Faculty and Research Themes, Field of Mechanical Engineering

We create new nanomaterials by applying top-down and bottom-up methods, which are nanomaterial creation technologies, and clarify their physical and chemical properties. We will construct biosensors using these materials and develop them into sensor systems. We will also apply these materials to biomimetics, which artificially express functional TI structures that appear on the surface of living organisms.

We conduct experimental research aimed at establishing fundamental technologies for the formation of nanostructures, exploration of condensed matter physics, and wide application to the field of nanotechnology. Specifically, we research the formation of various nanowire arrays of magnetic materials, semiconductors, etc. using self-organized nanoholes, and their applications to high-efficiency energy conversion devices, high-density memory devices, high-sensitivity sensors, and three-dimensional mounting technology.

We conduct experimental research aimed at establishing fundamental technologies for the formation of nanostructures, exploration of condensed matter physics, and wide application to the field of nanotechnology. Specifically, we research the formation of various nanowire arrays of magnetic materials, semiconductors, etc. using self-organized nanoholes, and their applications to high-efficiency energy conversion devices, high-density memory devices, high-sensitivity sensors, and three-dimensional mounting technology.

Our research focuses on "fluid mechanics and fluid engineering," which deals with the relationship between the motion and forces of fluids, such as air and water, which fill the Earth's biosphere, and "biomechanics," which deals with the structure and function of living organisms, organs, tissues, and cells from a mechanical perspective. In particular, we aim to treat blood flow in the cardiovascular system, air flow in the lungs and airways, and the flow of food and digestive fluids in the digestive system as coupled problems of fluids and elastic bodies, and to clarify their basic mechanisms and apply them.

We develop and research methods for obtaining information with high accuracy through computer numerical predictions, which are effective in the design of systems related to fluid engineering and biomechanics. Specific examples of subjects include heat and mass transport and flow at gas-liquid interfaces that deform in complex ways, and physics related to wettability when gas-liquid interfaces contact solid surfaces. We use computers to faithfully reproduce physics, and approach the essence of phenomena by analyzing the obtained information in detail.

Our research subjects are "fluid dynamics," which deals with the relationship between motion and force of fluids represented by air and water filling the Earth's biosphere, and "biomechanics," which mechanically researches the structure and function of living bodies, organs, tissues, and cells. In particular, we clarify how cells such as red blood cells and microparticles deform and move in liquids through experiments and numerical analysis. We aim to apply this to separation and control of cells and microparticles utilizing the characteristics of microscale flows.

Machines and structures must maintain sufficient safety while enduring harsh usage environments for a specified period and fulfill their functions. To achieve this objective, we provide the following research guidance: establishment of highly reliable new structural health evaluation methods based on non-destructive testing engineering; construction of design systems that integrate information on material design with information processing methods; evaluation of strength and function of mechanical materials using computational mechanics methods including molecular dynamics; strength problems of solid materials subjected to fatigue and creep loads, and strength problems of micro materials; material development based on powder metallurgy technology and evaluation of mechanical properties and functionality.

Machines and structures must maintain sufficient safety while enduring harsh usage environments for a specified period and fulfill their functions. To achieve this objective, we provide the following research guidance: establishment of highly reliable new structural health evaluation methods based on non-destructive testing engineering; construction of design systems that integrate information on material design with information processing methods; evaluation of strength and function of mechanical materials using computational mechanics methods including molecular dynamics; strength problems of solid materials subjected to fatigue and creep loads, and strength problems of micro materials; material development based on powder metallurgy technology and evaluation of mechanical properties and functionality.

Machines and structures must maintain sufficient safety while enduring harsh usage environments for a specified period and fulfill their functions. To achieve this objective, we provide the following research guidance: establishment of highly reliable new structural health evaluation methods based on non-destructive testing engineering; construction of design systems that integrate information on material design with information processing methods; evaluation of strength and function of mechanical materials using computational mechanics methods including molecular dynamics; strength problems of solid materials subjected to fatigue and creep loads, and strength problems of micro materials; material development based on powder metallurgy technology and evaluation of mechanical properties and functionality.

Machines and structures must maintain sufficient safety while enduring harsh usage environments for a specified period and fulfill their functions. To achieve this objective, we provide the following research guidance: establishment of highly reliable new structural health evaluation methods based on non-destructive testing engineering; construction of design systems that integrate information on material design with information processing methods; evaluation of strength and function of mechanical materials using computational mechanics methods including molecular dynamics; strength problems of solid materials subjected to fatigue and creep loads, and strength problems of micro materials; material development based on powder metallurgy technology and evaluation of mechanical properties and functionality.

