LABS AND FACILITIES
A sampling of Texas A&M Engineering labs and facilities. Visit individual divisions' web pages for more information.
Research reactors
Our two research reactors operated by the Department of Nuclear Engineering. The reactors are also available for teaching nuclear engineering students at Texas A&M, which is one of only three universities in the United States with two reactors for the instruction of students.
Ocean and coastal facilities
Experiments conducted at TEES' unique wave basin at the Offshore Technology Research Center help U.S. oil producers reach new depths in the Gulf of Mexico's deepwater frontier. The Haynes Coastal Engineering Laboratory has large-scale, specialized testing capabilities handle coastal, dredging, hydraulic and offshore processes.
Wind tunnels
NASA, industry partners and world-class bicyclists such as Lance Armstrong have tested equipment in the Oran W. Nicks Low-Speed Wind Tunnel, one of four of its kind in the United States. The Aerospace Engineering Department operates several small wind tunnels.
Materials and Structures Lab
Researchers study strength of materials and structures at the Testing, Machining and Repair Facility. Biomedical implants, aerospace composites, and cutting edge construction techniques are put through their paces at this facility staffed with experts in mechanical testing, sensor design, and data acquisition.
Flight simulation and mechanics
The Aerospace Engineering Division operates a flight simulator and a flight mechanics lab for research and the instruction of students.
Turbomachinery
Our researchers study the reliability and performance of turbomachinery — from classic Dutch windmills to the space shuttle's main engine turbopumps and compressors that move natural gas through the distribution system at the Turbomachinery Laboratory.
Brain Networks Laboratory
Research in the Computer Science Department's Brain Networks Laboratory aims to map and construct an entire mouse brain network so scientists may study and understand the connectivity and geometry of cortical networks — critical to understanding natural, neural computation.
Virtual reality
The Virtual Reality Lab, operated and maintained by Dr. Andy Banerjee of the Industrial Engineering Department, is dedicated to developing virtual reality technology, focusing on simulating manufacturing applications, modeling human behavior and telecolloborating in virtual environment.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics researchers study general principles that govern the interaction of humans with machines, materials and working environments. Our researchers work to reliably identify physical work activities that increase the risk for workers to develop musculoskeletal disorders.
Space
Specialized laboratory facilities — including a large vacuum chamber for space-qualifying hardware — enable researchers to simulate a space environment for items ranging in size from that of a pencil sharpener to a GAS can; fabricate and test electronic circuitry and small structures and components; verify adherence to electromagnetic transmission requirements; test that a payload will survive the vibrations of launch, and much more.
