Department of Mathematical and Design Engineering Gifu University

Fumio FUJII (Professor)

Mechanics is certainly one of the most important prerequisites for engineering disciplines and widely applicable in industry and computational mechanics is in fact a powerful and useful engineering tool.
This subject might be, however, tough for young students, due to hardly understandable equations and theories. The major purpose in computational mechanics course is, therefore, to interest the future engineers in nonlinear problems in our everyday life. Computed results will be visualized to enjoy movies.
"Mechanics with Fun" is the first step to motivate the students to study computational mechanics with interest.
Keywords of research interests: FIFA World Cup Mechanics, Marilyn Monroe, Fishnet Casting, Domino Mechanics, Self-Excited Oscillation, Woodpecker, Nonlinear Dynamics, Contact Mechanics, Stability Concept, Dynamic Buckling, Robotics, Soft Mechanics for Textiles, Wine Glass and Tablecloth, Sports Mechanics¡¤Toy Mechanics etc.

Motohisa HIRANO (Professor)

Atomistics of Friction:
When we think about frictioan, we usually think about the drag produced when two objects rub against each other. In industrial technology, friction is at times the force used to stop something, and at times, a problem to be prevented. Objects come in conrtact, and friction results. Scientists have long been intrigued by this phenomenon of friction, and have recently made some new discoveries. Scientists have examined the friction phenomenon on the atomic scale, and have found cases in which zero-friction (superlubricity) can be produced.

 

Takahiro NITTA (Assistant Professor)

Development of computer simulation tools for microdevices powered by motor proteins and gliding bacteria:
We are developing computer simulation methods which assist in designing of microdevices, such as Lab-on-a-Chip devices or micromachines, powered by motor proteins and gliding bacteria. Currently, microdevices powered by motor proteins or gliding bacteria are designed and fabricated by experimental trial-and-error. We are aiming at making the design and fabrication processes efficient through the development of the computer simulations.
In situ observation of frictional interface and dry friction dynamics:
We are performing in situ observations of frictional interfaces between rubber and glass surface. By knowing what¡Çs going on at the interfaces, we are aiming at understanding dry friction dynamics, and controlling macroscopic sliding friction.