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Todd LetcherView profile

Associate Professor

• Additive Manufacturing
• 3D Printing Technologies
• Space Robotics
• +4 more

Todd Letcher is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota State University (SDSU). He holds additional roles as Associate Director of the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium and teaches core courses like Engineering Design Methods and Mechanical Systems Design. His research focuses on additive manufacturing, space robotics, and engineering entrepreneurship, with notable contributions to 3D printing materials and in-space manufacturing challenges. Education: B.S. Mechanical Engineering, SDSU (2005) M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University (2008) Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University (2012) Research Interests: Dr. Letcher’s work spans additive manufacturing technologies, including 3D printer hardware and material development, as well as space robotics and engineering entrepreneurship. His recent projects include NASA-funded initiatives like Lunar Transport Vehicle design and Break the Ice challenges. He emphasizes practical applications, such as designing materials for extreme environments and fostering student innovation through senior design projects. Key Achievements: Recipient of multiple NASA awards, including 1st Place in NASA RASC-AL (2023) Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering Young Investigator of the Year (2020) Lead researcher in gamma irradiation effects on 3D-printed materials Teaching & Mentorship: Dr. Letcher advises senior design projects, independent studies, and graduate students. He actively promotes engineering entrepreneurship through NSF I-Corps and collaborates on grants like the “Living and Working in Space” museum exhibit. Grants & Committees: Lead over 20 grants, including NASA EPSCoR and Sun Grant programs Member of the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory Committee and College of Engineering Promotion Committee Labs & Teams: Associated with the Materials Evaluation and Testing Laboratory (METLAB) and the SDSU CubeSat Club, fostering hands-on research in advanced materials and space systems.

Philip WithersView profile

Professor

• Materials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Materials Processing
• +9 more

Professor Philip Withers is the Regius Professor of Materials and Professor of Materials Science at the University of Manchester. He leads research in advanced materials characterization, with a focus on residual stress analysis, 3D imaging, and structural integrity of aerospace and nuclear materials. His work integrates cutting-edge techniques like synchrotron X-ray tomography and neutron diffraction to study material behavior under extreme conditions. Withers earned his PhD in Metallurgy from Cambridge University and held a lectureship there before joining Manchester in 1998. He established the Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility, recognized globally for its 3D imaging capabilities. His contributions span academic leadership roles, including directing the BP International Centre for Advanced Materials and serving as Chief Scientist at the Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials. Research interests include nanotomography, metal matrix composites, laser peening, friction welding, and stress-related transformations. His awards include the Royal Society Armourers & Brasiers’ Company Prize (2010), ASM Henry Marion Howe Medal (2020), and Fellowship of the Royal Society (2016). He has advised over 40 doctoral students and oversees collaborative projects like the Materials for Demanding Environments CDT. Key contributions include correlative tomography linking X-ray and electron imaging, and advancements in additive manufacturing and nuclear materials science. His work addresses global challenges in energy, aerospace, and sustainable materials through interdisciplinary collaborations.

Michael PaganView profile

Researcher

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Physical & Mechanical Metallurgy
• Structural Materials
• +3 more

Dr. Michael Pagan is a Research Engineer/Scientist I at Georgia Institute of Technology, focusing on advanced structural materials and additive manufacturing. His work emphasizes solid-state and high-temperature methods, particularly ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM), to design materials with unique properties. He holds a Ph.D. (2022) and B.S. (2014) from the University of Tennessee. His research explores plastic deformation during UAM, interfacial strengthening in dissimilar metals, and corrosion/erosion protection for sustainable materials. Key achievements include a U.S. provisional patent for bond efficiency improvements and awards such as the Editor’s Choice Award and First Step Award. He has contributed to projects at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, and Japan’s National Institute for Materials Science. Dr. Pagan’s publications span Additive Manufacturing , Acta Materialia , and Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A , focusing on material microstructure, interdiffusion dynamics, and irradiation effects. His work integrates experimental and theoretical approaches to advance manufacturing and materials science. He has served as a judge for UTK’s EUReCA competition and delivered guest seminars. His expertise bridges academic research and industrial applications in lean manufacturing (Black Belt in Six Sigma) and ceramic compounding for investment casting.