Mechatronics, which is now widespread everywhere, is expected to greatly contribute to the realization of a more comfortable and safe society, and the importance of research is increasing. Using IoT and autonomous driving, which have attracted particular attention in recent years, as starting points, we are researching vibration power generation devices for transportation infrastructure, insect-sized small aircraft for inspecting the interior of disaster areas and damaged buildings, viscoelasticity measurement methods, and tire friction detection sensors.

In the dynamic characteristic design of nano/microscale mechanical devices, handling minute frictional forces is key, and for reliability design, handling wear at contact surfaces is key. To create such mechanical devices, "mechanical design based on friction and wear control of movable surfaces" is essential. In this lecture, we show the basic characteristics of nano/microscale friction and wear, and describe the latest thinking for controlling them and mechanical device design methods based on them.

Since tribology is an indispensable field in modern industry, improvements in technology for it greatly contribute to energy conservation and bring about environmental load reduction. Therefore, aiming for technology that can significantly reduce friction, we create functional lubricating materials and surfaces with ultra-low friction, and conduct research on tribological interface control technology that is indispensable for mechanical systems that maximize energy utilization, by understanding and elucidating their tribo-mechanisms physically and chemically from the atomic and molecular level to the nano/microscale.

Aiming at effective use of thermal energy and development of energy-saving technology corresponding to environmental problems, our research subjects range from elucidation of basic phenomena related to thermal engineering and heat transfer engineering to development of thermal equipment. Specific research themes are as follows: development of thermal equipment using tubular flames, evaluation of frost formation phenomena in heat exchangers, mass transfer phenomena in microchannels, simple evaluation methods for heat transfer rates in forced convection fields of complex-shaped objects, numerical simulation of turbulent heat transfer related to gas turbine blade cooling, etc.

Aiming at effective use of thermal energy and development of energy-saving technology corresponding to environmental problems, our research subjects range from elucidation of basic phenomena related to thermal engineering and heat transfer engineering to development of thermal equipment. Specific research themes are as follows: development of low-NOx hydrogen combustion technology, evaluation of frost formation phenomena in heat exchangers, and research on cold heat utilization of liquid hydrogen.

Our main research subject is boiling heat transfer phenomena in forced flow systems, which are important for the operation and design of boiling-related equipment represented by boilers and steam generators of various plants. Specifically, we research critical heat flux in forced flow boiling systems, measurement of microscopic parameters of gas-liquid two-phase flow, and numerical simulation of gas-liquid two-phase flow.

Aiming at improving the performance and efficiency of aircraft jet engines and industrial gas turbines for power generation, we conduct research on elucidation of fundamental turbulent thermal flow phenomena, development of numerical simulation technology using supercomputers (turbulence models, thermal fluid analysis methods around complex-shaped objects, thermal coupled analysis methods), and thermal fluid experiments using low-speed wind tunnels and cascade wind tunnels.

3D printers (AM, additive manufacturing), which can create highly functional complex shapes, are additive technology, while ultra-precision machining is subtractive technology with excellent dimensional and surface accuracy. We conduct research on machining technologies that are indispensable for manufacturing in various fields from aerospace and automotive to medical devices, semiconductors, and mobile devices.

While there are strong demands for miniaturization, high functionality, and high reliability of various products including electronic and optical products in recent years, low environmental impact machining and assembly technologies that consider energy and cost savings from the perspective of global environmental protection are required. Focusing on new high-precision and high-efficiency machining and assembly technologies that are closely related to production sites, we aim to systematically learn precision machining from basic principles to applications and the intellectualization of production systems.

While there are strong demands for miniaturization, high functionality, and high reliability of various products including electronic and optical products in recent years, low environmental impact machining and assembly technologies that consider energy and cost savings from the perspective of global environmental protection are required. Focusing on the development of machine elements aimed at application to new high-precision and high-efficiency machining and assembly technologies that are closely related to production sites, we aim to systematically learn precision machining from basic principles to applications and the intellectualization of production systems.

