Research
Duke Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science is designing the future of mechanical systems and materials.
Our research is focused on solving some of the biggest challenges facing humanity and our planet, including clean and abundant energy, reliable autonomous technology, and biomechanical devices and biomaterials to improve human health. Aligned with these efforts, our faculty also employ advanced computational tools, such as AI, to accelerate the design of mechanical systems and the discovery of new materials.
Duke MEMS Research Areas
Aerodynamics & Aeroelasticity
Working at the intersection of fluid mechanics, structural mechanics and dynamics, we are investigating a diverse range of aerospace problems
Autonomous Systems
Duke MEMS researchers are at work on methods of robust and optimal control and automation, especially in systems that operate in challenging environments
Biomechanics & Biomaterials
We are exploring natural phenomena to inspire new biomaterials as well as engineering clinically relevant analytical and biomechanical solutions
Computation & Artificial Intelligence
Our faculty advance scientific computing and develop new computational approaches, including artificial intelligence, to apply to engineering challenges
Energy Systems & Materials
Duke MEMS faculty are leaders in developing new energy materials, improving energy-related technologies and exploring underlying chemistry and physics
Soft Matter & Nanoscale Materials
Our faculty lead in the computational discovery of new matter and the investigation and creation of polymers, soft-wet materials and nanomaterials
Duke MEMS Research Facts
- 3 NSF-funded research training programs—AI for Materials Design, Biomolecular & Tissue Engineering, Advancement of Surgical Technologies
- Top 20 in U.S. mechanical engineering faculty research productivity (Academic Analytics v.2021)
- $12 million in new research awards, FY21
- State-of-the-science resources through Duke's NSF-funded Shared Materials Instrumentation Facility (SMIF) and MEMS testing and fabrication resources
Major research Initiatives
Duke MEMS faculty participate in interdisciplinary research initiatives including:
