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Student & Faculty Research

As part of the career-ready approach, the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA) is dedicated to nurturing the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.

Our students are encouraged to conduct research alongside faculty, industry partners, and corporate sponsors. CETA's expansive network consists of renowned experts who bring years of experience and knowledge to the classroom. This collaborative research environment fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity, empowering students to make significant contributions to the academic and professional landscape.

Research not only equips students with a solid foundation in their chosen disciplines but also empowers them to push the boundaries of what is possible, drive progress, and shape the future of engineering, technology, and architecture.

Engineering Applications Center (EAC)

The Engineering Applications Center (EAC) allows students to conduct research for industry professionals, affiliates, and partners.

In addition to solving problems and deploying new methodologies, our students and faculty can publish our in-house research in national and international literature for the benefit of institutions and industries around the world.

Our partner companies work side-by-side with students and staff to develop cross-discipline solutions to process and product challenges. University resources are made available to assist our business partners in solving some of their most complicated technical challenges. Partner companies can preview the talent pool offered by University of Hartford graduates.

Collaboration that Makes a Difference

Our students gain first-hand knowledge of the engineering world beyond the walls and halls of the University. Collaborative research between students and faculty:

  • Helps students solve complex industry challenges.
  • Helps faculty sharpen their craft and explore mentorship.
  • Provides the opportunity for local businesses to apply new technologies to their products.

Contact Co-Director Hisham Alnajjar or Associate Director Claudio Campana for more information.

  • Acoustics in Design
  • Miniaturization in Mechatronics involving Embedded Processors
  • Signal Processing
  • Integrated Sensors
  • Engineering Microsystems where there is a convergence of Microelectronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology
  • Bio Mechanics
  • Ergonomics in the Workplace
  • Mechatronics
  • Real-Time Data Acquisition & Control
  • Bio-Sensors
  • Neural Networks
  • Surface Inspection
  • Noise & Vibration Control
  • Machine Diagnostics
  • Musical Instrument Analysis
  • Signal Processing & Visual Simulation
  • Design for Manufacturing
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Sensing & Measurement
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Concurrent Engineering
  • Robust Design
  • Intelligent Manufacturing System
  • Real Time Sensors for Food Handling Surface Contamination
  • Bio Corrosion
  • Laser Light Diffraction for Medical Diagnostics
  • Telemeterized Bio-Sensing Devices
  • Workplace Ergonomics
  • Environmentally Benign Manufacturing
  • Manufacturing Logistics
  • Science Base for Enterprise-Wide Business Automation
  • Miniaturized, Real-Time Techniques for Inspection for Aerospace Industry

ABOUT AFFILIATION WITH THE EAC

The contributions of the Engineering Applications Center to the region's economy and industrial base hinge on the participation of industrial affiliates. Our affiliates include:

  • USA Laser Biotech Inc.
  • United Technologies
  • Carrier
  • Hamilton Sundstrand
  • Otis
  • Pratt and Whitney
  • Sikorsky
  • CCAT
  • Dyno Nobel
  • Gerber Systems
  • ITI
  • Loctite Corporation
  • The Wiremold Company

By definition, an affiliate is a company, which associates with the Engineering Applications Center for the purpose of receiving assistance in learning and applying new technologies. The most effective way to benefit from the work of the Engineering Applications Center is to become an affiliate. The Engineering Applications Center also welcomes the challenge of special research projects from companies who are non-affiliates. The EAC remains flexible to enable industry to participate.

ABOUT PROJECT PARTNERSHIPS

The Engineering Application Center at the University of Hartford is a role model of Academic, Industry, and Government collaborative relationships and has partnered with a number of companies. These partners provide:

  • problem solutions in an academic setting
  • access to expertise in several areas
  • quick completion of projects
  • customized training
  • long term partnerships
  • product design and commercialization opportunities
  • potential overseas affiliations
  • access to the next generation of engineering professionals

Our project partners include:

