The Department of Mechanical Engineering, at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, is the recipient of funds from the National Science Foundation to renovate engineering laboratory space to meet research needs of students and faculty in the areas of combustion engines and fuels, and lightweight materials. Research activities involving combustion engines, alternative fuels, and emissions have allowed talented minority high school students, undergraduates and graduate students to work independently or with faculty members in the discipline. Although research activities are performed, existing laboratories lack proper environmental controls and safety mechanisms required to effectively operate the facility throughout the year. Due to the lack of air conditioning and humidity controls, emissions equipment and other diagnostic instrumentation are inoperable in the summer months. The test cell gas detection system frequently malfunctions because of its age, thereby causing interruptions during experiments. Proper facilities for research in lightweight materials such as plastics and composites are not available. While scholarly activities in the discipline have been expanding, the lack of space devoted to plastics and composites research has limited student participation in experimental research and design in the field. The renovation plan entails: consolidating the existing foundry and metals processing laboratories to provide clean space for plastics and composite research, providing climate and humidity controls for renovated labs, and installing a new gas detection system to detect poisonous and flammable gases that build up in the test cells. The renovation of the engine test cells and the foundry area will increase research and design productivity of faculty and students by increasing research training opportunities, sponsored research activities in the department, and contributing to the needs of industry.
