Materials Processing and Analysis Laboratory
The function of the Materials Processing and Analysis Laboratory is to facilitate materials and manufacturing-related teaching and research activities at UND. Teaching activities for ME 301 (Materials Science), ME 313 (Material Properties and Selection), ME 323 (Machine Component Design), ME 418 (Manufacturing Processes), ME 428 (Advanced Manufacturing Processes), ME487/488 (Senior Design) and several graduate courses are supported by the lab. Current research activities include fracture modes of aluminum, performance of fiber-reinforced composite materials, diffusion bonding of metal alloys and corrosion fatigue of both bulk metal and welded joints. Past and current support of lab activities have been provided by UND Senate Scholarly Activities Council, UND Seed Grant Committee, 3M, ND EPSCoR, and the Office of Naval Research. In addition to typical sectioning/mounting/polishing equipment, granite examination tables, and metallurgical microscopes, specific laboratory capabilities include:

150,000 lb Tinius Olsen Universal Testing Machine
50 kN Shimadzu AG-IS Universal Test Frame w/Extensometer
Bose 3510 Electroforce Fatigue System (Corrosion-Fatigue and Axial-Torsion capable) - Fall 2008
Digital Image Correlation Measuring System
1600C 3.5" Dia Vacuum Tube Furnace
1200C Box Furnace
Vicker's Microindentation Hardness Tester
Rockwell Hardness Testers (2)
Phase II Portable Hardness Tester
Spex 8000M Mechanical Mill
15 Ton 12" X 12" Hydraulic Sample Press
Gilson Electromechanical Shaker (sieves to 75 micron opening)
Desktop Injection Molding Machine
Desktop CNC Lathe

Faculty associated with laboratory activities include Dr. Cavalli, Dr. Bibel and Dr. Bandyopadhyay. Opportunities for student involvement in research activities either through funded projects or independent study projects may be available. Students (both undergraduate and graduate) who are interested materials and manufacturing research should contact any of the above faculty (click on their name).

Vibration and Precision Engineering Laboratory
The Vibration and Precision Engineering Laboratory (VPEL) is involved with multiple contemporary research projects in ultra-precision technologies, space hardware design, precision vibration control, and smart actuator development. To download the .pdf file including the lab description with figures and graphics noted, click here.

The Fluid Sealing Technology Lab (FSTL) is engaged in testing of fluid sealing components. Specifically bolting patterns, leakage of bolted flange connections, gasket performance and pressure vessels distortions are measured for analysis.
Bolted flange connections are used in engines, compressors, turbines, pressure vessels, pumps, boilers, heat exchangers, valves and nuclear reactors. Leakage of a bolted flange connection represents a safety hazard in many critical applications.

A bolted flange connection is conceptually a very simple mechanical device. Fundamentally, a gasket is compressed with bolt loading to effect a seal.
However because of:
Nonuniform bolting patterns,
Highly nonlinear characteristics of the gasket,
Interecations between the flange, bolts and gasket,
Flange distortion and misalignments,
External loading, thermal shock,
High termperature relaxation of the components,
analytical methods to predict bolted flange leakage are not precise and in need of verfication. Bolted flange joints remain an area of on-going experimental and analytical research.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) was formed over 100 years ago to deal with boiler explosions. They developed rules for design, materials, fabrication, inspection and certification of all pressure vessel components including bolted flange connections. The resulting ASME Codes and Standards have been adopted internationally and required by law in most states as an issue of public safety. The design rules are currently being revised and updated by the ASME Special Working Group, Bolted Flange Joints.

The FSTL has three instrumented pressure vessels (24", 16" and 10" diameter). Two of the vessels are mounted on I beams for hydraulic loading to simulate external piping moments. Click HERE to see a picture of the laborary.

The laboratory also has 24 channels of strain, 16 channels of LVDT and 16 channelsof analog data acquisition. Other equipment includes a hydrostatic pump, torsional load cell, torque wrenches and multiplier, ultrasonic extensometer, and numerous pressure and temperature transducers. Also available is a 200,000 lb. capacity universal compression system and a Dyna-Force(TM) gasket compressive stress transducer.

The FSTL is directed by Dr. George Bibel and has been sponsored, in part, by the Pressure Vessel Research Council, Bolting Technology and several petrochemical and gasket companies.

Wind Tunnel Lab and Research
Overview of Planned Activities
• Design and Fab of Mock DLN Combustor
• Design and Fab of Mock Catalytic Comb
• Characterization of Combustor Turbulence
• Characterization of Boundary Layers
• Vane and Endwall HT Tests, Cascade 1
• Endwall Film Cooling Tests, Cascade 1
• Vane Surface Roughness Tests, Cascade 1
• Design and Fabrication of Cascade 2
• Characterization of Combustor Turbulence
• Characterization of Boundary Layers
• Vane and Endwall HT Tests, Cascade 2
• Endwall Film Cooling Tests, Cascade 2
• Vane Surface Roughness Tests, Cascade 2