• Microjoining Processes
• Laser Welding of Biological Materials
• Direct Bonding
• +5 more

Michael Mayer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo, Canada. His research focuses on microjoining processes, laser welding of biological materials, and direct bonding for photonics applications. He has extensive industrial collaboration experience with companies like Bosch, Intel, and Tesla. Education: PhD in Technical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, 2000 Diploma in Physics, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, 1994 Research Interests: Dr. Mayer's work addresses challenges in microelectronics, medical devices, and aerospace through advanced joining techniques. His lab develops real-time monitoring systems using ultrasonic sensors and numerical modeling to improve process reliability. Current projects include laser welding for surgical applications and low-temperature direct bonding for solid-state lasers. Recent Article Trends: Publications emphasize thermal management, electromigration in solder joints, and wire bonding optimization. Recent work explores nanocomposite gels for laser tissue welding and interface characterization of bonded glass substrates. Awards: 2010 Best Paper of Session (IEEE) Advising & Grants: Supervises graduate students who have joined leading tech firms. Collaborates with industry on reliability testing and process development. Holds Sole-Supervisory Privilege Status (SSPS) for graduate admissions. Labs/Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary group integrating experimental, analytical, and numerical investigations. Partners with campus research teams on materials innovation and microsystem technologies.

Philippa ReedView profile

Professor

• Fatigue processes in structural materials
• High-temperature oxidation and creep fatigue
• Nickel-based turbine disc and blade alloys
• +5 more

Professor Philippa Reed is a faculty member in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Southampton, specializing in structural materials. She holds a Professorial title and has led significant research collaborations with industry partners like EDF, Rolls Royce, and TWI. Her teaching responsibilities include modules on Mechanical Systems Analysis, Materials and Structures, and Manufacturing. She serves on editorial boards for journals like International Journal of Fatigue and has delivered invited lectures at institutions and conferences. Research Focus: Fatigue processes in additively manufactured alloys, high-temperature oxidation in turbine materials, and numerical modeling of crack behavior. Awards: Elected Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (2009); Royal Academy of Engineering Travel Grant (2010). Students: Supervises current PhD researchers in fatigue and materials science, including Christian Cox and Xingjian Zhao. External Roles: Editorial board member (2005–2024), invited speaker at I Mech E and Portsmouth University, technical consultant for E.ON. Her recent publications emphasize additive manufacturing, nickel superalloys, and fatigue mitigation strategies, with a focus on 3D characterization and dwell fatigue analysis. Funding sources include EPSRC, MOD, and industry sponsorships.

Megumi KawasakiView profile

Associate Professor

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD)
• +5 more

Megumi Kawasaki is an Associate Professor in the School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering at Oregon State University . She holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Southern California (2007) M.S. in Materials Science from the University of Southern California (2004) B.Eng. in Metallurgy & Materials Science from Osaka Prefecture University (2002) . Her research focuses on synthesizing bulk nanostructured metals and alloys through severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques like high-pressure torsion (HPT) , with emphasis on microstructural evolution , mechanical properties , and advanced diffraction-based characterization (synchrotron X-ray, neutron, and laser-scanning confocal microscopy). Recent work explores additive-manufactured alloys and biodegradable metal matrices . Key article trends include grain refinement in high-entropy alloys phase transformations under SPD in-situ heating diffraction analyses defect-driven microstructural relaxation multi-scale characterization methods commercialization of ultrafine-grained materials . Scientific accolades include the NanoSPD Young Researcher Award (2017) . She advises Ph.D. and M.S. students including Jae-Kyung Han , Isshu Lee , and Laxman Bhatta , and leads the Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Lab . Her collaborations span institutions like Indian Institute of Science , Osaka Metropolitan University , and Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) .

