Additive manufacturing, or 3-D printing, are redefining all aspects of our lives. Although additive manufacturing has been around for decades, technological advancements have led to new interest in this technology throughout the industry. Through a process involving fabricating components by joining materials such as plastics or metals layer-by-layer from a sliced 3-D computer-aided design model, Auburn engineers are examining how manufacturers can 3-D print complex components on site, thus reducing the supply chain, eliminating waste and maximizing profits. With the Center for Industrialized Additive Manufacturing established, researchers are collaborating with companies to evolve the future of this industry.

Our nation's transportation system is among the finest in the world. However, with challenges that include age, higher energy costs, increased congestion and reduced funding, there is much work to be done. Auburn Engineering is addressing these issues and defining the future of transportation through research, validation and technology transfer. Goals include highways that are durable, cost-effective and safe; vehicles with improved performance, fuel efficiency, energy options and safety; and transportation systems that are more efficient. Auburn is home to the world renowned National Center for Asphalt Technology and test track where pavements are tested under real-world conditions with emphasis on the use of recycled and environmentally benign materials.

NCAT works with state highway agencies, the Federal Highway Administration and the highway construction industry to develop and evaluate new products, design technologies and construction methods that quickly lead to pavement improvements.

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The efforts to safeguard against threats that are man-made or acts of nature are growing in urgency.  Auburn Engineering researchers are working to develop technologies that enhance the security of people, property and information.  This includes research in unmanned systems, missiles and satellites; hardened concrete and projectile proof materials; as well as unique expertise in modeling and simulation and power generating systems.

Auburn University has been recognized by the U.S. National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research and by the Federal Aviation Administration as a National Air Transport Center of Excellence for Research in Intermodal Transport Environments. In addition, Auburn is one of the 16 National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations. Auburn Engineering faculty members also are developing the next generation of autonomous vehicles, air and ground, for enhanced national security and safer more efficient ground transport.

Cyber Research Center

The Auburn Cyber Research Center integrates cutting-edge engineering technology with research to develop innovative methods of protecting our nation's cyber security.

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Protecting and improving our environment is critical for the next generation.  Auburn is engineering new ways to utilize the waste stream from pulp and paper plants for biofuels, produce food more efficiently, improve gasification and gas-to-liquids technologies, and remove mercury, radioactive elements, oil and other contaminants from the environment. In addition, we are developing longer lasting electronics to control and improve efficiency of a wide variety of critical systems. Auburn has been recognized by the National Science Foundation with an Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship grant to develop methods for the sustainable production of biofuels and chemicals.

Estuarine Environments Research Program

The Estuarine Environments Research Program (EERP), led by the environmental engineering group in Auburn University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is conducting a multi-year study to better understand the physical and chemical behavior and fate of endocrine disrupting chemicals in estuaries.

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