Research Profiles

JP

"K" Researcher - 26 Result(s)

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newData science-based analysis for unsteady aerodynamic flows

 
 
 
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概要

Our group studies a range of unsteady flow phenomena leveraging data science, nonlinear machine learning, complex network theory, information theory, and computational fluid dynamics. Our ultimate goal is to build a data-oriented foundation for real-time analysis, modeling, and control of unsteady flows ubiquitously appearing in various situations around small air vehicles, airplanes, motor vehicles, and fluid-based industrial machines.

従来技術との比較

Equipped with nonlinear machine learning-based sparse sensor reconstruction and data compression supported through traditional numerical and experimental analysis, our approach enables high-resolution reconstruction, real-time prediction, and control of flow fields with limited availability of data.
These techniques are aimed at analyzing and controlling large-scale, complex nonlinear flow phenomena that have been challenging to tackle with conventional linear methods.

特徴・独自性
  • ・Real-time spatiotemporal flow field reconstruction from sparse sensors is enabled by turbulence super-resolution analysis with machine learning.
  • ・Understanding and modeling of unsteady fluid flows at low cost is made possible through low-dimensional manifold identification and compression.
  • ・Development of explainable machine-learning approaches for analyzing causal vortex interactions based on complex network theory and information theory.
  • ・Multi-modal data analysis through the fusion of numerical, experimental, and theoretical data.
実用化イメージ

Our group aims to develop technologies that accurately sense, predict, model, and control fluid flows —such as air and water— around objects including airplanes, automobiles, and wind turbines, even with sparse sensor information.

These technologies can contribute to society in various ways, including:
・Improving fuel efficiency and safety of aircraft
・Enhancing the aerodynamic performance of vehicles for energy savings
・Supporting disaster prevention through wind flow prediction during emergencies

We actively seek to co-create innovations through joint research with industrial companies interested in the following areas:

・Predicting and controlling fluid flows using AI and machine learning
・Understanding flow structures through information theory and network science
・Building highly accurate and reproducible models by integrating traditional fluid dynamics with modern data-driven methods

Equipped with physics-based nonlinear machine learning, we are working to develop groundbreaking fluid analysis technologies that benefit a wide range of industrial, environmental, and societal applications.

Researchers

Department of Aerospace Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering

Kai Fukami

Identification of Ignition and Combustion Characteristics by a Micro Flow Rector with a Temperature Gradient

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • We have developed a methodology for identifying general ignition and combustion characteristics of gaseous and liquid fuels including bio and synthetic fuels. It enables identification of ignition and combustion characteristics of new fuels prior to application for practical combustion devices. The reactor system consists of a small diameter channel which has a temperature gradient from room temperature to the auto ignition temperature and thus reaction characteristics in different temperature levels can be easily investigated. Such a measurement had required research level skills and special devices such as rapid compression machine or shock tube which is costly in general, however, the micro flow reactor with temperature gradient enables reaction analysis easily.
実用化イメージ

It is expected to contribute to the designing of combustion devices, developments of new fuels, and chemical promoter and inhibitor.

Researchers

Institute of Fluid Science

Kaoru Maruta

newDevelopment of an AI Diagnostic Model for Summarization Skill and Metacognitive Ability in English Listening and Reading Comprehension-Based Summarization

 
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概要

Having devoted many years to English language education, my primary research interest lies in its pedagogical applications. Writing summaries in English is widely recognized as a crucial academic literacy skill for English language learners. However, English summarization is an exceptionally demanding cognitive skill that proves challenging to acquire, as it requires multiple competencies: summarizing skills, English writing skills, and metacognitive abilities. Consequently, English learners, despite being able to comprehend information in English and mentally organize it, frequently fail to produce high-quality summaries due to constraints in their English writing skills.
Our current research focuses on developing an AI-based diagnostic model designed to assess not only overall English summarization performance but also learners’ underlying summarizing skills and metacognitive abilities based on English summaries produced by Japanese English learners.

従来技術との比較

The development of an AI model that estimates and diagnoses summarizing skills and metacognitive abilities addresses criteria missing in conventional assessment frameworks, and our research, as an interdisciplinary study integrating English education, cognitive psychology, and natural language processing, is expected to make valuable contributions to both educational practice and academic research.