Thaneshan SapanathanView profile

Research Fellow

• Materials Science
• Welding Technologies
• Composite Materials
• +5 more

Thaneshan Sapanathan is a Senior Research Fellow at Curtin University's Curtin Corrosion Centre, affiliated with the WASM School of Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering and the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering/Material Science from Monash University. His research focuses on advanced manufacturing processes, particularly magnetic pulse welding, friction stir welding, and additive manufacturing. Specializing in dissimilar material joining, corrosion studies, and composite materials, he employs advanced characterization techniques like SEM, EBSD, and neutron diffraction. His work bridges computational modeling (FEA, multiphysics simulations) with experimental validation to optimize material performance and interfaces. Key research areas include interfacial phenomena in high-speed impact welding, microstructural evolution under extreme conditions, and corrosion resistance mechanisms. He collaborates internationally on projects involving titanium-aluminum joints, aluminum-copper composites, and CFZnL composites. His contributions span over 95 publications, emphasizing practical applications in automotive and aerospace industries. He leads projects on material selection maps, fracture toughness analysis, and fatigue behavior, with a strong focus on sustainable manufacturing solutions. Labs/Teams: Principal investigator in the Curtin Corrosion Centre, collaborating with institutions like the University of Technology of Compiègne and IMDEA Materials Institute. Active in high-impact interdisciplinary teams addressing challenges in solid-state joining and material durability.

J. A. FrancisView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Welding Technology
• Residual Stress Analysis
• Phase Transformations in Materials
• +4 more

J. A. Francis is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, The University of Manchester. Their research focuses on understanding phase-transformation effects on residual stress development in welding, particularly in safety-critical components for power plants and nuclear environments. Key research areas: residual stress mitigation, finite-element modeling, phase transformation mechanics, and welding process assessments. Research explores how solid-state phase transformations influence stress accumulation in steel welds and their implications for structural integrity and degradation mechanisms like creep and stress-corrosion cracking.

Amit AroraView profile

Associate Professor

• Numerical Modeling of Additive Manufacturing
• Modeling of Joining Processes
• Friction Stir Welding and Processing
• +6 more

Amit Arora is an Associate Professor of Materials Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar , leading the Advanced Materials Processing Research Group . His expertise spans numerical modeling of welding and joining processes, additive manufacturing, and friction stir welding/processing. PhD from The Pennsylvania State University (2011) M.Tech & B.Tech from IIT Kharagpur Research interests focus on: Numerical modeling of friction stir welding (FSW) and processing (FSWP) Tool wear analysis during FSW Dissimilar material joining Mechanical/electrochemical characterization of surface composites Additive manufacturing of titanium alloys Recent publications explore laser fusion additive manufacturing, friction stir channeling, and biocompatible composite development from biowaste. His work combines computational modeling with experimental validation across multiple domains. Scientific awards include: Young Scientist Research Award (Department of Atomic Energy, 2014–2017) Metallography Contest Winner (Indian Institute of Metals, 2019) Best Poster Awards at international workshops As an academic mentor, he has guided numerous PhD and M.Tech students, including: Mahesh V.P. (now Assistant Professor at VIT) Amit Kumar Singh (Post-doctoral Fellow at UNT Denton) Nishkarsh Srivastava (PhD Scholar at IIT Gandhinagar) The Advanced Materials Processing Research Group actively investigates: Friction stir welding of metals and polymers Surface composite fabrication Heat treatment of alloys CFD-DEM modeling for material behavior

Frank BalleView profile

Professor

• Hybrid Materials Engineering
• Power Ultrasonics
• Composite Materials
• +6 more

