The AMCODE Lab conducts research at the intersection of additive manufacturing, composite structures, and design engineering for aerospace and advanced manufacturing applications. Our work focuses on developing technologies that are not only novel, but also manufacturable, repairable, inspectable, and relevant to real engineering systems.
The lab’s research portfolio connects materials, processes, automation, digital manufacturing, and systems design. Projects range from continuous fiber additive manufacturing and large-format composite tooling to thermoplastic composite joining, automated repair, CubeSat development, and design-build-test aerospace systems.
Lab Focus
AMCODE research is organized around 3 connected areas:
Additive Manufacturing
We develop additive manufacturing methods for aerospace structures, composite tooling, repair, and process automation. Current work includes continuous fiber 3D printing, robotic large-format extrusion, pellet-based additive manufacturing, process monitoring, and digital-twin-enabled manufacturing workflows.
Composite Research
We study composite materials and structures with emphasis on thermoplastic composites, induction welding, repair, impact damage, structural performance, multifunctional composites, and aerospace tooling. A major objective is to improve how composite structures are manufactured, joined, inspected, repaired, and sustained.
Design Engineering
We apply design engineering methods to aerospace systems, aircraft design, CubeSats, robotic manufacturing, and repair workflows. This work emphasizes design for manufacturing, design for repair, trade studies, prototyping, and validation of systems that must operate under real constraints.
Publications and Technical Outputs
AMCODE research produces peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, patents, technical demonstrations, student-led projects, and externally funded research outcomes. Publications and technical outputs reflect the lab’s emphasis on practical aerospace manufacturing, composite structures, repair technologies, and design methods.
Research Philosophy
The lab prioritizes research that bridges the gap between early-stage concepts and deployable engineering capability. We are especially interested in problems where manufacturing constraints, material behavior, automation, structural performance, and lifecycle sustainment must be considered together.
Our goal is to train students and develop technologies that advance aerospace manufacturing and structural systems from concept to prototype, from prototype to validated process, and from validated process toward practical implementation.