Research Activities

Short Biographical Note:
JOHN R. WAGNER joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Clemson in 1998. He holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo and Purdue University. Dr. Wagner was previously on the engineering staff at Delphi Automotive Systems (formerly Delco Electronics as a subsidiary of General Motors Hughes Electronics) designing, testing, and analyzing automotive electronic control systems. During this period, he held a variety of technical positions including powertrain/chassis project engineer, hardware-in-the-loop group leader, and supervisor of the electronic spark control (ESC) and advanced knock detection groups. Dr. Wagner’s research interests include nonlinear and intelligent control theory, dynamic system modeling, diagnostic and prognostic strategies, and mechatronic system design with application to transportation and automotive systems. He serves as the faculty advisor for the Clemson University Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) student chapter. Dr. John Wagner is a licensed mechanical engineer and technically consults on a regular basis.

Research Areas:

• Nonlinear and Intelligent Controls: The complexity and sophistication of emerging dynamic systems requires the development of advanced nonlinear and intelligent control strategies. Lyapunov-based adaptive and robust nonlinear control algorithms are under investigation to compensate for system uncertainties. The control algorithms are evaluated through rigorous numerical and experimental testing against prescribed performance requirements.
• Electro-Mechanical System Design: The term “mechatronics” describes the application of sensors, actuators, microprocessors, electronics, and control theory to dynamic systems. A number of engineering and scientific tools exist to model, simulate, analyze, and evaluate the performance of multi-domain systems prior to the fabrication of custom prototypes. Research focuses on the design and control of innovative mechatronic systems with experimental testing.
• Diagnostic and Prognostic Strategies: The growing availability of microprocessor-based control systems offer the potential to attach process diagnostic strategies to detect, isolate, and estimate anomalies with the ultimate goal of system reconfiguration. In addition, prognostic algorithms allow the system's future availability to be forecasted. Research is underway to develop time series diagnostic methodologies, statistical and wavelet prognostic algorithms, and power flow analysis tools.
• Applications - Automotive and Mechatronics Systems: A variety of automotive and mechatronic systems are the focus of controls, design, and health monitoring research. The Automotive Research Laboratory,Driving Simulator Laboratory, Energy System Laboratory, Engineering Technologies Laboratory, Automotive Safety Research Institute, and Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research permit experimental testing. For instance, research on internal combustion engines smart cooling systems, steer-by-wire systems, driving simulators and vehicle chassis control systems have been pursued. These projects emphasize automotive subsystems, mechatronic systems, sensors, actuators, general instrumentation, hydraulics, modeling, simulation, testing, real time data acquisition and control, presentations, and written reports.

 Automotive and Hydraulics Research Laboratory:

The Automotive Research Laboratory (Fluor Daniel Engineering Innovation Building) has over 300 sq ft of floor space supporting research on internal combustion engines, automotive steering systems, and electro-hydraulic systems. The Automotive Cells have the following equipment available to support research: SuperFlow 901 engine dynamometer, International Dyno Corporation Model 500 dynamometer, Electro-Mechanical Micro-Dyn 35 dynamometer, Interro Systems emission gas analyzer, assorted gasoline and diesel engines (Honda 3.8L V6, Ford 4.6L V8, Kohler 674cc, International 6.0L V8, Briggs & Stratton 627cc, Daihatsu 0.697L, Two Stroke), scale thermal test stand, Motec M48 development controller, production controllers, various Omega sensors, and assorted engine sensors and actuators. The Hydraulics Bench is equipped with a Bosch hydraulics pump, two Bosch servo-proportional valves, a Moog servo-valve, assorted sensors, and hydraulic cylinders and motors for chassis control investigations. To support this experimental equipment, the laboratory has three high-end personal computer workstations and a dSPACE based real-time workstation used for data acquisition and control. The Matlab/Simulink software package with Real Time Workshop and AMESim multi-domain computer modeling tools are available.

    
Two and four stroke engines mounted on dynamometers for design control studies

Research team members can complete their experimental builds through the Department of Mechanical Engineering Machine Shop with supporting technicians, the College of Engineering and Science Machine and Electronics Shop with a full-time technical staff, and/or use the available equipment in the Cook Hall student machine shop.

Active torsion bar hydraulic experimental system to minimize the vehicle’s body roll angle

General purpose hydraulics bench with assorted valves, actuators, and sensors

4.6L engine undergoing preparation, and advanced thermal management system components

Hydraulic driven radiator fan for smart thermal management and smart two-way thermostat valve

Driving Simulator Laboratory:

The Driving Simulator Laboratory features over 2,000 sq. ft. of floor space supporting research and development of mechatronic systems, real-time hardware-in-the-loop test settings, and human-interface studies. This lab has the following facility: The Square-D Laboratory includes: yarn balloon test system, web handling system, four-channel signal interface box, and several Quanser MultiQ D/A boards. The Union Camp Laboratory includes: electric actuators, encoders, tachometers, torque meters, signal conditioners, oscilloscopes, multi-meters, function generators, DC-regulated powers supplies, and Techron 2KW linear amplifiers.

Preparation of laboratory steer-by-wire simulator and Professor Wagner with next generation steering simulator

Clemson Engineering Technologies Laboratory:

The Clemson Environmental Technologies Laboratory supports the design, analysis, fabrication, demonstration, and deployment of environmentally beneficial technologies. The CETL provides excellent facilities, experienced and knowledgeable staff, and the licenses and permits needed to conduct R&D on hazardous, radioactive and mixed wastes. Additionally, the CETL acts as a conduit to other university resources and, through collaborative research, to resources at Savannah River Site.

Large barrier door (15,000 lbs) testing for motor drive assembly reliability

Programmable logic conveyor (PLC) material handling system with electric motors and pneumatic actuators

Energy Systems Laboratory:

The Energy Systems Laboratory is a partnership of the South Carolina Institute for Energy Studies and Clemson University Facilities. It is a multi-disciplinary education and research facility focusing on all aspects of energy generation and energy management. The entire Clemson University campus services as the basis for the Energy Systems Laboratory.

Solar Taurus 60 gas turbine and Mercury 50 gas turbine

Custom dual fan forced air combustion furnace to support biomass briquette studies and variable speed traveling grate for briquette burning

Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR):

An automotive research and education campus located in Greenville, South Carolina with world-class engine and chasis dynamometer, and seven post shaker exist to support transportation studies. Research projects and students can be sited at this center to accomplish specific engineering requirements and needs.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Clemson University