There’s nothing more chaotic and unpredictable than the behavior of bubbles in a boiling liquid. But with the advent of machine learning, that may soon change. A team of researchers led by Purdue University have been awarded a $7.3 million grant to use physics-informed machine learning to better characterize and more accurately model boiling heat transfer processes that were previously thought too chaotic to probe and predict.

Additive manufacturing is a booming industry with a unique problem: not enough qualified workers. Purdue University researchers are now working with Indiana high school students to establish a pipeline of young people who have the skills to become manufacturing engineers.

Two Purdue Engineering students were recently named Women in Defense Scholars. Since 1988, Women in Defense has awarded over $1,000,000 to 209 deserving recipients working toward a career in national security.

In manufacturing, quality control is just as important as speed and efficiency. But how do you detect voids and defects in a solid metal part? Purdue University researchers are using both ultrasonic waves and X-ray CT to “see inside” manufactured objects nondestructively.

Today, Purdue Engineering students have numerous opportunities to gain industry experience, such as the Undergraduate Co-op Program that enables them to alternate semesters between school and work. But this wasn’t always the case. Someone had to be the first Purdue student to ever take on a co-op. That someone is Thomas Clement.

Lowering the barrier to adoption of heat pumps and electrification

Electrifying homes is one of the best steps we can take to battle climate change. But there’s a hidden cost to today’s electric heat pumps, water heaters, and cooktops: most older homes will trip their breakers with the new leap in peak usage. Purdue University researchers have demonstrated a simple control technique that can integrate new electric appliances into old homes, without requiring expensive upgrades to their breaker panel.

The 3rd annual Women in ME Symposium will take place on Monday, October 28. Women of Purdue Mechanical Engineering will have a unique opportunity to meet other women students and faculty, attend seminars and chats, and network with successful alumnae. All are welcome to attend!

Every year, the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University recognizes alumni who have demonstrated excellence in industry, academia, governmental service, or other endeavors related to mechanical engineering. Honorees have shown outstanding character and leadership and have accomplished great things. Since 1991, 327 of our alumni have been honored with the prestigious Outstanding Mechanical Engineer Award.

Terrence Meyer and Steve Son are collaborating with the Air Force Research Laboratory to investigate using solid propellants in rotating detonation engines.

Imagine you’re a farmer who has to monitor miles of corn rows. Not only is it repetitive and time-intensive, but the rows are too narrow to walk in. Perfect job for an autonomous robot! Purdue University researchers have created a small autonomous robot to help farmers monitor crops and regularly collect physical samples, saving them time and effort.