Biography:
David R. Mikesell is an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Ohio Northern University. His research interests are in land vehicle dynamics, autonomous vehicles, and robotics. He joined the faculty in 2007 after work in automotive engineering at Ohio State (MS 2006, PhD 2008), six years designing automated assembly machines and metal-cutting tools for Grob Systems, and four years’ service as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He holds bachelor degrees in German (Duke 1990) and Mechanical Engineering (ONU 1997).
Professional Experience:
- Assistant Prof., Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH, 2007-present
- Graduate Research Associate, SEA Ltd., Worthington, OH, 2005-2007
- Machine Design, Tool Design, Grob Systems, Inc., Bluffton, OH, 1997-2003
- Marine Engineering, Engineering Watch Officer, US Navy, 1990-1994
Education:
- PE, Registered Professional Engineer in Ohio
- PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University, 2008
- MS, Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University, 2006
- BSME, Mechanical Engineering, Ohio Northern University, 1997
- BA, Germanic Languages & Lit., Duke University, 1990
Teaching Interests:
- Manufacturing Processes
- Dynamics
- Dynamic Systems and Control
- Mechanical Design of Components
- Automotive Engineering
Awards:
- 2011-12 Leroy Lytle Chair in Mechanical Engineering
- 2010-11 Leroy Lytle Chair in Mechanical Engineering
- SAE Award for Excellence in Oral Communication
Research Interests:
- Robotics and Manufacturing
- Automotive Vehicle Dynamics and Control
- Hybrid Powertrain Modeling
Selected Publications:
- Mikesell, D., Dunn, A., Heydinger, G., and Guenther, D., "Semiltrailer Torsional Stiffness Data for Improved Modeling Fidelity," SAE Int. J. Commer, Veh. 5(1): 56-66, 2011.
- Mikesell, D., and Yoder, J., "Teaching Dynamics with a Design Project," ASEE Annual Conf. & Expo., Vancouver, BC, Jun 26-29, 2011.
- Mikesell, D., and Moyer, A., "From Crippled to Competitive: One School's Transition to a Volunteer Team in the Baja CDS," under review for SAE World Congress & Exhibition, April 2011.
- Krak, M., Heikamp, K., Heitkamp, L., Masters, J., and Mikesell, D., "Design and Comstruction of a Vibrarion Test Stand," Proceedings of the ASEE North-Central Section Conference, April 1-2, 2011.
- Walters, D., Harrington, M., Keller, N., Hassan, F., and Mikesell, D., "Design and Construction of a Mobile Surveillance Robot," proceedings of the ASEE North-Central Section Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, March 2010.
- Coovert, D., Heydinger, G., Bixel, R., Andreatta, D., Guenther, D., Sidhu, A., and Mikesell, D., "Design and Operation of a Brake and Throttle Robot," SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems 2(1): 613-621, 2009.
- Mikesell, D. and Laird, L., "Attracting Youth to Engineering Careers: Ohio Northern University's Approach," ASEE Global Colloquium, Budapest, Hungary, October 2009.
- Mikesell, D., Heydinger, G., Guenther, D. and Yoder, J.D., "Portable Autonomous Vehicle Controller" in Experimental Robotics XI, STAR 54. Khatib, O., Kumar, V., and Pappas, G., Eds. Berlin: Springer, 2009, pp. 35-41.
- Mikesell, D., Sidhu, A., Heydinger, G., Bixel, R., and Guenther, D., "Portable Automated Driver for Road Vehicle Dynamics Testing," ASME Dynamic Systems and Control Conference, Ann Arbor, MI, October 2008.
- Sidhu, A., Mikesell, D., Guenther, D., Bixel, R., and Heydinger, G., "Development and Implementation of a Path-Following Algorithm for an Autonomous Vehicle," SAE Paper No. 2007-01-0815, SAE World Congress & Exhibition, Detroit, MI, April 2007.
- Mikesell, D., Sidhu, A., Guenther, D., Heydinger, G., and Bixel, R., "Automated Steering Controller for Vehicle Testing," SAE Paper No. 2007-01-3647, Asia Pacific Automotive Engineering Conference, Hollywood, CA, August 2007.
- Cantemir, C-G., Mikesell, D., Dembski, N., Li, J., and Rizzoni, G., "Hybrid Electric Refuse Vehicle", IEEE Vehicle Power & Propulsion Symposium, Paris, France, October 2004.
