mechanical engineering research topics

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Mechanical engineering articles from across Nature Portfolio

Mechanical engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with moving machines and their components. A central principle of mechanical engineering is the control of energy: transferring it from one form to another to suit a specific demand. Car engines, for example, convert chemical energy into kinetic energy.

Latest Research and Reviews

Surface defect detection method for discarded mechanical parts under heavy rust coverage

• Zelin Zhang
• Xinyang Wang

Integrated mechanical computing for autonomous soft machines

Many mechanical computation platforms developed till date lack a rational design strategy and have limited computational functions, such as stand-alone single logic gates, or deformation/transition behaviors. Byun at al. have reported a systematic design principle for integrated mechanical computing that enables the electronics-free design of autonomous and intelligent soft machines, which are seamlessly integrated.

• Junghwan Byun
• Metin Sitti

Gradient matters via filament diameter-adjustable 3D printing

Direct ink writing of complex 3D gradient structures can be challenging due to inherent method limitations. Here, the authors report continuous diameter-adjustable filament by varying printing speed and height and enable extrusion 3D printers to produce complex gradient porous matters.

• Chongjian Gao
• Changshun Ruan

Particle Swarm Optimization for exploring Darcy–Forchheimer flow of Casson fluid between co-axial rotating disks with the Cattaneo–Christov model

• Himanshu Upreti
• Wubshet Ibrahim

Shell buckling for programmable metafluids

A metafluid with programmable compressibility, optical behaviour and viscosity is realized by mixing deformable spherical shells that undergo buckling within an incompressible fluid; the versatility of these metafluids opens up numerous opportunities for functionality.

• Adel Djellouli
• Bert Van Raemdonck
• Katia Bertoldi

Ultrasound-assisted tissue engineering

Ultrasound is an emerging tool for tissue engineering with the distinct advantages of cytocompatibility and deep tissue penetration. This Review discusses the integration of ultrasound for cellular assembly and tissue maturation with tissue-engineering techniques to advance regenerative medicine.

• Athanasios G. Athanassiadis
• Peer Fischer

News and Comment

Micro- and nanorobots for biofilm eradication

Micro- and nanorobots present a promising approach for navigating within the body and eliminating biofilm infections. Their motion can be remotely controlled by external fields and tracked by clinical imaging. They can mechanically disrupt the biofilm matrix and kill the dormant bacterial cells synergistically, thereby improving the effectiveness of biofilm eradication.

• Staffan Kjelleberg

Mechanism of plastic deformation in metal monochalcogenides

Metal monochalcogenides — a class of van der Waals layered semiconductors — can exhibit ultrahigh plasticity. Investigation of the deformation mechanism reveals that on mechanical loading, these materials undergo local phase transitions that, coupled with the concurrent generation of a microcrack network, give rise to the ultrahigh plasticity.

Adaptable navigation of magnetic microrobots

An article in Nature Machine Intelligence presents an adaptable method to control magnetic microrobots’ navigation using reinforcement learning.

• Charlotte Allard

Soft sensing and haptics for medical procedures

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) lacks sufficient haptic feedback to the surgeon due to the length and flexibility of surgical tools. This haptic disconnect is exacerbated in robotic-MIS, which utilizes tele-operation to control surgical tools. Tactile sensation in MIS and robotic-MIS can be restored in a safe and conformable manner through soft sensors and soft haptic feedback devices.

• Arincheyan Gerald
• Sheila Russo

Propelling the widespread adoption of large-scale 3D printing

3D printing can be used to automate the manufacturing of building elements for large-scale structures such as skyscrapers, aircraft, rockets and space bases without human intervention. However, challenges in materials, processes, printers and software control must first be overcome for large-scale 3D printing to be adopted for widespread applications.

• Wouter De Corte
• Viktor Mechtcherine

Exploration of truss metamaterials with graph based generative modeling

Optimisation tasks in the inverse design of metamaterials with machine learning were limited due to the representations of generative models. Here the author comments a recent publication in Nature Communications which generates a latent space representation that unlocks non-linear optimisations.

