Research Fields of the Department of Mechanical Engineering
Research that Ventures into the Tiny Worlds of Micro and Nano
In recent years, engineering research has ventured into the world of the ultra-small, achieving significant results at the micro and even nano scale. The Department of Mechanical Engineering conducts research in various nano and micro technologies, including molecular motion simulation, nanoscale material surface modification, crystal growth simulation, micro- and nanoscale structural fabrication techniques, and MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems).
A Research Field Focused on Conservation of the Earth’s Environment and the Unknown World of Space
This field of research aims to maintain a clean and livable global environment while taking on the unknown realms of space. One example of this is the use of computer simulations to analyze various phenomena occurring in supersonic spaceplanes, enabling research into optimal designs. We are also conducting research on purification technologies for methane hydrates, which show promise as a new energy source.
Research into a Wide Range of Technologies to Support People’s Lives
Life mechanics is a highly significant field within mechanical engineering, encompassing the development of assistive devices, robotic hands for remote operation and artificial reality, and design methodologies that support human intuition through computers. We conduct a wide range of research, including developing motion training dummies for training the caregivers that support our aging society, wheelchairs that help maintain comfortable seating posture, and simulations for analyzing the characteristics of vehicle bodies.
Wide-ranging Practical Courses Cultivating Analytical, Execution, Presentation, and Problem-Identification Skills
In addition to a comprehensive set of lecture-based courses covering both fundamental and advanced topics in mechanical engineering (including mechanical mechanics, materials mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, design, and manufacturing), the department also offers a robust selection of practical courses designed to equip students with the skills essential for engineers. Through practical training where students propose and implement topics based on their own interests, group projects that teach planning and conceptual design in manufacturing using real-world examples, collaborative manufacturing projects with private corporations, and academic exchanges with overseas universities, these courses aim to foster the practical application of knowledge gained in classroom instruction.