Introduction

Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular scale, typically within the range of 1 to 100 nanometers. In mechanical engineering, nanotechnology plays a crucial role in developing advanced materials and systems with superior properties, enabling innovations in manufacturing, materials science, energy storage, and sensors. The integration of nanomaterials and nano-enabled devices in mechanical systems enhances performance, durability, efficiency, and reliability in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and renewable energy.

This course focuses on how nanotechnology is revolutionizing mechanical engineering, providing participants with the skills and knowledge needed to apply nanomaterials and nanodevices in real-world engineering applications. Participants will explore the fundamental principles of nanomaterials, nano-fabrication techniques, and their integration into mechanical systems.

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the basic principles and applications of nanotechnology in the context of mechanical engineering.
2. Learn about nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and quantum dots, and their impact on material properties.
3. Gain insights into nano-fabrication techniques, including top-down and bottom-up approaches.
4. Study the role of nanotechnology in the development of advanced coatings, smart materials, and nano-composites for mechanical systems.
5. Explore the application of nanotechnology in energy harvesting, nano-sensors, and mechanical actuators.
6. Learn about the use of nanotechnology for enhancing the performance of tribological systems, wear resistance, and lubrication.
7. Gain a comprehensive understanding of nano-mechanics and how nano-scale phenomena affect the behavior of materials and structures.
8. Understand the safety, ethical considerations, and challenges in the application of nanotechnology in mechanical engineering.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Mechanical Engineers looking to expand their knowledge of nanotechnology applications in engineering.
• Materials Scientists and Nanotechnologists involved in the development of nanomaterials and their integration into mechanical systems.
• Product Development Engineers and Design Engineers working with advanced materials and nano-enabled devices.
• Aerospace Engineers, Automotive Engineers, and Biomedical Engineers interested in the latest advancements in material technology.
• R&D Engineers in industries such as electronics, energy, biotechnology, and manufacturing.
• Students and Graduates pursuing careers in nanotechnology, mechanical engineering, or material science.
• Manufacturing Engineers interested in integrating nanotechnology into industrial processes and production.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Nanotechnology in Mechanical Engineering

• Morning Session:

  1. Overview of Nanotechnology: Basic Principles, History, and Emerging Trends
  2. Nanomaterials: Types, Properties, and Applications in Mechanical Engineering
  3. Nano-mechanics: Mechanical Behavior of Materials at the Nano-scale
  4. Size-dependent Properties: How the Behavior of Materials Changes at the Nanoscale

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Introduction to Nano-fabrication: Top-Down vs Bottom-Up Approaches
  2. Nanostructures: Understanding Nanotubes, Nanowires, Nanoparticles, and Nanofilms
  3. The Role of Nanotechnology in Mechanical Engineering: Applications in Advanced Materials, Energy, and Sensors
  4. Hands-On Exercise: Visualizing Nanoscale Materials with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

Day 2: Nanomaterials in Mechanical Engineering

• Morning Session:

  1. Carbon Nanomaterials: Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), Graphene, and Fullerenes in Engineering Applications
  2. Nanocomposites: Nanotube-reinforced Materials, Polymer Nanocomposites, and Ceramic Nanocomposites
  3. Properties of Nanomaterials: Strength, Conductivity, Elasticity, and Durability
  4. Quantum Dots: Properties and Applications in Sensing, Optoelectronics, and Catalysis

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Nanomaterials for Tribological Applications: Wear Resistance, Friction Reduction, and Lubrication
  2. Nanocoatings: Superhydrophobic, Anti-corrosion, and Wear-resistant Coatings
  3. Nanostructured Metals: Improving Strength, Fatigue Resistance, and Corrosion Resistance
  4. Hands-On Exercise: Analyzing Nanocomposite Properties Using Simulation Tools

Day 3: Nano-Fabrication Techniques and Integration

• Morning Session:

  1. Top-Down Fabrication: Lithography, Micro-manipulation, and Etching Techniques
  2. Bottom-Up Fabrication: Self-assembly, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), and Molecular Beam Epitaxy
  3. Nanolithography: Techniques for Patterning Nanoscale Structures on Surfaces
  4. Integration of Nanomaterials in Mechanical Systems: Challenges and Solutions

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Nanostructure Assembly: Methods for Assembling Nano-components into Functional Systems
  2. Nano-joining: Techniques for Joining Nanoscale Materials in Mechanical Devices
  3. Case Study: Integrating Nanomaterials in Mechanical Design for Aerospace or Automotive Applications
  4. Hands-On Exercise: Fabricating a Simple Nanostructure using Nano-fabrication Methods

Day 4: Nanotechnology Applications in Mechanical Engineering

• Morning Session:

  1. Nano-sensors: Applications in Structural Health Monitoring, Vibration Sensing, and Pressure Measurement
  2. Nano-actuators: Design of Nanoscale Actuators for Precision Control in Robotics and Aerospace
  3. Energy Harvesting: Nano-enabled Materials for Energy Storage, Supercapacitors, and Batteries
  4. Nanotechnology in Renewable Energy: Enhancing Efficiency with Photovoltaic Cells and Fuel Cells

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Nano-coatings for Corrosion Protection and Self-healing Surfaces
  2. Nanomechanics in Materials Design: Applying Nanotechnology to Improve Structural Components
  3. Application of Graphene in Thermal Management and Conductive Composites
  4. Hands-On Exercise: Design a Nano-enhanced Mechanical Component (e.g., Gear or Bearing) for Improved Performance

Day 5: Safety, Ethical Considerations, and Future Trends

• Morning Session:

  1. Safety Concerns in Nanotechnology: Nanotoxicology, Risk Assessment, and Environmental Impact
  2. Regulations and Standards: Ensuring Safe Development and Use of Nanomaterials
  3. Ethical Issues in Nanotechnology: Privacy Concerns, Sustainability, and Intellectual Property
  4. Case Study: Real-World Applications of Nanotechnology in Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace, Automotive, etc.)

• Afternoon Session:

  1. The Future of Nanotechnology in Mechanical Engineering: Opportunities and Challenges
  2. Cutting-edge Trends in Nano-enabled Devices and Smart Materials
  3. Final Project: Design a Nanotechnology-based Solution for a Real-World Mechanical Engineering Challenge (Energy, Structural Health, or Tribology)
  4. Review and Q&A Session

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Nanotechnology in Mechanical Engineering. This certification will demonstrate the participant’s proficiency in applying nanotechnology to enhance mechanical systems and materials, positioning them to tackle the challenges of modern engineering.

For those who show exceptional skill in hands-on projects or the final design challenge, a Certification of Excellence will be awarded.