The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) awarded nearly $750,000 to Min Zou, a Distinguished Professor of mechanical engineering at the U of A to develop bioinspired surface textures that repel lunar dust. Member of the University of Arkansas Power Group and associate professor of mechanical engineering at the U of A, Xiangbo Meng, serves as a co-principal investigator on the project. Lunar dust, a fine, glassy material that can accumulate several inches deep on the Moon’s surface, is known for its abrasiveness and electrostatic charge. It adheres to surfaces, penetrates seals, clogs mechanisms, and causes material degradation—challenges that threaten the longevity and functionality of spacecraft, habitats, and equipment. Meng’s expertise will be critical in developing solutions to mitigate these issues.
Han Hu, David Huitink, and Xiangbo Meng Awarded 21st Century Professorships
Han Hu, David Huitink, and Xiangbo 'Henry' Meng, UA Power Group members and associate professors of Mechanical Engineering, have been awarded the Twenty-First Century Professorships in Engineering. Established in 2006, this prestigious honor, one of the College of...