The Xu Lab is an interdisciplinary research group at the intersection of robotics, fluid dynamics, and biology. Our mission is to develop and deploy bioinspired aquatic robots for real-world applications using a combination of laboratory experiments, theoretical modeling, and field work. By combining features from both natural and engineered designs, we aim to create more energy-efficient, maneuverable, and robust robots and underwater vehicles to track climate change, observe natural phenomena in the ocean, and aid in environmental stewardship.
MCEN 4195 - Bioinspired Robotics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
Bioinspired design views the process of how we learn from nature as an innovation strategy translating principles of function, performance, and aesthetics, from biology to human technology. The creative design process is driven by interdisciplinary exchange among engineering, biology, medicine, art, architecture and business. Diverse teams of students will collaborate on, create, and present original bioinspired design projects in the ITLL. Same as MCEN 5195, BMEN 5195 and BMEN 4195.
MCEN 4228 - Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2025 / Spring 2026
Subject matter to be selected from topics of current interest. May be repeated up to 15 credit hours. Same as MCEN 5228.
MCEN 5021 - Introduction to Fluid Dynamics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
Focuses on physical properties of gases and liquids, and kinematics of flow fields. Analyzes stress; viscous, heat-conducting Newtonian fluids; and capillary effects and surface-tension-driven flow. Other topics include vorticity and circulation, ideal fluid flow theory in two and three dimensions, Schwartz-Christoffel transformations, free streamline theory, and internal and free-surface waves.
MCEN 5195 - Bioinspired Robotics
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2023
Bioinspired design views the process of how we learn from nature as an innovation strategy translating principles of function, performance, and aesthetics, from biology to human technology. The creative design process is driven by interdisciplinary exchange among engineering, biology, medicine, art, architecture and business. Diverse teams of students will collaborate on, create, and present original bioinspired design projects in the ITLL. Recommended prerequisite: MCEN 3017 and MCEN 3025 or comparable electronics and design knowledge. Same as MCEN 4195, BMEN 4195, and BMEN 5195.
