dedicated DSP controller and software (dSPACE- digital signal processing and control engineering); 8-channel, 196KS/sec, general data acquisition system (Agilent Technologies); Optical microscope (Olympus BX 60); 4 channel, 100 MHz oscilloscope; Micro-stage for testing rigidity and strength of micro specimens; Optical bench; MEMCAD- finite element program for designing MEMS devices. The laboratory is located in a clean room (class 100,000), to enable testing of micro-components before packaging them.
Info-Gap Theory and Its Applications - Prof. Y. Ben-Haim :
Info-gap theory is a methodology for supporting model-based decisions under severe uncertainty. An info-gap is a disparity between what is known, and what needs to be known in order to make a comprehensive and reliable decision. An info-gap is resolved when a surprise occurs, or a new fact is uncovered, or when our knowledge and understanding change. We know very little about the substance of an info-gap. For instance, we rarely know what unusual event will delay the completion of a task, or what mechanical properties are displayed by a newly invented material. Even more strongly, we cannot know what is not yet discovered, such as tomorrow's news, or future scientific theories or technological inventions. The ignorance of these things are info-gaps. An info-gap is not characterized by a probability distribution.
Info-gap theory has been applied to many areas, including engineering analysis and design, biological conservation, economics, project management, medicine, homeland security, and other areas.
To learn more about info-gap theory and its applications click here [info-gap.com].