• Angkur Jyoti Dipanka Shaikeea

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Top 50 Emerging Research Topics in Mechanical Engineering

Explore the forefront of innovation in mechanical engineering

Table of contents

1. additive manufacturing and 3d printing, 2. advanced materials and nanotechnology, 3. robotics and automation, 4. energy systems and sustainability, 5. biomechanics and bioengineering, 6. computational mechanics and simulation, 7. aerospace engineering and aerodynamics, 8. autonomous vehicles and transportation, 9. structural health monitoring and maintenance, 10. manufacturing processes and industry 4.0, top 50 emerging research ideas in mechanical engineering.

Mechanical engineering is a constantly evolving field that shapes our world, from the micro-scale of nanotechnology to the macro-scale of heavy machinery. With technological advancements and societal demands driving innovation, numerous emerging research topics are gaining traction in the domain of mechanical engineering. These areas encompass a wide array of disciplines, promising groundbreaking developments and solutions to complex challenges. Here, iLovePhD presents you a list of the top 50 emerging research topics in the field of Mechanical Engineering.

Explore the forefront of innovation in mechanical engineering with our curated list of the Top 50 Emerging Research Topics. From 3D printing to AI-driven robotics, delve into the latest trends shaping the future of this dynamic field

Multi-Material 3D Printing: Explore techniques for printing with multiple materials in a single process to create complex, multi-functional parts.

In-Situ Monitoring and Control: Develop methods for real-time monitoring and control of the printing process to ensure quality and accuracy.

Bio-printing : Investigate the potential of 3D printing in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Sustainable Materials for Printing : Research new eco-friendly materials and recycling methods for additive manufacturing.

Nanostructured Materials: Study the properties and applications of materials at the nanoscale level for enhanced mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties.

Self-Healing Materials: Explore materials that can repair damage autonomously, extending the lifespan of components.

Graphene-based Technologies: Investigate the potential of graphene in mechanical engineering, including its use in composites, sensors, and energy storage.

Smart Materials: Research materials that can adapt their properties in response to environmental stimuli, such as shape memory alloys.

Soft Robotics: Explore the development of robots using soft and flexible materials, enabling safer human-robot interactions and versatile applications.

Collaborative Robots (Cobots ): Investigate the integration of robots that can work alongside humans in various industries, enhancing productivity and safety.

Autonomous Systems: Research algorithms and systems for autonomous navigation and decision-making in robotic applications.

Robot Learning and Adaptability: Explore machine learning and AI techniques to enable robots to learn and adapt to dynamic environments.

Renewable Energy Integration: Study the integration of renewable energy sources into mechanical systems, focusing on efficiency and reliability.

Energy Storage Solutions: Investigate advanced energy storage technologies, such as batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells for various applications.

Waste Heat Recovery: Research methods to efficiently capture and utilize waste heat from industrial processes for energy generation.

Sustainable Design and Manufacturing: Explore methodologies for sustainable product design and manufacturing processes to minimize environmental impact.

Prosthetics and Orthotics: Develop advanced prosthetic devices that mimic natural movement and enhance the quality of life for users.

Biomimicry: Study natural systems to inspire engineering solutions for various applications, such as materials, structures, and robotics.

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine: Explore methods for creating functional tissues and organs using engineering principles.

Biomechanics of Human Movement: Research the mechanics and dynamics of human movement to optimize sports performance or prevent injuries.

Multi-scale Modelling: Develop models that span multiple length and time scales to simulate complex mechanical behaviors accurately.

High-Performance Computing in Mechanics: Explore the use of supercomputing and parallel processing for large-scale simulations.

Virtual Prototyping: Develop and validate virtual prototypes to reduce physical testing in product development.

Machine Learning in Simulation: Explore the use of machine learning algorithms to optimize simulations and model complex behaviors.

Advanced Aircraft Design: Investigate novel designs that enhance fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve performance.

Hypersonic Flight and Space Travel: Research technologies for hypersonic and space travel, focusing on propulsion and thermal management.

