Ohio State University will establish and Engineering Research Center for Net Shape Manufacturing to focus on improving the engineering knowledge base for net shape manufacturing of parts. The goal of the Center is to enhance the competitive position of U.S. industry through improvement of the engineering knowledge base and training of engineers in net shape manufacturing processes. The Center's research program will seek to integrate part design, material selection, and process selection, design, and control. Specific projects will be selected, pursued, and monitored in collaboration with industry. Undergraduate education will be included in the Center through honors research and seminars, cooperative education, and summer internships. Graduate education will focus upon master's and doctorate programs, with corporate-named fellowships to improve the participation of U.S. citizens in the programs. Students will also spend some time on location in the research facilities of participating companies. The Center will also extend its educational influence through a consortium of Ohio colleges and universities with manufacturing programs.