  • Airpax/Phillips Technologies
  • Albert Einstein Medical Center, NY
  • Bendix Corporation Canberra
  • CASE
  • CCAT
  • Chandler Evans
  • Clean Energy Fund
  • Coherent Communications
  • CONNSTEP, Inc
  • Connecticut Technology Associates
  • Cushman Industries
  • DePuy Incorporated
  • Edward's Company
  • Ensign Bickford
  • Fuss and O'Neil
  • Gerber Technology
  • Hamilton Sundstrand
  • ITI
  • Jacobs Vehicle Systems
  • Loctite Corporation
  • MOTT Corporation
  • Montefiore Medical Center
  • Newington Children's Hospital
  • Northeast Utilities
  • Pratt Whitney Aircraft
  • P&G
  • Otis Elevator
  • Roadway Services
  • Rogers Corporation
  • Sikorsky Aircraft
  • Spencer Turbine Company
  • St. Vincent's Hospital
  • SUNY
  • Superior Electric
  • Turbo Power and Marine Systems
  • University of Connecticut
  • UNC Naval
  • United Tool and Die
  • USA Laser Biotech Inc.
  • Westinghouse Electric

BENEFITS OF PROJECT PARTNERSHIPS

Project partnerships serve as a role model of a University, Industry, and Government collaborative relationship. Benefits to Industry include:

  • Solving problems in academic setting
  • Access to expertise in several areas
  • Quick completion of projects
  • Customized training
  • Long term partnerships with industries
  • Product design and commercialization
  • Overseas affiliation
Benefits to the University
  • Research experience to graduates
  • Projects with community
  • Student/Faculty teams on real-life examples
  • Publications and technology transfer

The mission of the Clean Energy Institute is to foster the introduction of renewable energy resources within Connecticut. Our center provides innovative energy solutions for Connecticut that reduce environmental impacts, while fostering cheap, reliable power. Our mission is accomplished by a dedicated team of full-time faculty with a wealth of experience in both academia and industry. Part-time faculty from local industry complement the full-time faculty. We include our undergraduate and graduate students in all phases of our projects.

The Clean Energy Institute is a branch of the University of Hartford’s Engineering Applications Center. The Clean Energy Institute is currently working on a wide variety of energy-related projects. These projects involve students and faculty performing research and development for a wide variety of industrial, state and federal clients.

NEW SURFACE ROUGHNESS MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT
  • Surface Roughness Inspection Probe
  • Geometric Contour Inspection Probe
AMBULATORY SUSPENSION SYSTEM
  • New apparatus to assist patients with balance problem on gait dysfunction and enable them to move around safely.
  • The device can lift the patient thus allowing partial weight bearing during ambulation.
  • The device allows also stair climbing exercises and would prevent a fall should the patient fall or trip.
  • Minimal patient supervision required after initial set up -the apparatus frees the physical therapist and enables him/her to provide care to other individuals.
  • Recovery from injuries and surgery
SHARPNESS EVALUATION
  • No international standards for sharpness.
  • Factors influence sharpness of scalpel blades.
  • Initial assumption
    • blade shape and profile
    • edge thickness
    • edge roughness
  • Leading Factors Equipment capable of measuring roughness and angles of the blade.
    • surface roughness
    • Angle of the cutting edge
  • Computerized procedure
HOLE DEPTH MEASUREMENT VIBRATION TESTING
  • Vibration measurements can be taken on nearly all rotating or reciprocating machines.
  • It should be used during the development phase of a design to detect possible break areas.
  • It could be used for periodic monitoring of equipment on the field to detect a mechanical malfunction. Early detection can help to either save an expensive machine from failure, or greatly reduce the costs of repairs and downtime.
  • It could be used to predict the breakthrough point of an object during a drilling operation.
Major application of laser drilling is making holes for combustors and turbines in aircraft jet engines. Pulsed Nd: YAG laser is used for drilling of aerospace materials. This choice is driven by the following considerations:
  • High pulse energies and peak powers are suited for this application.
  • Ability to drill unlimited hole sizes and shapes in a variety of materials like metals, ceramics and semiconductors.
  • The most common application of laser drilling is the production of small holes 0.3-0.8mm diameter in critically heated parts such as:
    • Nozzle guide vanes
    • Blades and combustors liners
  • Thousands of holes are introduced in the surface of these components to allow a film of cooling air to flow over the component. This cooling both extend the life of the component and enables extra performance to be achieved from the engine.
BROACHING TOOL INSPECTION