特徴・独自性
  • A distinctive feature of our research is its attempt to define the fundamental nature of summarizing skills more precisely by comparing summaries produced by Japanese English learners in both English and their first language, Japanese, with a particular focus on the presence or absence of barriers related to writing skills.
  • Furthermore, our research prioritizes high authenticity by targeting English source materials that integrate both listening and reading comprehension for summarization tasks. This integrated approach realizes assessment conditions that more closely approximate actual classroom environments and study-abroad learning contexts.
実用化イメージ

The AI-based diagnostic model developed in our study is expected to contribute to the improvement of summary writing instruction in English language education and to reduce teachers’ assessment burden. Teachers will be able to understand the extent to which learners have acquired summarizing skills and how effectively they can utilize metacognitive strategies when they write English summaries, thereby facilitating the provision of more effective instructional strategies and formative feedbacks. Furthermore, in the longer term, the diagnostic data of our study may support the development of online instructional materials incorporating VR (Virtual Reality) avatars, as well as the design of engaging learning environments in which avatars provide both verbal and non-verbal feedbacks at appropriate moments, thereby enhancing learner motivation.

Researchers

Graduate School of Arts and Letters

KATO Makiko

The Novel Ultrasound Irradiation Device

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Dr. Katsunori Nonogaki has developed the novel ultrasound irradiation device, which can improve the autonomic nervous system activity and peripheral circulation. In addition, the ultrasoud device can improve hypertension and hyperglycemia within 20 min in subjects with drug-resistant hypertension and diabetes. Our initial device was approved in Japan (226AIBZX00028000). This device will be avaliable for the treatment of 1) muscle pain, 2) the autonomic neural dysfunction and stress-related disorders, 3) hypertention, and 4) diabetes. Moreover, the device will be usefull for your healthy life and aging care.
実用化イメージ

Our aims are to export the device internationally. We seek the investment and international business partners.

Researchers

Research Center for Accelerator and Radioisotope Science

Katsunori Nonogaki

Development of Nano-Interface Chemistry for Materials Sciences Using Surface Forces Measurement

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Our research aims at developing methods, including instrumentation, for characterizing surface (or interface) at the nano-meter level. Most of our research subjects are related to the surface forces measurement, which can directly monitor the interaction between two surfaces. We study phenomena occurring at the solid-liquid interface such as adsorption and structuring of liquids. We have developed the resonance shear measurement which is a sensitive method for evaluating properties of confined liquid for nano-rheology and tribology. Twin-path surface forces apparatus we developed enabled us to study wide variety of samples such as metals, ceramics and plastics.
実用化イメージ

These methods are applicable for characterizing lubricants, nano-materials, paints, sealants, and cosmetics. We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application of this technology in industry.

Researchers

New Industry Creation Hatchery Center

Kazue Kurihara

Innovative anemia therapy: Development of new anemia drugs targeting the novel mechanism of erythropoiesis

 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Strong points
  • Anemia is a very prevalent disease. Nevertheless, an effective therapy is yet to be discovered. Erythropoietin is effective only for those with renal dysfunction. We have found that inhibition of an enzyme for epigenetic regulation results in a prominent increase of erythropoiesis, pointing to a new target for anemia therapy. We have also generated a new, cell-based assay system for the enzymatic activity and carried out small molecule screening.
  • Collaboration with industry partners
  • We are seeking a collaboration to accelerate the development of new anemia drugs based on these findings. Together we will advance the development of the candidate molecules currently identified as well as conduct further screening of larger chemical space for better candidates and/or for drug repositioning.
実用化イメージ

Researchers

Graduate School of Medicine

Kazuhiko Igarashi

Design and Fabrication of Micro-Optical Devices Based on Optics, Especially Optical MEMS and Sensors

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • On the basis of optical engineering, optical technologies for sensing mechanical motion, spectroscopic properties, and other physical/chemical characteristics are investigated. Moreover, using semiconductor micro/nano-fabrication technology, integrated micro-optical sensors, micro/nano optical systems, optical micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) are studied. Micro laser scanner for display, deformable mirror for telescope, optical displacement encoder, and fluorescent analysis system are the examples of research topics.
実用化イメージ

Optical design, Optical industries, Industries relating to semiconductor micro fabrication and MEMS, optical telecommunications, etc.

