Research and Development

Research and Development at the Faculty of Engineering goes on within six groups: in Construction Engineering, Computer Science, Electro-engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Environmental Energy.

Research and Development (R&D) papers at the Faculty of Engineering are published in major journals (e.g., listed on the ISI index) and show that the department conducts research at a high level of excellence. However, much research and development within the engineering field is of a practical nature, involving patent and property rights. To make this research available also for a larger audience, we try to publish accompanying papers, reports and notes.

Pedagogical research for the engineering environment

Q: Fascination with data and learning: a constructive or destructive togetherness?

Being an engineering college some of the research within all groups is directed towards pedagogic inventions. At present, most of the efforts are concentrated on computer-assisted educational methods, like simultaneous writing of papers (Co-editing) and multiple-choice questionnaires on the net, or the use of hand-held telephones in large auditoriums (Sandnes and Talberg 2003).: So far our experience is that there are elements of computer-assisted learning that works well, and others that can probably be made to work better by careful design.

Advanced studies

Q: Why would a student like to learn about the geometry of curved space?

The advanced studies include work in astronomy, mathematics, hydrodynamics and theoretical biology. In astronomy the geometry of curved space is examined (Grøn 2002) and how it is possible to include gravity in the second law of thermodynamics (Grøn and Hervik 2001), in mathematics properties of Gorstein algebraare examined (Kleppe 2002), in hydrodynamics parallel computing algorithms have been developed that surpass all known alternative algorithms (Wille and Loula 2002) , (editors' comments), and in theoretical ecology one examines how to infer interactions from the traces or fingerprints actors leave behind (Sandvik et al. 2002) The logic group examines small complexity classes, like logspace and Linspace. The group participates in an international research group: "Computability in Europe", e.g., (Kristiansen 2002).: That students like to listen to the theory of curved space is demonstrated by their consistent attendance in the auditorium. Moreover, advanced studies also advance the understanding of evidence based on science and technology and maintain a high standard of research and development (R&D).

Building and construction engineering

Q: Why a "hard hat" is not sufficient to build a house?

The research presently focuses on noise and noise abatement procedures, on value-based management (Harung 1996) and on development of new curriculum in building and construction science. Although the department focuses on building and construction, ways to communicate in the building and construction business are studied as well.

Computer and Network Administration

Prioritizing is not only for politicians; it is hidden behind every moment you wait for a new word or message to turn up on your computer.

There are three different groups within the field of computer and Network administration. The major challenges for the Network administration group are the search for efficient digital protocols, to find out how to establish rules for priority, etc. They use elements of game theory, graph theory and percolation theory. The system administration research is now part of the EU EMANICS network of excellence project. To administer networks so that they are efficient, safe and fair is a challenge for research that involves a plethora of disciplines.

Electro-engineering

When the data people think out an excellent solution, the electro people are those that make it work.

There are two major areas of research: The establishing of wireless local communication networks and "Intelligent houses". The former is related to teaching communication, the latter to energy saving and environmental issues.

Chemistry

When a chemist in former times would know the taste and odor of the pesticide Metribuzin, the chemical is now untouched by hand and itself touches the earth and does its job as gently as possible.

The research aims at identification and quantification of the pesticide Metribuzin and its metabolites in soil and water samples. For the analyses, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry are used. Development of methodology, validation and quality control are central aspects of the research. The project will strengthen the relationship to environmental analysis.

Mechanical engineering

If you look inside the atoms of the metal you can calculate the properties of the bulk metal - it is almost like it has a soul.

The main efforts are directed towards cast aluminum. Normally, such alloys have to be tested in large test beds. The group develops methods to simulate alloys properties to be able to predict in advance ductility and fracturing properties of alloys.

Environmental Energy

If mankind asks for more, engineers tell them how to get it. Now they also tell them how to avoid the things they did not ask for.

This group has been formed from members of several other groups. The group address two areas of research: indoor climate and environmental management. The indoor climate research focuses on the health effects (e.g., acute lower respiratory infections) caused by particulate matter and indirectly by humidity in buildings that allows fungi and bacteria to develop (ref) . Analytic research examines how decisions regarding environmental issues are executed in various countries (Seip et al. 2000).

Literature

Oppdatert: 10. juli 2006
Redigert av: Erik Stewart