Multi-scale Sensors and Systems

The Multi-scale Sensors and Systems research group specializes in the design, fabrication, integration, and testing of physically and functionally compatible devices and components on multiple scales.

With decades of multi-scale research and expertise, the group is poised to dramatically change the face of technology across the full range of engineering and science applications.

The group’s research focuses on developing sensors that allow real-time monitoring and control to ensure system stability for applications that require feedback at each process stage, from the molecular scale detection of phenomena to wide area measurement.

Tomorrow Needs Quality Feedback

A major area of research for the group is the development of distributed sensing for sustainable fuel production and utilization. To increase the efficiency and optimization of energy conversion from biomass, researchers are developing sensors that will support the operation of biofuel production plants and ethanol engines. Their goal is to detect and report feedback at every stage of energy use, from the nano-scale reactions at the moment of combustion to the reactions as exhaust leaves an automobile.

The group encourages interdisciplinary research and the implementation of nanotechnologies and microtechnologies into deployable systems. Researchers collaborate with cross-departmental colleagues on projects that include biosensing technologies, microfluidics for fuel cells, and micro-scale metal forming. The future of multi-scale sensors and systems research lies in the use of biological materials and processes that are able to function in non-biological systems.

The Complex Fluids and Active Matter Lab addresses a fascinating class of problems in contemporary fluid mechanics that involves the interplay ‎between dynamic boundaries and fluid flows. The study of these problems usually requires accommodating several time and ‎length scales.

The Dynamics and Intelligent Systems (DIS) Group develops novel computational sensing tools and “physics-guided” machine learning methodology for high-fidelity modeling, identification, and characterization of complex structural, material, and system behaviors.

The Institute for Ultra-Strong Composites by Computational Design (US-COMP) is a NASA Space Technology Research Institute awarded in 2017. Its mission is computational development of materials for space applications.

The Micro Electrical and Optical Sensing (µ-EOS) Lab focuses on developing optical and electrical diagnostics of cellular physiological changes such as proliferation, migration, and apoptosis.

MTU Wave is the collaborative wave tank laboratory at Michigan Tech dedicated to advancing research and development in the field of floating offshore technologies. We develop wave energy converter control systems to exploit large-motion, nonlinear behaviors. Our faculty and students adapt various strategies, including online optimization, machine learning, and optimal control.

Faculty + Research = Discovery

Our department boasts world-class faculty who have access to numerous innovative research labs and are committed to discovery and learning.

This encompasses a range of research areas, experiences, and expertise related to multi-scale sensors and systems. Learn more about our faculty and their research interests:

Research Projects

Our faculty engage in a number of research projects, many of which are publicly funded.

A sample listing of recent research projects appears below. You can also view a broader list of research projects taking place across the mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics department.

Past Projects

“I hope to better understand the dynamic behaviors of structures and systems, in order to enable intelligent engineering systems–including software applications for structural health monitoring, and less invasive and non-destructive evaluations.”Yongchao Yang, assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, on being awarded the Achenbach Medal