Research Labs

Active Materials Laboratory (Carman)
Advanced Space Systems and Propulsion Laboratory (Davoyan)
Anatomical Engineering Group (Clites)
Autonomous Vehicle Systems Instrumentation Laboratory (AVSIL) (Speyer)
Biomechatronics Laboratory (Santos)
Bionics Laboratory (Rosen)
Boiling Heat Transfer Laboratory (Dhir)
Center for Translational Applications of Nanoscale Multiferroic Systems (TANMS) (Carman)
Chen’s Intelligence Laboratory (Chen)
Collaborative Center for Aerospace Sciences (Karagozian)
Complex Fluids and Interfacial Physics Laboratory (Kavehpour)
Computational Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (Taira Lab) (Taira)
Cybernetic Control Laboratory (CyClab) (Iwasaki)
Design and Manufacturing Laboratory
Dynamic Nucleic Acid Systems Laboratory (Franco)
Energy and Propulsion Research Laboratory (Karagozian)
Flexible Research Group (Hopkins)
Fusion Science and Technology Center (Abdou)
Gupta Laboratory Group (Gupta)
Hu Research Laboratory (H-Lab) (Hu)
Hypersonics and Computational Aerodynamics Group (Zhong)
INFEWS (Pilon)
Laser Spectroscopy and Gas Dynamics Laboratory (Spearrin)
Living Soft Material Engineering Laboratory (Lin Lab) (Lin)
Mechanics of Soft Materials Laboratory (Jin)
Mechatronics and Controls Laboratory (Tsao)
Micro and Nano Manufacturing Laboratory (Kim)
Modeling of Complex Thermal Systems (Lavine)
Morrin-Gier-Martinelli Heat Transfer Memorial Laboratory (Pilon)
Multiscale Thermosciences Lab (MTSL) (Ju)
Nanoscale Materials and Devices Laboratory (Davoyan)
Nanoscale Transport Research Group (NTRG) (Fisher)
Optofluidics Systems Laboratory (Chiou)
Pilon Research Group (Pilon)
Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory (RoMeLa (Hong)
Scifacturing Laboratory (Li)
Sensors and Instrumentation Laboratory (M’Closkey)
Simulations of Flow Physics and Acoustics Laboratory (Eldredge)
Smart Grid Energy Research Center (SMERC) (Gadh)
Structures-Computer Interaction Laboratory (Jawed)

Active Materials Laboratory

Gregory P. Carman, Director

The Active Materials Laboratory contains equipment to evaluate the coupled response of materials such as piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, shape memory alloys, and fiber-optic sensors. The laboratory has manufacturing facilities to fabricate magnetostrictive composites and thin film shape memory alloys. Testing active material systems is performed on one of four servo-hydraulic load frames in the lab. All of the load frames are equipped with thermal chambers, solenoids, and electrical power supplies.

Advanced Space Systems and Propulsion Laboratory (Davoyan)

Artur Davoyan, Director

The Advanced Space Systems and Propulsion Laboratory is developing new approaches for fast, low cost and easy to access exploration of space. The Laboratory examines breakthrough propulsion concepts, including beamed energy propulsion, solar sailing and explores fundamental physics of travel in space. The Laboratory also leads several mission studies aimed at transforming the way space is explored today. Topics include light-materials interaction, development of novel high-temperature and light-weight materials for spacecraft, ultralight deployable architectures, mission analysis, spacecraft design, orbital dynamics, and spacecraft controls.

Anatomical Engineering Group

Tyler R. Clites, Director

The Anatomical Engineering Group researches anatomics, the coengineering of body and machine in pursuit of synergistic bionic performance. The research combines surgical and mechanical design to codevelop body and machine. The long-term goal of the work is to transform the field of human rehabilitation and augmentation by making anatomics a fundamental tenet of bionic development.

Autonomous Vehicle Systems Instrumentation Laboratory (AVSIL)

Jason L. Speyer, Director

AVSIL is a testbed for design, building, evaluation, and testing of hardware instrumentation and coordination algorithms for multiple vehicle autonomous systems. AVSIL contains a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulator—designed and built at UCLA—that allows for real-time, systems-level tests of two formation control computer systems in a laboratory environment, using the Interstate Electronics Corporation GPS Satellite Constellation Simulator. The UCLA flight control software can be modified to accommodate satellite-system experiments using real-time software, GPS receivers, and intervehicle modem communication.

