Educational Impact of the NSF State/Industry/University Cooperative Research Center on Low-Cost, High-Speed Polymer Composites Processing at Michigan State University

The National Science Foundation (NSF) State of Michigan/Industry/University Cooperative Research Center on Low-Cost, High-Speed Polymer Composites Processing at Michigan State University (MSU) is in its seventh year of operation. The objectives of the Center are the design, development and deployment of technology to reduce the cost of polymer composites processing by a) developing new high speed processing technologies, b) reducing costs of components, and c) reducing the time to implement new composite designs and processes using knowledgebased systems. To meet these objectives, the center has established 1) a basic “core” research program in the five selected thrust areas, 2) a “core” technology transfer program, 3) “non-core” research and development programs, and 4) interactions with small and large companies. The major benefits of this program are to 1) integrate into and increase the use of polymer composites in Michigan and near-by states, 2) expedite the deployment of new polymer composites processing technology nationwide and 3) increase the number of engineers with education specific to polymer composites processing. Researchers at Michigan State University are conducting this multidisciplinary program in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Delaware, and the University of Michigan. Significant accomplishments have been made in fundamental research, education and technology transfer in the areas of novel processing, liquid molding, thermoplastics processing, intelligent modeling of processes for design and manufacturing, and interphases and joining. The Center has become well known and respected for its work in composites processing based on the productivity of the faculty and student participants in the Center, and with substantive input from industrial participants. The graduate students who are involved in the Center play an integral role in the research and at the same time are being educated in a nontraditional manner. Students conduct research and take regular courses for their degrees; however, they are also involved with their advisors and industrial monitors as part of the Center's research team. They not only receive feedback from their advisors on the content and quality of the research but from the industrial monitors on its direction and pace. Because of the role of industry in sponsoring and selecting research projects, students also develop economic, marketing and manufacturing skills as part of their training. The Center has actively pursued the development and delivery of educational materials in the field of polymer composites processing. Courses in polymer composites processing have been developed and are regularly offered. A hands-on workshop for industry has been developed and offered in which lecture and laboratory are combined using Center facilities. Two new initiatives started at the Center, the General Electric/General Motors National Institute of Standards & Technology Advanced Technology Program on Thermoplastic Engineering Design and the Technology Reinvestment Project (TRP) Manufacturing Education and Training (MET) Program in Composite Materials for the Department of Defense and Durable Goods Industries contribute significantly to the integration and synergy of education and research at the Center. Within these initiatives engineering design manuals, video modules, teaching laboratories, and computer software tutorials are being developed. Using Computer Technology to