RESEARCH SUMMARY

• Professor Özel's research interests include advanced manufacturing , additive manufacturing, automation and AI in manufacturing, digital twin in manufacturing, laser processing, physics-informed machine learning, micro-manufacturing, precision machining, predictive process modeling, process sensing and monitoring, physics-based process simulations, and process optimization and manufacturing decision making. Professor Özel's research has been well funded (over $1 million as sole or lead-PI) by the National Science Foundation, Department of Commerce-National Institute of Standards and Technology, NASA/New Jersey Space Grant Consortium, Taiho Koygo Tribology Research Foundation and industry (e.g. United Technologies Research Center, 3-M Research & Development Center). His collaborative projects were funded nearly $2 million from various sources as well and provided funding visiting scholars to conduct collaborative international research at Rutgers Manufacturing & Automation Research Laboratory under Professor Özel's supervision.

• At Rutgers, Professor Özel has received several prestigious federal grant awards including 4 awards from National Science Foundation, 1 award from National Institute of Standards and Technology, 1 award from NASA Space Grant, and 2 grants from Taiho Kogyo Tribology Research Foundation and industry (e.g. United Technologies, 3M Company) totaling over $1 million as sole- Principal Investigator. He also participated in a European Commission Research Directorate grant ($900K) for international research exchange for biomedical devices design, prototyping and manufacturing which allowed him to host visiting scholars and advising visiting students as a thesis committee member.

• Please visit MARLAB Research Projects for more information.

RESEARCH TOPICS

• Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Manufacturing, Smart Manufacturing, AI Manufacturing
• Additive Manufacturing (Metals and Polymers), Hybrid Manufacturing Processes
• Physics-informed Machine Learning
• Biomanufacturing and 3D Printing
• High Speed Machining of Aerospace Alloys and Composites
• Precision Machining and Surface Integrity
• Laser Processing (LIPSS) and Laser Micromachining
• Micro/Nano-Manufacturing and Process Control
• Process Sensing, Monitoring and Control
• Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization
• Mechatronics, Automation, and Control Systems

SELECTED EXTERNAL FUNDING AWARDED 

• Taiho Kogyo Tribology Research Foundation (TTRF), "Cubic Boron Nitrite (cBN) Curvilinear Micro-textured Cutting Tool Surfaces for High Performance Machining, 07/02/2019 - 07/01/2020,  $27,790, T. zel (Sole-PI).

• 3M Company Research & Development,  Corporate grant agreement, 10/01/2020-09/14/2021, T. zel (Sole-PI).

• 3M Company Research & Development,  Corporate grant agreement, 10/01/2019-09/14/2020, T. zel (Sole-PI).

• 3M Company Research & Development,  Corporate grant agreement, 10/01/2018-09/14/2019, T. zel (Sole-PI).

• 3M Company Research & Development,  Corporate grant agreement, 10/01/2017-09/14/2018, T. zel (Sole-PI).

• Taiho Kogyo Tribology Research Foundation (TTRF), "Measurement and Identification of Variable Friction on Micro-Textured Tungsten Carbide Cutting Tool Surfaces in High Speed Machining, 07/01/2017 - 06/30/2018,  $30,000, T. zel (Sole-PI).

• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Predictive Modeling for Laser Based Powder Metal Additive Manufacturing of Nickel-Based Alloyed Parts,  Measurement Science and Engineering, 07/01/2014 - 06/30/2015 (extended to 06/31/2016, $99,417, T. zel (Sole-PI).

• National Science Foundation, Predictive Modeling and Optimization of Machining Induced Surface Integrity with Applications in Titanium and Nickel-Based Alloyed End Products, CMMI, Manufacturing Machines and Equipment, $388K, 2011-2014 (extended 2015), T. zel (sole PI).

• National Science Foundation, EAGER: Pulsed Laser Assisted Exfoliation of Single Crystalline SiC Thin Layers for Cost Effective Micro-Device Fabrication, CMMI, Materials Processing and Manufacturing, $130K, 2011-2012, T. zel (PI) and G. Celler (co-PI).

• European Commission Research Directorate-General, FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IRSES, International Research Exchange For Biomedical Devices Design, Prototyping and Manufacturing, J. Ciurana- Univ. Girona, Spain (PI), E. Ceretti- Univ. Bresca, Italy (co-PI), P. Bartolo- Inst. Polytech. Leira (co-PI), C. Rodriguez- Tech Monterrey, Mexico (co-PI), J.V. Lopes De Silva CTIR, Brazil (co-PI), T. zel (co-PI), 745,200 (04/01/2010- 03/31/2014).

• National Science Foundation, REU, Collaborative Research: Improving Machinability of Titanium Alloys using Physics-based Simulation Modeling, CMMI, Manufacturing Machines and Equipment, 2009-2011, T. zel (sole PI).

• National Science Foundation, Collaborative Research: Improving Machinability of Titanium Alloys using Physics-based Simulation Modeling, CMMI, Manufacturing Machines and Equipment, 2008-2011, T. zel (sole PI).

• United Technologies Research Center, Investigations on Influence of Machining-Induced Strain, Stress and Temperature Fields on White-Etch Layer Formation in IN-100 Super Alloy, Phase I & Phase II,  2007, T. zel (sole PI).