Biomechatronics Laboratory

Veronica J. Santos, Director

The Biomechatronics Laboratory is dedicated to improving quality of life by enhancing the functionality of artificial hands and their control in human-machine systems. The research is advancing the design and control of human-machine systems as well as autonomous robotic systems. Current research projects involve human biomechanics, tactile sensing, control of robotic systems, and machine learning.

Bionics Laboratory

Jacob Rosen, Director

The Bionics Laboratory performs research at the interface between robotics, biological systems, and medicine. Primary research fields are medical robotics and biorobotics, including surgical robotics; and wearable robotics as they apply to human motor control, neural control, human- and brain-machine interfaces, motor control (stroke) rehabilitation, brain plasticity, haptics, virtual reality, tele-operation, and biomechanics (full-body kinematics and dynamics, and soft/hard tissues biomechanics).

Boiling Heat Transfer Laboratory

Vijay K. Dhir, Director

The Boiling Heat Transfer Laboratory performs experimental and computational studies of phase-change phenomena. It is equipped with various flow loops, state-of-the-art data acquisition systems, holography, high-speed imaging systems, and a gamma densitometer.

Center for Translational Applications of Nanoscale Multiferroic Systems (TANMS)

Gregory P. Carman, Director

TANMS is a multi-institutional engineering research center (ERC) focused on research, technology translation, and education associated with magnetism on the small scale. The TANMS vision is to develop a fundamentally new approach that couples electricity to magnetism using engineered nanoscale multiferroic elements, to enable increased energy efficiency, reduced physical size, and increased power output in consumer electronics. This new approach overcomes scaling limitations present Oersted’s magnetism control discovery of 1820. TANMS goal is to translate its research discoveries to industry while seamlessly integrating a cradle-to-career education philosophy involving its students, and future engineers, in unique research and entrepreneurial experiences.

Chen’s Intelligence Laboratory

Yong Chen, Director

Chen’s Intelligence Laboratory: Computers have led to an information revolution and artificial intelligent systems that simulate the learning functions of the human brain. The world’s fastest supercomputer, Summit, may have a computing capacity comparable to that of the human brain. However, Summit consumes the equivalent power of 7000 homes (~15 MW), and the brain only consumes a power of a light bulb (~20 W). Computers execute algorithms on physically separated logic and memory units in digital serial mode, which fundamentally restrains computers from handling “big data” efficiently in complex dynamic environments, and limits the developments of emerging intelligent systems such as self-piloted unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). By contrast, the brain simultaneously processes and learns from “big data” via trillions of synapses and neurons in analog parallel mode, and facilitates parallel processing and real-time learning with an energy efficiency more than five orders of magnitude superior to that of the supercomputer.

Collaborative Center for Aerospace Sciences (CCAS)

Ann R. Karagozian, Director

CCAS is a multi- and trans-disciplinary research center focused on fundamental and applied basic studies relevant to aerospace systems. Research projects that broadly span the computational and experimental arenas are conducted at UCLA and at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RQR) at Edwards Air Force Base, about 90 miles northeast of campus. UCLA faculty, students, and postdoctoral researchers collaborate with AFRL scientists and engineers on high-impact problems to advance U.S. capabilities in aerospace systems.

Complex Fluids and Interfacial Physics Laboratory

H. Pirouz Kavehpour, Director

The Complex Fluids and Interfacial Physics Laboratory is multidisciplinary, with areas of research ranging from rheology of biofluids to energy storage. The group is directed towards development of fundamental engineering and scientific knowledge.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (Taira Lab)

Kunihiko (Sam) Taira, Director

The Computational Fluid Dynamics Laboratory studies a variety of fluid mechanics problems with research interests in the areas of computational fluid dynamics, flow control, data science, network theory, and unsteady aerodynamics. The studies leverage numerical simulations performed on high-performance computers.

Cybernetic Control Laboratory (CyCLab)

Tetsuya Iwasaki, Director

CyCLab investigates the neuronal mechanisms for information processing and learning. It also develops fundamental theories for analysis and design of dynamical feedback systems, with applications to bioinspired robotic vehicles, assistive devices for human movements, and neurorehabilitation after spinal cord injury.

Design and Manufacturing Laboratory

The laboratory offers an environment for synergistic integration of design and manufacturing. Available equipment includes four CNC machines, two rapid-prototyping systems, coordinate measuring, X-ray radiography, robots with vision systems, audiovisual equipment, and a distributed network of more than 30 workstations.

Dynamic Nucleic Acid Systems Laboratory

Elisa Franco, Director

The Dynamic Nucleic Acid Systems Laboratory develops mathematical models and experimental platforms to build adaptive and dynamic biological devices using DNA, RNA, and proteins. The results have applications in materials science, nanotechnology, and synthetic biology.

