This is the web site for the Mechanical Engineering Technology Acoustics Lab at Purdue University. METAL is a new project devoted to the technical aspects of musical acoustics, particularly those involving guitars. METAL is being developed by Mark French, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology with lots of help from Brad Harriger, Professor of Manufacturing Engineering Technology.
The lab is used to develop new instruments, new technologies and to use guitar making as a way of teaching engineering technology and advanced manufacturing. In addition to credit courses offered during the school year, there are several summer workshops available to people who are not registered Purdue students. In the summer of 2008, there were three such workshops. One was open to anyone and the other two were for high school students. We plan to run these events again in the summer of 2009.
The Next Purdue Guitar Workshop Will be Held July 2009
A few pictures from the 2008 workshop
Check out a news story on the 2008 workshop
Check out a cool video on the 2007 workshop
Class Picture from STEPS High School class Sponsored by the SME Education Foundation
METAL has been started largely dependent on external funding. Continuing operation of the lab and of our ability to teach students is dependent on outside support. These companies have generously donated equipment and materials. Click on the logos to visit the company web sites.