Mechanical Engineering Projects

For any inquiries, please contact Dr. H. Parker, Managing Director of Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships.

Sustainable Water and Membrane Technologies

Faculty Name: David Warsinger

E-Mail: dwarsing@purdue.edu

Project Term: Spring 2026

Project Description:

Water and energy are tightly linked resources that must both become renewable for a successful future. However, today, water and energy resources are often in conflict with one another, especially related to impacts on electric grids. Further, advances in nanotechnology, material science and artificial intelligence allow for new avenues to improve the widespread implementation of desalination and water purification technology.

Our lab’s project aims to explore nanofabricated membranes, light-driven reactions, artificial intelligence control algorithms, and thermodynamic optimization of systems. Our projects include hybrids of reverse osmosis desalination with renewable energy (solar, wind, and hydro), as well as other topics such as filtration, water treatment, and water vapor harvesting.

The student(s) will be responsible for fabricating membranes, building hydraulic systems, modeling thermal fluid phenomenon, analyzing data, and/or implementing control strategies in novel system configurations. The lab also works on separation processes for water in air, including HVAC dehumidification and removing aerosols. More information here: www.warsinger.com

Requirements:

Applicants should have an interest in thermodynamics, water treatment, and sustainability. Applicants with experience in some (not all) of the following are preferred: experimental design and prototyping, manufacturing, Python, LabView, EES, MATLAB, 3D CAD Software, & Adobe Illustrator.
Measurement Techniques for Advanced Turbine Research.

Faculty Name: Guillermo Paniagua

E-Mail: gpaniag@purdue.edu

Project Term: Spring 2026

Project Description:

Exciting Opportunity in Advanced Turbine Research: Measurement Techniques for Super-Efficient Engines
Are you fascinated by how things work and eager to contribute to cutting-edge engineering research? Join us at Purdue University’s Experimental Turbine Aerothermal Lab group, where we’re pushing the boundaries of aerospace and energy technology to develop super-efficient engines. This project offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, making it ideal for both experienced researchers and newcomers to the field of engineering research.
Our goal is to enhance turbine efficiency, which is crucial for reducing energy consumption and emissions in both aerospace and power generation sectors. By improving turbine efficiency, we can achieve more sustainable energy solutions and advance our capabilities in propulsion systems. This research not only has environmental benefits but also has significant implications for energy security and technological innovation globally.
The project focuses on developing and implementing cutting-edge measurement techniques to accurately assess and optimize turbine performance. By integrating advanced experimental methods with computational models, we aim to understand complex flow dynamics and thermal characteristics within turbine systems.
As a student researcher, you will play a critical role in various phases of the project:
• CAD (Computer-Aided Design): You’ll help design components and setups for experimental tests, giving you hands-on experience with industry-standard software and design principles.
• Procurement: You’ll assist in selecting and acquiring the necessary equipment and materials, learning how to evaluate technical specifications and manage project resources.
• Calibration: You’ll participate in calibrating measurement instruments, an essential step to ensure accuracy and reliability in our experimental data.
• Testing: You’ll be directly involved in conducting experiments, collecting data, and possibly even analyzing results. This will give you practical insights into how theoretical concepts are applied in real-world research.
This project is perfect for students who are curious about how advanced engineering research is conducted and are eager to contribute to meaningful technological advancements. Whether you’re looking to gain practical skills that will enhance your resume or aiming to make a significant impact in the field of turbine technology, this opportunity will provide you with a comprehensive learning experience.
Your work will contribute directly to the development of technologies that could one day power the next generation of aircraft and energy systems. If you are enthusiastic about making a difference and are driven by the challenge of solving complex problems, we invite you to apply to join our team.
Join us to shape the future of energy and propulsion technologies!

Requirements:

Training on Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat transfer
Dynamic Grain Refinement During Microparticles High-Velocity Impact

Faculty Name: Marisol Koslowski

E-Mail: marisol@purdue.edu

Project Term: Spring 2026

Project Description:

High-velocity particle impact is relevant to understanding erosion in structural components of aircraft and advanced manufacturing techniques such as cold spray and shot peening. This project will focus on finite element simulations of microparticles impacting a metallic substrate at velocities ranging from 50 m/sec to 500 m/sec. Extreme deformation during the impact results in a gradient microstructure with smaller grains close to the impact surface with the size of the new grains scaling linearly with the average stress in the particle. We will study the restitution coefficient, the permanent deformation of the particle and the substrate, damage, and subgrain formation.

Requirements:

Programing background and solid mechanics