Aerodynamics and Flow Control: Study methods to control airflow for improved efficiency and reduced drag in various applications.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Explore applications and technologies for unmanned aerial vehicles, including surveillance, delivery, and agriculture.

Vehicular Automation: Develop systems for autonomous vehicles, focusing on safety, decision-making, and infrastructure integration.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Investigate advanced technologies for electric and hybrid vehicles, including energy management and charging infrastructure.

Smart Traffic Management: Research systems and algorithms for optimizing traffic flow and reducing congestion in urban areas.

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication: Explore communication systems for vehicles to interact with each other and with the surrounding infrastructure for enhanced safety and efficiency.

Sensor Technologies: Develop advanced sensors for real-time monitoring of structural health in buildings, bridges, and infrastructure.

Predictive Maintenance: Implement predictive algorithms to anticipate and prevent failures in mechanical systems before they occur.

Wireless Monitoring Systems: Research wireless and remote monitoring systems for structural health, enabling continuous surveillance.

Robotic Inspection and Repair: Investigate robotic systems for inspection and maintenance of hard-to-reach or hazardous structures.

Digital Twin Technology: Develop and implement digital twins for real-time monitoring and optimization of manufacturing processes.

Internet of Things (IoT) in Manufacturing: Explore IoT applications in manufacturing for process optimization and quality control.

Smart Factories: Research the development of interconnected, intelligent factories that optimize production and resource usage.

Cybersecurity in Manufacturing: Investigate robust Cybersecurity measures for safeguarding interconnected manufacturing systems from potential threats.

• Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing: Exploring novel materials, processes, and applications for 3D printing in manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, etc.
• Advanced Composite Materials: Developing lightweight, durable, and high-strength composite materials for various engineering applications.
• Biomechanics and Bioengineering: Research focusing on understanding human movement, tissue engineering, and biomedical devices.
• Renewable Energy Systems: Innovations in wind, solar, and hydrokinetic energy, including optimization of energy generation and storage.
• Smart Materials and Structures: Research on materials that can adapt their properties in response to environmental stimuli.
• Robotics and Automation: Enhancing automation in manufacturing, including collaborative robots, AI-driven systems, and human-robot interaction.
• Energy Harvesting and Conversion: Extracting energy from various sources and converting it efficiently for practical use.
• Micro- and Nano-mechanics: Studying mechanical behavior at the micro and nanoscale for miniaturized devices and systems.
• Cyber-Physical Systems: Integration of computational algorithms and physical processes to create intelligent systems.
• Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IoT): Utilizing IoT and data analytics in manufacturing for predictive maintenance, quality control, and process optimization.
• Thermal Management Systems: Developing efficient cooling and heating technologies for electronic devices and power systems.
• Sustainable Manufacturing and Design: Focus on reducing environmental impact and improving efficiency in manufacturing processes.
• Artificial Intelligence in Mechanical Systems: Applying AI for design optimization, predictive maintenance, and decision-making in mechanical systems.
• Adaptive Control Systems: Systems that can autonomously adapt to changing conditions for improved performance.
• Friction Stir Welding and Processing: Advancements in solid-state joining processes for various materials.
• Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: Research on improving efficiency, battery technology, and infrastructure for electric vehicles.
• Aeroelasticity and Flight Dynamics: Understanding the interaction between aerodynamics and structural dynamics for aerospace applications.
• MEMS/NEMS (Micro/Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems): Developing tiny mechanical devices and sensors for various applications.
• Soft Robotics and Bio-inspired Machines: Creating robots and machines with more flexible and adaptive structures.
• Wearable Technology and Smart Fabrics: Integration of mechanical systems in wearable devices and textiles for various purposes.
• Human-Machine Interface: Designing intuitive interfaces for better interaction between humans and machines.
• Precision Engineering and Metrology: Advancements in accurate measurement and manufacturing techniques.
• Multifunctional Materials: Materials designed to serve multiple purposes or functions in various applications.
• Ergonomics and Human Factors in Design: Creating products and systems considering human comfort, safety, and usability.
• Cybersecurity in Mechanical Systems: Protecting interconnected mechanical systems from cyber threats.
• Supply Chain Optimization in Manufacturing: Applying engineering principles to streamline and improve supply chain logistics.
• Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Research on their design, propulsion, autonomy, and applications in various industries.
• Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure: Developing infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters and environmental changes.
• Space Exploration Technologies: Advancements in propulsion, materials, and systems for space missions.
• Hydrogen Economy and Fuel Cells: Research into hydrogen-based energy systems and fuel cell technology.
• Tribology and Surface Engineering: Study of friction, wear, and lubrication for various mechanical systems.
• Digital Twin Technology: Creating virtual models of physical systems for analysis and optimization.
• Electric Propulsion Systems for Satellites: Improving efficiency and performance of electric propulsion for space applications.
• Humanitarian Engineering: Using engineering to address societal challenges in resource-constrained areas.
• Optimization and Design of Exoskeletons: Creating better wearable robotic devices to assist human movement.
• Nanotechnology in Mechanical Engineering: Utilizing nanomaterials and devices for mechanical applications.
• Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip Devices: Developing small-scale fluid-handling devices for various purposes.
• Clean Water Technologies: Engineering solutions for clean water production, treatment, and distribution.
• Circular Economy and Sustainable Design: Designing products and systems for a circular economic model.
• Biologically Inspired Design: Drawing inspiration from nature to design more efficient and sustainable systems.
• Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems: Innovations in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning for energy savings.
• Advanced Heat Exchangers: Developing more efficient heat transfer systems for various applications.
• Acoustic Metamaterials and Noise Control: Designing materials and systems to control and manipulate sound.
• Smart Grid Technology: Integrating advanced technologies into power grids for efficiency and reliability.
• Renewable Energy Integration in Mechanical Systems: Optimizing the integration of renewable energy sources into various mechanical systems.
• Smart Cities and Infrastructure: Applying mechanical engineering principles to design and develop sustainable urban systems.
• Biomimetic Engineering: Mimicking biological systems to develop innovative engineering solutions.
• Machine Learning for Materials Discovery: Using machine learning to discover new materials with desired properties.
• Health Monitoring Systems for Structures: Developing systems for real-time monitoring of structural health and integrity.
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in Mechanical Design: Utilizing VR and AR technologies for design, simulation, and maintenance of mechanical systems.