Energy and Propulsion Research Laboratory

Ann R. Karagozian, Director

The Energy and Propulsion Research Laboratory applies modem diagnostic methods and computational tools to the development of advanced rocket and airbreathing propulsion as well as energy systems. Research involves applications of fundamental fluid mechanics, combustion chemistry, dynamical systems, and optics.

Flexible Research Group

Jonathan B. Hopkins, Director

The Flexible Research Group is dedicated to the design and fabrication of flexible structures, mechanisms, and materials that achieve extraordinary capabilities. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art synthesis tools, optimization software, and a number of commercial and custom-developed additive fabrication technologies for fabricating complex flexible structures at the macro- to nano-scales.

Fusion Science and Technology Center

Mohamed A. Abdou, Director

The Fusion Science and Technology Center includes experimental facilities for conducting research in fusion science and engineering, and multiple scientific disciplines in thermofluids, thermomechanics, heat/mass transfer, and materials interactions. The center includes experimental facilities for liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic fluid flow, thick and thin liquid metal systems exposed to intense particle and heat flux loads, and metallic and ceramic material thermomechanics.

Gupta Laboratory Group

Vijay Gupta, Director

The Gupta Laboratory Group specializes in a wide variety of engineering disciplines. These topics include:

Laser Generated Flyer Plate Impacts
Photonic Doppler Velocimetry (PDV)
Mechanics of Nanostructures
Blast Pressure Tests on Polymers
Adhesion Tests of Living Cancer Cells
Laser generated Shockwaves and Ultra-high Strain Rate in Materials
– Microelectronic Packaging Systems
Structural Analysis of Nanoporous Materials
– Pattern transfer in MEMS
– Biological Film Delamination/Destruction
Sports Biomechanics
Impact Mitigation and Testing
– Modeling of Mechanical Systems (Elastic and Viscoelastic)
Nanofabrication: Focussed Ion Beam (FIB)
Nanocharacterization: Electron Microscopy(SEM, TEM, HRTEM)
– Applied Optics and Interferometry
– Joint Design and Characterization

These are just a few areas of research we are interested in. Please feel free to browse our laboratory website, and learn a little bit about what we do here at UCLA.

Hu Research Laboratory (H-Lab)

Yongjie Hu, Director

H-Lab is focused on understanding and engineering fundamental transport phenomena and new materials for wide applications including energy conversion, storage, aerospace, electronics, thermal management, micro/nano sensors, and biomedical devices. The laboratory uses a variety of experimental and theoretical techniques to investigate nanoscale transport processes and develop device applications, with a particular emphasis on design, chemical synthesis, and manufacturing of advanced materials, ultrafast optical spectroscopy, pulsed electronics, thermal spectral mapping techniques, ab initio calculations, and atomistic modeling.

Hypersonics and Computational Aerodynamics Group

Xiaolin Zhong, Director

The Hypersonics and Computational Aerodynamics Group primarily focuses on fundamental physics-based research of hypersonic flows using advanced numerical tools; and application of discovered fundamental knowledge to real-world aerospace systems, such as development of hypersonic planes and space vehicles. Its main research areas are computational fluid dynamics (CFD), hypersonic flows, instability and transition of hypersonic boundary layers, interaction of strong shocks and turbulence, and numerical simulation of wave energy harvesting.

INFEWS

Laurent Pilon, Director

NRT-INFEWS: Integrated Urban Solutions for Food, Energy, and Water Management combines research, education, and communication training to educate future leaders towards delivering comprehensive solutions to food, energy, and water systems (FEWS) challenges in urban systems under the pressures of global climate change. This program is unique in its focus on addressing the critical interdependence among food, energy, and water in the urban environment. We propose to train students in cutting-edge science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) research and education as well as to analyze scientific and technological advancements from economic, policy, and legal points of view. This integrated interdisciplinary training is designed towards the delivery and implementation of innovative and game-changing science and technologies with local and global applications in industrialized and developing nations.

Laser Spectroscopy and Gas Dynamics Laboratory

Raymond M. Spearrin, Director

The Laser Spectroscopy and Gas Dynamics Laboratory conducts research driven by applications in propulsion and energy, with extensions to health and environment. Laboratory activities are united by a core focus in experimental thermofluids and applied spectroscopy. Projects commonly span fundamental spectroscopy science to design and deployment of prototype sensors to investigate dynamic flow-fields.