When machines move, they generate vibration and noise, and for automobiles and trains, ride comfort and operability are also important design indicators. We express vibration and noise of automobiles, bullet trains, robots, construction machinery, etc. with simple analytical models, predict vibration and noise characteristics by computer simulation, conduct model experiments, and verify the correctness of the models. At the same time, we research methods to suppress vibration and noise. This series of research methods is universally applied in companies and can also be applied to advancing new research themes. For example, pressure pulsation propagation analysis technology cultivated for machines can be applied to diagnosis of arteriosclerosis and detection of aortic aneurysms in the human body, and we are working on joint research with companies. We are also interested in research on music and musical instruments, and are working on elucidating the acoustic generation mechanisms of violins and flutes.

Vibration problems are associated with all machines and structures that exist in the world. Although there are devices such as watches that effectively use vibration, generally vibration degrades machining accuracy, breaks structures, and in the case of vehicles, worsens ride comfort. Noise radiated by vibration may also become a problem. In this research, we first model these vibration and noise problems and reproduce the phenomena by simulation. Then we research methods to control vibration and noise. Finally, we conduct model experiments to verify the theoretical analysis and the effectiveness of the proposed methods. Through research, we aim to cultivate the two most important perspectives in mechanical engineering, force and energy, and furthermore, by using piezoelectric and electromagnetic actuators, we aim to acquire knowledge of electrical engineering.

The probe microscope, invented in the 1980s and greatly developed since then, is so to speak a mechanical microscope. With its high resolution, not only can atoms actually be observed, but even minute fluctuations of electrons can be captured. Applying this, we conduct measurement research on lithium-ion secondary batteries, which are expected as energy sources for hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc.

Targeting real-world artifacts such as machines and objects, and natural objects such as humans including biological information, we conduct development research on real-world sensing centered on visual sensing and visual information processing, and its intelligent information processing methods. Based on real-world sensing and intelligent information processing, we explore human-centered interfaces and human support systems adapted to the characteristics of human body and cognition, and intelligent system design where humans and machines are harmonized, and apply them to the real world.

We are advancing research on intelligent and autonomous systems in various forms, such as flying robots and walking robots, for applications such as rescue activities, inspection, and construction. We are also considering hybrid robot systems, such as robots that combine flight and walking, and robots that can operate in the air and underwater. By utilizing AI and machine learning and combining advanced sensor fusion technology using LiDAR, RaDAR, thermal cameras, etc., we aim to further improve functionality and performance.

Robots are expected to be active not only in factories but also in hospitals and homes in the future, and research and development on technologies related to mechanisms, control, sensors and actuators, signal processing, etc. are progressing rapidly. We introduce these technologies and explain the basic theories. Also, microsystem technology, which can produce small and precise sensors and actuators, is a hot topic. We also explain the basic theory of this technology and introduce application examples.

Robots are expected to be active not only in factories but also in hospitals and homes in the future, and research and development on technologies related to mechanisms, control, sensors and actuators, signal processing, etc. are progressing rapidly. We introduce these technologies and explain the basic theories. Also, microsystem technology, which can produce small and precise sensors and actuators, is a hot topic. We also explain the basic theory of this technology and introduce application examples.

In the industrial field, parts are transported and assembled using robot hands, but general-purpose hands are required because they handle parts with various shapes, masses, and postures. Furthermore, it is desired that hand control and mechanisms be simple and low-cost, so hands like human fingers are not suitable. Therefore, in this research, focusing on octopus suckers that have flexibility and high suction force, we propose and research general-purpose hands that mimic octopuses.

The structure of a robot and the difficulty of its control are closely related. We clarify this relationship and conduct research to computationally obtain the optimal mechanism design of a robot for executing a given task. We are also working on the design of machines with new mechanisms, such as robot hands and force display devices, applying this.

Based on the principles of neuroscience that form the foundation of biological information systems, we aim to gain a deep understanding of the mechanisms, methodology, and research directions of biological information. In particular, this area emphasizes acquiring the ability and knowledge to quickly and deeply understand English literature related to neuroscience, and along with mastering related technologies, we cultivate the background for planning research on biological information engineering as a researcher's first step.

The purpose is to examine practical research and technology development from an ergonomic approach to improve work efficiency and not impair welfare, safety, and health. We aim to cultivate the ability to theoretically and objectively understand the mechanisms of biological physiological functions and behavioral characteristics. We also acquire a series of technologies from sensing and measurement methods as technologies for capturing physiological functions to analysis, and discuss new applications to human-machine systems.