Olan Sodunke, a mechanical engineering student from Lagos, Nigeria, was a bit unsure about coming to Purdue University. But he soon found a place where he truly belonged.

Astronauts go through many biological changes in zero-gravity — some visibly apparent, and some less so. One specific effect involves reduced cycling of cerebrospinal fluid from the brain, which could lead to long-term neurological issues. Purdue University researchers are now building fluid dynamics models for NASA to gauge the threat of these altered flows for future astronauts on long-duration space missions.

The nation's largest academic hydraulics lab opened its doors this fall to welcome more than 250 researchers from around the world, as part of the 2024 International Maha Fluid Power Conference.

There’s nothing more chaotic and unpredictable than the behavior of bubbles in a boiling liquid. But with the advent of machine learning, that may soon change. A team of researchers led by Purdue University have been awarded a $7.3 million grant to use physics-informed machine learning to better characterize and more accurately model boiling heat transfer processes that were previously thought too chaotic to probe and predict.

Additive manufacturing is a booming industry with a unique problem: not enough qualified workers. Purdue University researchers are now working with Indiana high school students to establish a pipeline of young people who have the skills to become manufacturing engineers.

Two Purdue Engineering students were recently named Women in Defense Scholars. Since 1988, Women in Defense has awarded over $1,000,000 to 209 deserving recipients working toward a career in national security.

In manufacturing, quality control is just as important as speed and efficiency. But how do you detect voids and defects in a solid metal part? Purdue University researchers are using both ultrasonic waves and X-ray CT to “see inside” manufactured objects nondestructively.

Today, Purdue Engineering students have numerous opportunities to gain industry experience, such as the Undergraduate Co-op Program that enables them to alternate semesters between school and work. But this wasn’t always the case. Someone had to be the first Purdue student to ever take on a co-op. That someone is Thomas Clement.

Lowering the barrier to adoption of heat pumps and electrification

Electrifying homes is one of the best steps we can take to battle climate change. But there’s a hidden cost to today’s electric heat pumps, water heaters, and cooktops: most older homes will trip their breakers with the new leap in peak usage. Purdue University researchers have demonstrated a simple control technique that can integrate new electric appliances into old homes, without requiring expensive upgrades to their breaker panel.

The 3rd annual Women in ME Symposium will take place on Monday, October 28. Women of Purdue Mechanical Engineering will have a unique opportunity to meet other women students and faculty, attend seminars and chats, and network with successful alumnae. All are welcome to attend!