Frank Balle serves as Professor of Engineering of Functional Materials at the Faculty of Sustainable Systems Engineering (INATECH) of the University of Freiburg, holding the Walter and Ingeborg Herrmann Chair. His research focuses on sustainable hybrid materials systems, power ultrasonics applications, and multi-functional materials engineering for closed-loop technical metabolism. His educational background includes a diploma in materials engineering and design, followed by a Dr.-Ing. PhD in Engineering. He conducted post-doctoral research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (USA) and established research groups at the University of Kaiserslautern with German Research Foundation (DFG) support before joining Freiburg in 2018. Research interests center on developing renewable materials systems through three core approaches: Hybrid Materials Systems : Combining dissimilar materials (e.g., metals with CFRP/GFRP composites) using novel manufacturing processes for cost-neutral lightweight structures Ultra + X : Pioneering power ultrasonics (20,000 Hz) for solid-state joining of dissimilar materials, end-of-life estimation of composites, and sustainable repair/separation technologies Multi + X : Developing multifunctional composites with enhanced durability, digital damage monitoring, and multi-spot joining techniques for aerospace/automotive applications His application-oriented research examines microstructure, bonding mechanisms, and material properties of aluminum/titanium alloys and polymer composites. Current projects address aging-resistant joints, accelerated fatigue testing, defect activation in hybrid systems, sustainable tooling, and conductive composites for aircraft. Prof. Balle leads the INATECH research group executing multiple funded projects including USS transfer, VHCFK, SCHARF, NaSoKo, MCFK, and Multi-Spot. His work bridges fundamental materials science with industrial implementation in aviation and automotive sectors, aiming to establish 'technical metabolism' where waste becomes resource through ultrasonic-enabled repair and recycling. The research group operates within Freiburg's Solar Info Center facility, focusing on translating laboratory-scale welding techniques to component-level structures while developing rapid shelf-life calculation methods for composite materials.

Wei LiView profile

Professor

• Advanced Design and Manufacturing
• Biomechanical Engineering
• Nano and Micro-scale Engineering
• +3 more

Dr. Wei Li is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, holding the John T. MacGuire Professorship. He joined the faculty in 2010 after being an Associate Professor at the University of Washington. His research focuses on advanced manufacturing, biomedical engineering, and nanotechnology. Key areas include roll-to-roll graphene transfer, 3D cell culture platforms, and electrosurgical tissue welding. Dr. Li has been funded by NSF, NIH, and industry partners like Boeing and General Motors. Education : Ph.D. from University of Michigan Affiliations : Board Director of SME's North American Manufacturing Research Institution; Chair of ASME's Biomanufacturing Technical Committee; Associate Editor of ASME's Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering . His research interests span nano-biomaterials processing , clean energy , and process monitoring . Notable projects include roll-to-roll dry transfer of graphene and high-throughput 3D cell culture systems for drug screening. Awards include NSF CAREER and PECASE. Current research explores polymer nanofoams, tissue models, and additive manufacturing for precision medicine. Advising : Supervises Arturo Hernandez (current graduate student). Grants : Supported by NSF, NIH, Los Alamos National Lab, and automotive/defense industries. Labs/Teams : Directs the Li Research Group, focusing on biomedical manufacturing and advanced materials fabrication .

• Metallurgy
• Deformation Mechanisms
• Recrystallization
• +3 more

Thierry Baudin is a Researcher (Directeur de Recherche) at the SP2M department within the Institut de Chimie Moléculaire et des Matériaux d'Orsay (ICMMO - UMR 8182), Université Paris-Saclay. His work focuses on correlating microstructure, texture, and properties (mechanical, magnetic) of metallic alloys, with expertise in deformation mechanisms, recrystallization, and grain growth. He has conducted extensive research on materials processed via high-pressure torsion (HPT), additive manufacturing, and severe plastic deformation techniques. His studies also include investigations into Mg alloys, steel composites, and Ni-based materials. Research interests include metallurgical processing, microstructural characterization (EBSD, neutron diffraction), and the relationship between material microstructure and macroscopic properties such as corrosion resistance and mechanical behavior. Collaborations involve international teams in France, China, and the U.S. (e.g., with Prof. T.G. Langdon). Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding texture evolution in Mg-Dy alloys, corrosion performance of Al-6061 under HPT, and additive manufacturing of high-entropy alloys. He has contributed to over 150 peer-reviewed articles, with a focus on experimental and computational studies of material behavior under extreme processing conditions. His work integrates multiscale approaches, combining experimental techniques (e.g., EBSD, DSC) with computational modeling to predict material responses. Current projects address challenges in advanced manufacturing, particularly for aerospace and energy applications.