Living Soft Material Engineering Laboratory (Lin Lab)

Yen-Chih (Neil) Lin, Director

Lin Lab research looks at developing 3D biological tissues that mimic the geometric structure, mechanical properties, and functionality of human organs. Major research focuses include development of live cell imaging tools, cell mechanics measurements, and tissue manufacturing methods. This research could lead to detailed and complex model tissues for drug screening; and ultimately, artificial organs that could be transplanted into humans.

Mechanics of Soft Materials Laboratory

Lihua Jin, Director

The Mechanics of Soft Materials Laboratory investigates the fundamental physics and mechanics of soft materials, such as their constitutive relation, nonlinear deformation, instability, and fracture. The laboratory also strives to develop new materials, structures, and functions for soft robotics and stretchable electronics.

Mechatronics and Controls Laboratory

Tsu-Chin Tsao, Director

The Mechatronics and Controls Laboratory conducts research in theory and innovation in dynamic systems, controls, mechatronics, and robotics. It creates high-performance systems with novel sensors, actuators, and real-time digital signal processing and embedded control. Applications include precision motion and vibration control, manufacturing equipment and processes, medical devices, and robots.

Micro and Nano Manufacturing Laboratory

Chang-Jin (CJ) Kim, Director

The Micro and Nano Manufacturing Laboratory explores physical phenomena unique in submillimeter scale, and utilizes microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies to advance important knowledge and create useful applications. Surface tension is one such phenomenon, which led to cutting-edge discoveries and revolutionary applications, some commercialized. Research themes include electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD), electrodewetting, droplets and bubbles, and superhydrophobic surfaces; and application areas include droplet (digital) microfluidics, micro fuel cells, and drag reduction of liquid flows. Typical research starts with a novel concept, and completes with application devices of commercial implication. The laboratory has various equipment to complement the Nanolab (e.g., fume hood, modular cleanroom, environment chambers, probe stations, microscopes, dicing saw, electroplating setup, and interference lithography); and facilitate dragreduction research (e.g., water tunnel and molding setup), including a 13-foot motorboat at a local marina.

Modeling of Complex Thermal Systems Laboratory

Adrienne G. Lavine, Director

The Modeling of Complex Thermal Systems Laboratory addresses a variety of systems in which heat transfer plays an important role. Thermal aspects of  these systems are coupled with other physical phenomena such as mechanical or electrical behavior. Modeling tools range from analytical to custom computer codes to commercial software.

Morrin-Gier-Martinelli Heat Transfer Memorial Laboratory

Laurent G. Pilon, Director

The Morrin-Gier-Martinelli Heat Transfer Memorial Laboratory is engaged in a broad range of interdisciplinary research projects at the intersection of interfacial and transport phenomena, radiation transfer, material science, and biology for sustainable solar energy conversion; waste heat energy harvesting; electrical energy storage; and energy efficient buildings. The laboratory features state-of-the-art equipment for material synthesis and characterization such as glove boxes and high-temperature furnaces, potentiostats, calorimeters, and thermal conductivity analyzers. It is also equipped with a full set of instruments for optical characterization of solids, liquids, and suspensions from ultraviolet to infrared wavelengths (e.g., spectrometers, lasers, and detection systems). The laboratory also has various instrumented flow loops
for rheological and convective heat transfer experiments with complex fluids.

Multiscale Thermosciences Laboratory (MTSL)

Y. Sungtaek Ju, Director

MTSL is focused on heat and mass transfer phenomena at the nano- to macro-scales. A wide variety of applications are explored, including novel materials and devices for energy conversion; combined cooling, heating, and power generation; thermal management of electronics and buildings; energy-water nexus; and biomedical MEMS/NEMS devices.

Nanoscale Materials and Devices Laboratory (Davoyan)

Artur Davoyan, Director

The Nanoscale Materials and Devices Laboratory explores new methods of controlling light, heat and electric current flow with nanostructured and architectured materials for sustainable energy and communications applications. In the context of sustainable energy the laboratory examines new structures for solar light trapping, energy conversion, radiative cooling and greenhouse gas mitigation. In the area of communications we aim to create new optoelectronic architectures for ultrafast computing. Topics include phased arrays for beam steering, 2D materials and van der Waals materials, optoelectronic devices, nanomaterials.

Nanoscale Transport Research Group (NTRG)

Timothy S. Fisher, Director

The Nanoscale Transport Research Group works on a broad range of problems, primarily involving transport processes by electrons, phonons, photons, and fluids. It seeks to solve problems with high importance to applications in energy transport, conversion, and storage, that are relevant to major industrial segments (aerospace, micro/nanoelectronics, and sensors). The laboratory solves these problems through a holistic, balanced approach that spans nanomaterial synthesis, basic material characterization and modeling, and functional characterization and simulation. The group includes the Center for Integrated Thermal Management of Aerospace Vehicles (CITMAV), which develops new solutions to highly transient transport problems that occur in aerospace applications.

