Clusters and Initiatives

Digital Advanced Manufacturing

The advancement of additive technologies, machining processes, and hybrid manufacturing is driving the future of manufacturing. Metal additive manufacturing (AM) has been a leading factor in the growth of the industry. The fastest growing application segment is expected to be aerospace and defense, taking advantage of highly customizable parts and reduced lead time offered by AM. The biomedical engineering space is also growing in using metallic and polymer AM for implants, craniofacial and maxillofacial surgery, hip and knee joints, etc.

Topics of research include:

• Metallic materials
• Advanced and engineered alloy manufacturing
• Additive, subtractive, and hybrid manufacturing
• Non-destructive testing and evaluation
• Metrology and reverse engineering
• Digital thread for advanced manufacturing   
   

Polymers & Coatings

This research involves formulation, processes, characterization, and maintenance of polymers, composites, and coatings for a range of applications. 

• Structure/property relationships of polymers, ion-containing polymers, and polymer blends
• Small-angle neutron and x-ray scattering of multiphase polymers and surfactant solutions
• Epoxy coatings - development of chromium-free epoxy coatings for metal corrosion protection; development of high thermal conductivity nanotubes as coating additives
• Biodegradable polyesters
• Development of novel additive manufacturing technologies and platforms for different polymers, composites, and nanocomposite materials
• Identification and characterization of the damaged areas; development of composite repair processes; checking the quality of repair, and interfacial bonding

Radar

The Advanced Radar Research Center (ARRC) at the University of Oklahoma is the largest academic radar program in the nation. The ARRC is known for its ability to contribute at many levels of the R&D process, from theory & concepts, to simulation, to prototypes, to field testing and scientific discovery. The ARRC’s mission is to enhance safety, security, environmental quality, and economic prosperity through interdisciplinary research and the development of innovative radar solutions to a wide range of societal challenges. The ARRC has always focused on developing cutting-edge radar technology for scientific discovery and has now expanded into many more applications of radar and applied electromagnetics.






 

Quantum Sensing

While research into quantum photonics has a long and rich history, recent efforts have become increasingly focused on very specific applications and their practical implementation. Many people have long hoped that by exploiting the unusual characteristics of quantum mechanics, quantum photonics could surpass the limits of current technology. Just as microelectronics transformed the modern world through the creation of the integrated circuit, which is now at the heart of most electronic devices, the incorporation of disruptive quantum photonics into mid-infrared optoelectronic technologies can unlock the full potential of photonic devices. To bring about such transformation in the field of infrared photonics, a major investment in academic talent and in state-of-the-art nanofabrication equipment is necessary. Areas of focus include:

• Quantum engineering semiconductor structures and devices
• Mid-infrared photodetectors
• Breath analysis instruments
• Novel photonic structures and chemical sensing

Medical Imaging

One of the strategic goals of the GCoE is to be an international leader in the engineering development and clinical translation of advanced medical imaging technologies. To this end, we have developed an academic strength in the area of cancer imaging systems and image analysis. Our engineering expertise facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration toward individualized precision medicine, particularly in disease prevention, screening and diagnosis.

We are specifically focused on research in:

• Tomosynthesis
• MRI screening
• Machine learning
• Endoscopy
• Radiology
• Ultrasounds
  
  
  
   

Imuno-Engineering

Immuno-engineering is an emerging and transdisciplinary field that uses engineering principles to understand and modulate the immune system. Immuno-engineering enables the creation of innovative healthcare solutions that address immunological problems in human health, including infectious diseases, allergy, diabetes, and cancer. As these diseases disproportionally affect underrepresented minority groups, such as Native American communities, it is the aim of our immuno-engineering program to address these health and social issues.

Research areas include:

• Local intervention-based immunotherapy for metastatic cancer
• Immuno-engineering for diabetes, autoimmunity, and transplantation
• Vaccine engineering
• Immuno-informatics
• Multi-modality immuno-imaging
• Regenerative immuno-engineering

Bio Manufacturing

OU is contributing to the technical development of key aspects of bio-manufacturing processes, including basic and applied research and technology commercialization. To support the efforts, we received $7 million to establishing a core biomanufacturing research facility with industry and local government partners. Areas of research include:

• Cell culture optimization
• Bioprocess chemical monitoring and predictive analytics
• Bioprocess controls
• Bioseparations
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   

Water

We perform research on the development, improvement, and implementation of inexpensive and sustainable technologies to help bring water to populations in need. We also focus on water security research by bridging water science with engineering. Research areas include:

• Observation, modeling, and prediction of the hydrometeorological response to weather and climate extremes for the benefit of society
• Water reclamation and reuse
• Fundamental biological, chemical, and physical processes that affect water quality
• The role of water in ecosystem services
• The food-energy-water nexus
• Wastewater-based epidemiology
• Stormwater and stream management
• Water quality
• Passive wetlands treatment of mine-contaminated water
• Dynamic modeling of water resources
   

Energy Transition

We are working to develop affordable green energy technologies through carbon-free hydrogen production, storage and use. Adopting hydrogen (H2) as fuel can wean manufacturing and transportation off other carbon-intensive fuels. Furthermore, developing and deploying alternative H2 production technologies advances economic growth with new infrastructure development and investment. In collaboration with faculty and students across campus, this cluster aims to lead the region in basic science, education, economic growth and risk communication for a just energy transition. 








 

Energy Management

We are designing a sustainable connected society with a focus on integration between power supply and demand. Society is a complex cyber-physical-social system including many subsystem components. The operation of such a society directly impacts human activities, business operations, policy-making, etc. It is critical for the subsystems to operate in a way that facilitates interactions among subsystems for social, economic, and environmental benefits. Therefore, a computational framework that integrates all the sub-systems is necessary to harmonize interactions and interdependencies of subsystems to achieve the benefits.

This cluster focuses on the integration of the subsystems through network management, along with the design or improvement of each subsystem. The research includes chemical reactions, and related technology improvements for batteries, PV panels, electrical grids, etc.

 

Transportation

A sustainable and adaptive transportation system is critical to the nation’s economic prosperity and quality of life. Furthermore, transportation in the U.S. and world is undergoing a renaissance. We use intelligent systems, new materials, and new modalities to address traditional problems, such as capacity and material condition, as well as new problems, such as climate change, social equity, and the changing nature of commuting. We have collaborations across GCoE as well as in the colleges of Architecture, Arts and Sciences, Earth and Energy, Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences, and Education.

Research areas include:

• Intelligent transportation systems
• Unmanned vehicles and transportation systems
• Concrete structures and asphalt pavement
• Climate adaptive transportation
• Transportation analytics