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.
The UAPG was Awarded 2 External Funding Excellence Awards
The UAPG received both a Pinnacle Medal and a Distinction Medal from the Provost’s Office during the EXCEL‑AR External Funding Excellence Celebration Program for their success securing funding for MUSiC and for their project, “Delivering Advanced Electronics Education...
