Y. Charles Lu, Ph.D., P.E.

 

Dr. Y. Charles Lu is H. E. Katterjohn professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Kentucky and an associate editor of SAE International Journal of Materials and Manufacturing and SAE International Journal of Aerospace. His research interests include: (1) micromechanics and nanomechanics, (2) polymers, elastomers, composites, and advanced materials, (3) finite-element analysis and mechanical design, and (4) computational materials science. Dr. Lu is the author of 10 edited books and over 150 technical papers in referred journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings. He held the research scientist position at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Branch of Composites and Hybrid Materials during the summers of 2007–2010 and visiting professorship at the University of Dayton Research Institute (2012) and Case Western Reserve University (2013). Dr. Lu received the 2017 Excellence in Engineering Education Award from Society of Automotive Engineers International. The award is a singular honor awarded annually by the SAE to a faculty member who excels in engineering education worldwide. Dr. Lu received the 2010 SAE International Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award for his contributions to mobility-related research, teaching, and student development, the 2015 SAE International Forest McFarland Award for his services to the SAE. He was awarded the U.S. Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowships in 2008 and 2009. He was also the recipient of the Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Faculty Award (2009), the Wethington Research Award (2011), the inaugural Paducah Outstanding Professor Award in Teaching (2009), and the inaugural Paducah Outstanding Professor Award in Research (2011).

Prior to joining UK, Dr. Lu held senior engineering/research positions at Dana Corporation and Akron Rubber Development Laboratory. He has been recognized with the Dana Engineering Achievement Award and additional six Dana Technical Achievement Awards.

Dr. Lu received his PhD in Engineering Sciences from the University of Western Ontario in 2000 and additionally has three master’s degrees in mechanical engineering, materials science, and mathematics. Dr. Lu is a licensed professional engineer (P.E.) in the state of Kentucky and a fellow of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

 

PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS

  • H.E. Katterjohn Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Kentucky (2015-)
  • Visiting Professor Case Western Reserve University, Ohio (Sabbatical Leave, Spring of 2013)
  • Visiting Faculty University of Dayton Research Institute, Ohio (June-August, 2012)
  • Associate Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Kentucky (2012-)
  • Visiting Scientist Air Force Research Laboratory, Branch of Composites and Hybrid Materials,
  • Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (June-August, 2010)
  • Research Scientist Air Force Research Laboratory, Branch of Composites and Hybrid Materials,
  • Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (May-August, 2009)
  • Research Scientist Air Force Research Laboratory, Branch of Composites and Hybrid Materials,
  • Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (May-August, 2008)
  • Visiting Researcher Air Force Research Laboratory, Branch of Advanced Composites,
  • Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (June-August, 2007)
  • Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Kentucky (2006 – 2012)
  • Senior Development Engineer Dana Corporation (2001-2006)
  • Research Scientist Akron Rubber Development Laboratory, Akron, Ohio (2000-2001)

 

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

  • Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
  • Senior Member, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
  • Member, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
  • Member, American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE)
  • Member, Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM)
  • Associate Member of Rubber Division of American Chemistry Society (ACS)

 

RESEARCH INTERESTS

  • Micromechanics and Nanomechanics;
  • Nanomaterials and Nanostructures;
  • Polymers, Elastomers, Composites and Multifunctional Materials;
  • Computational Materials Science;
  • Finite Element Analysis and Mechanical Design.