• Welding Technology
• Structural Integrity
• Nuclear Engineering
• +3 more

Michael Smith is a Professor of Welding Technology at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Manchester University since May 2013. He leads the EDF Modelling and Simulation Centre (MaSC) and holds an EPSRC Manufacturing Fellowship (2013–2018). His career spans 30 years in aerospace and nuclear industries before academia. Education: PhD in Engineering (Cambridge University, Churchill College) – Fatigue Cracks in Metals BA in Engineering (Cambridge University, Churchill College) Research Focus: Multidisciplinary weld modelling integrating continuum mechanics and microstructural parameters (e.g., grain size, precipitates) to predict structural performance and enable virtual prototyping. Key areas include: Residual stress analysis in nuclear components Structural integrity assessment (R5/R6 procedures) High-temperature material behavior Grants & Projects: EPSRC Fellowship: 'Whole-life Approach to High-Integrity Welding for Nuclear Reactors' Solid Mechanics Group Research (active since 2025) Awards: EPSRC Manufacturing Fellowship (2013–2018) Labs/Teams: Director of EDF Modelling and Simulation Centre (MaSC), collaborating on nuclear safety cases and advanced manufacturing technologies.

• Engineering Education
• Automation Technology
• Thermal Engineering
• +5 more

Dr. Natali Becker is affiliated with the North Caucasian Federal University , where she contributes to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of engineering education, materials science, and thermal physics. Her work focuses on developing educational frameworks aligned with Industry 4.0, integrating cyber-physical systems, and promoting sustainability in manufacturing. Her research spans thermal resistance modeling in semiconductors and crystals, innovative educational strategies for automation and additive manufacturing, and resource-saving solutions for industrial applications. Recent publications highlight trends in hybrid learning environments, AI-driven quality assurance, and the application of smart factory concepts to engineering pedagogy. She has authored tutorials on electrical engineering and experimental methods, underscoring her commitment to technical education.

Brad KinseyView profile

Professor

• Materials Deformation Processes
• Advanced Manufacturing Techniques
• Mechanical Engineering
• +3 more

Brad Kinsey is a Professor and Associate Dean at the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) at the University of New Hampshire, with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University. His research focuses on mechanics, materials, and manufacturing innovations related to deformation processes. B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University His research bridges fundamental material behavior (e.g., martensitic transformation, cyclic bending, stress superposition) with advanced manufacturing techniques (electromagnetic forming, incremental forming, water droplet machining). Recent work emphasizes improving formability of titanium and aluminum alloys through novel deformation paths and sustainable machining alternatives. Article Trends (2024–2022): Deformation-induced phase transformations in stainless steels Microstructure manipulation via cyclic loading Water droplet erosion for composite machining Stress-based failure criteria in metal forming Photoelasticity in soft materials Biaxial testing methodologies Scientific Awards : Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers Fellow, Society of Manufacturing Engineers Fellow, CIRP (International Academy for Production Engineering) Kinsey has led numerous NSF-funded projects, including grants for Continuous-Bending-Under-Tension studies (2013–2017), HIP-SWaD water droplet machining (2015–2022), and the NH Center for Multiscale Modeling and Manufacturing (2018–2023). He collaborates extensively on topics like electromagnetic forming, impact welding, and microscale manufacturing.