Research Laboratories

An additional laboratory, among many utilized by the Department faculty for research purposes, is highlighted below due to it’s anticipated usefulness in exposing undergraduate students to advanced topics. This laboratory was recently created and is expected to employ undergraduate students alongside graduate students in research activities moving forward. This lab was developed with input and guidance from faculty in the CIET/CM and MET programs.

Thermal Analytical Research Laboratory

The Thermal Analytical Research Laboratory houses a suite of thermal analysis instruments that enable the development of advanced materials for energy conservation, production, conversion, storage, and distribution. This facility is equipped for work in energy, sustainable materials, fire safety and other related area. The major equipment includes: a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) to determine the thermo-mechanical properties of task-specific sustainable materials for improving the energy efficiency of new constructions; a multi-purpose differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) to enable determination of heat capacity, transition temperature, enthalpies of transition for a wide range of materials include building materials, as well as task-specific materials and working fluids for energy storage, transport, and conversion; a rheometer to determine the viscosity of task-specific materials and working fluids for energy storage, transport, and conversion; a thermal conductivity analyzer capable to measure thermal conductivity of bulk materials within a second at temperature range from -50 to 200 °C. a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) to enable studies into the thermal degradation of materials in various environments, including the long-term stability of energy storage materials under cycling conditions.