As we plan for future interplanetary spaceflight, one major aspect remains untested: refueling in space. That’s because most rocket propellants are cryogenic liquids whose long-term behavior in space is still unknown. Purdue University researchers are collaborating with NASA to study cryogenic liquids in zero gravity, leading to the possibility of propellant depots and refueling spacecraft in orbit.

Kejie Zhao, professor of mechanical engineering, has been selected by Purdue University's Office of the Provost as a University Faculty Scholar.

Purdue offers multiple opportunities for ME graduate students to receive awards, grants, fellowships, and scholarships to reward their hard work and support their research moving forward. Below is a list of ME graduate students who have received these awards during the 2023-2024 academic year.

The future of electrified transportation isn’t just consumer vehicles. Tractor-trailers carry nearly 72% of the country’s freight, so innovations on that scale have the potential to make huge strides for sustainability worldwide. That’s why Purdue University researchers have teamed up with Wabash, the largest trailer manufacturer in the country, to investigate an experimental trailer that recaptures its own electricity from vibrations, heat, and airflow.

The biggest contributor to climate change is the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere, especially by heavy industry such as power production and manufacturing. Purdue University researchers have patented a process using liquid filters to remove CO₂ at the source, resulting in by-products that can also be recycled and reused.

Tian Li, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, has been named a Kavli Fellow by the National Academy of Sciences.

Traditional, large depth-of-field 3D microscopes are used across academia and industry. Song Zhang is developing innovations that make 3D microscopes faster to operate and less expensive to manufacture.

Dean of Engineering Arvind Raman (and Purdue Pete!) join ME Head Eckhard Groll to walk through the first major renovation of the Mechanical Engineering Building since 1932.

Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories (MMRL) will establish a presence in Indianapolis at 16 Tech Innovation District.

David Cappelleri has been appointed assistant vice president for research innovation in the Office of Research.