Darrell L. Robinette

Darrell L. Robinette

Contact

  • Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
  • SAE-GM Autodrive Challenge II Co-advisor
  • Area Director, Design/Dynamic Systems
  • PhD, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University
  • BS, Mechanical Engineering, Michigan Technological University

Biography

Darrell joined the MEEM department in August of 2016 after nine years at General Motors working in the Powertrain division. Engineering roles included powertrain noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), powertrain controls, calibration, development and validation and new electrification product engineering. Darrell holds 15 granted US patents in powertrain and driveline engineering from his time at GM.

In returning to Michigan Tech, Darrell’s objectives are to educate and train engineering students for careers in propulsion system engineering through courses and research in mobility systems electrification, propulsion system integration and connected and automated vehicle controls and optimization for energy consumption.

Darrell’s funded research projects from industry and federal agencies include:

  • General Motors - Torque Converter and Automatic Transmission dynamic testing and simulation
  • Ford Motor Company - Torque Converter and Driveline transient NVH
  • Dept. of Energy - Various, connected and automated vehicle optimization, heavy duty off-road electrification
  • ARPA-E - NEXTCAR I and II programs for connected and automated vehicles

Areas of Expertise

  • Electrification of Mobility Systems
  • Connected and Automated Vehicles
  • Automatic Transmissions
  • Torque Converter and Clutch Dynamics

Research Interests

  • Powertrain and propulsion system electrification
  • Connected and Automated Vehicle optimal control for energy
  • Multi-speed transmission powerflow synthesis
  • Drivetrain dynamics and NVH
  • Torque converters and clutch systems