Mechanical engineering is a vast and dynamic field with ongoing technological advancements, and the above list represents a glimpse of the diverse research areas that drive innovation. Researchers and engineers in this field continue to push boundaries, solving complex problems and shaping the future of technology and society through their pioneering work. The evolution and interdisciplinary nature of mechanical engineering ensure that new and exciting research topics will continue to emerge, providing solutions to challenges and opportunities yet to be discovered.

• Biomechanics
• CyberPhysical
• engineering
• EnvironmentalImpact
• FiniteElement
• FluidMechanics
• HeatExchangers
• HumanMachine
• HydrogenFuel
• MachineLearning
• Mechatronics
• Microfluidics
• nanomaterials
• Nanotechnology
• NoiseControl
• SolarThermal
• StructuralHealth
• sustainability
• Sustainable
• SustainableEnergy
• Transportation

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Research and teaching in the Mechanics area are focused on enriching the spectrum of models and tools for describing and predicting static and dynamic thermomechanical phenomena. Understanding and optimizing the mechanical and dynamical response of a material system is essential to its ultimate application.

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Next Generation Electronics

Jeehwan Kim, associate professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, is using his background in materials science to build a physical neural network and produce cheap semiconductor wafers – technologies that could help bring the artificial intelligence power of super computers to handheld devices.

Four from MIT awarded National Medals of Technology, Science

Subra Suresh SCD '81 is being honored with a National Medal of Science for his commitment to research, education, and international collaboration that has advanced the study of material science.

MIT engineers develop a soft, printable, metal-free electrode

Professor Xuanhe Zhao and his team have developed a metal-free, Jell-O-like material that is as soft and tough as biological tissue and can conduct electricity similarly to conventional metals.

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