Optofluidics Systems Laboratory

Eric Pei-Yu Chiou, Director

The Optofluidics Systems Laboratory develops heterogeneously integrated functional devices and systems for biomedical applications. Research areas include integrated photonics and fluidics devices; 3D micro- and nano-manufacturing technologies; and flexible mechanical, photonics, and electronics systems.

Pilon Research Group

Laurent G. Pilon, Director

The Pilon Research Group researches photobiological fuel production, mesoporous materials, electrochemical capacitors, waste heat energy harvesting, foams/microfoams, biomedical optics, and energy efficiency.

Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory (RoMeLa)

Dennis W. Hong, Director

RoMeLa is a facility for robotics research and education with an emphasis on studying humanoid robots and novel mobile robot locomotion strategies. Research is in the areas of robot locomotion and manipulation, soft actuators, platform design, kinematics and mechanisms, and autonomous systems. RoMeLa is active in research-based international robotics competitions, winning numerous prizes including third place in the DARPA Urban Challenge. The laboratory also took first place in the RoboCup international autonomous robot soccer competition (kid-size and adult-size humanoid divisions), and was world champion five times in a row. It also brought the prestigious Louis Vuitton Cup Best Humanoid award to the U.S. for the first time, and most recently was one of six Track A teams chosen to participate in the DARPA Robotics Challenge disaster response robot competition.

Scifacturing Laboratory

Xiaochun Li, Director

The Scifacturing Laboratory furnishes a creative, interdisciplinary platform for science-driven manufacturing (scifacturing) as the next level of manufacturing. It seeks to enable application of physics and chemistry to empower breakthroughs in manufacturing. The laboratory links molecular, nano-, and micro-scale knowledge to scalable processes/systems in manufacturing and materials processing. Current focus areas include scale-up nanomanufacturing, solidification nanoprocessing of supermaterials with dense nanoparticles, structurally integrated micro- and nano-systems (especially sensors and actuators) for manufacturing, clean energy and biomedical manufacturing, meso/micro 3D printing, and laser materials processing.

Sensors and Instrumentation Laboratory

Robert T. M’Closkey, Director

The Sensors and Instrumentation Laboratory focuses on the design, fabrication, modeling, and testing of microscale sensors, notably coriolis vibratory gyroscopes. The laboratory offers the opportunity to conduct leading-edge analytical and experimental research in state-of-the-art facilities.

Simulations of Flow Physics and Acoustics Laboratory (SOFiA)

Jeffrey D. Eldredge, Director

The SOFIA Laboratory explores a wide variety of phenomena that occur in fluid flows in nature and technology. It investigates low-order modeling of unsteady aerodynamics of agile, bio-inspired, micro-air vehicles; microparticle manipulation by viscous streaming; the fluid dynamics of biological and biologically-inspired locomotion; interactions of fluid flows with flexible surfaces; transitional and turbulent hypersonic boundary layer flows; vortex estimation techniques for autonomous control of formation flight; and new computational tools for simulation of biomedical flows.

Smart Grid Energy Research Center (SMERC)

Rajit Gadh, Director

SMERC performs research; creates innovations; and demonstrates advanced Internet-of-things, sense-and-control technologies, and data-enabled machine learning to enable development of the next-generation electric utility grid—the smart grid. SMERC also furnishes thought leadership through its ESmart Consortium between utilities, government, policy makers, technology providers, electric vehicle manufacturers, energy technology companies, Department of Energy research laboratories, and universities, so as to collectively work on envisioning, planning, and executing the smart grid of the future. This grid will enable integration of renewable energy sources. It will also reduce losses; improve efficiencies; increase grid flexibility; allow for integration of electric and autonomous vehicles; reduce power outages; allow for competitive energy pricing; and overall become more responsive to market, consumer, and societal needs. SMERC is currently working on electric vehicle integration (G2V and V2G), automated demand response (ADR), microgrids, distributed energy resources, renewable integration, battery energy storage integration, and autonomous vehicle infrastructure.

Structures-Computer Interaction Laboratory

Khalid Jawed, Director

The Structures-Computer Interaction Laboratory employs a data-driven approach to the modeling and design of programmable smart structures. Primary tools include collaborative robots, automation, numerical simulation, and machine learning.