INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH
Roderic Lakes, College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison
partial list
Industrial research
Our research group has pursued a variety of short term applications oriented projects as well as longer term innovative projects. Our group works with industry in contexts of contract research, student training, consulting, and other contexts. As for contract research, we are familiar with the confidentiality agreements and intellectual property arrangements usually associated with industrial research. The University and the College of Engineering have appropriate infrastructure for industrial research.
The Wisconsin Research Tax Credit
The State of Wisconsin extends a research tax credit (1983 Act 27) to Wisconsin companies investing in research in Wisconsin. Created in 1983, this research incentive is patterned after the Federal Research Credit.
Details of completed projects, released in accordance with confidentiality agreements, are given in various journal publications referred to elsewhere on this site.
Selected project titles are as follows.
Applications of viscoelastic elastomers in shoes, 1986-88
Advanced holographic optical elements, 1987-93
Novel cellular materials for fasteners, 1989-91
Application of high modulus novel foams in aircraft , 1989-96
Study of cellular solids for aircraft, 1990-93
Optical methods for hard disk testing, 1993-94
Thin holographic diffusers, 1995
Advanced viscoelastic foam for seat cushions, 1997-1999
Microcellular viscoelastic advanced foam, 1998-2000
Advanced foam applications, 2000-2002
Alloy creep, 2000-2008
Polymer viscoelasticity, 2005-2008
Capabilities of our laboratory include the following.
Viscoelastic material characterization from ultrasonic and acoustic ranges to quasistatic. There is no need for time temperature shifts. Characterization of microsamples can be done. Studies can be done above or below ambient temperature.
Development, including design and testing, of novel foams, honeycombs, and composites.
Analysis and experimental testing of cellular solids and composites, and of biomaterials and biological materials.
Holographic deformation analysis.
Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy to determine material properties of compact specimens.