Researchers

New Industry Creation Hatchery Center

Kazuhiro Hane

Innovative Preparing and Thick Coating Technique without Heat Affected Zone and Phase Transformation

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • The cold spray (CS) technique is known as a new technique not only for coating but also for thick depositions. It has many advantages, i.e. dense coating, high deposition rate, low oxidation, and no phase transformation. We have been carrying out establishment of innovative preparing and coating techniques using the CS, and maintenance of reliability and safety of the cold sprayed repairing parts and coatings. Moreover, in order to evaluate the compatibility between a substrate material and particles based on an adhesion mechanism and scientific basis, various adhesion conditions are examined a micro / nano-structure observation and a molecular simulation.
実用化イメージ

Our targets were mainly hot section parts of thermal power plants and reactor piping and tubes etc. Recently, it is possible to make a ceramic coating. Therefore, we accelerate the evolution of the other fields including the creation of the functionality materials in near future.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Kazuhiro Ogawa

Magnetic Applications and Magnetic Materials

 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • The aim of our research are to obtain the high accuracy sensor system for the signals from the human body or electric devices and to obtain the system for approaching action to the human body by using the nano-scale controlled magnetic materials and by the development of the devices under the functions of the magnetics.
  • We studied the mechanism of obtaining the magnetic anisotropy of the magnetic thin films for the sensitive magnetic sensors. We obtained a non-metal probe for high frequency magnetic field, and confirmed the probe can measure the high frequency magnetic field with its phase information. In addition, 3D position detecting system using magnetic markers was studied to improve its position accuracy. The study about the magnetic actuator driven by the external magnetic field was carried out for biomimetic robots using the rotational magnetic field, and small wireless pumps were obtained and clarified for their application for an artificial heart-support pump.
実用化イメージ

<Medical Applications>
Motion system for capsule endoscope, Support system for endoscopic surgery, Position detecting system (motion capture), Wireless pump for artificial heart
<Sensors>
Magnetic field sensors, Strain sensors, Wireless sensors
<Materials>
Electrical steels of ultra low loss, Electrochemicaly produced materials (structure controlled in nano-scale)

Researchers

Research Institute of Electrical Communication

Kazushi Ishiyama

Research and Development of Space Exploration Robots

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • We study and develop mobile robotics technology for lunar and planetary exploration. Our technology is featured by rich experience in locomotion mechanisms for highly rough terrain and advanced slippage control in loose soil environment. Also by 3D map building technology using a laser scanner for autonomous collision avoidance and for operator assistance in remote control/tele-operation. We also contributed to the design and development of Hayabusa and Hayabusa-2, which are sample-return probes developed and operated by Japanese space agency JAXA.
実用化イメージ

These technologies are also applied to terrestrial robots for such as surveillance or disaster response.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Kazuya Yoshida

Design and Development of 50 kg-class Micro Satellites

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • We design and develop micro satellites in a format of 50 cm cubic size and 50 kg mass. We have developed the first and second micro satellites of Tohoku University, named “RISING” and “RISING-2”, launched by using JAXA’s H-IIA rocket vehicle in January 2009 and May 2014, respectively. Both satellites are operated from our ground station in the university. Particularly, RISING-2 has succeeded in capturing high precision color images of the Earth's surface at a spatial resolution of 5m, the highest in the world among 50kg-class satellites. Now the third micro satellite for international science mission is under the development. In addition, we are active in nano satellite development. The first nano-sat “RAIKO” in a 10 by 10 by 20 cm format was launched from the International Space Station in 2012. More nano-sats are under the development.
実用化イメージ

We would like to make innovation in space business by introducing a new paradigm for rapid and low cost development of space systems for various missions of remote sensing, earth observation, and space exploration. We have rich experience in the development of spacecraft bus systems, onboard avionics systems and mission instruments. Collaborations with technology and business partners are welcome.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Kazuya Yoshida

Visualization of supply chain risks from the resource logistics perspective

 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • With the increased global concerns of resource and environmental constraints of recent years, the role of mining, as a constituent of social responsibility associated with resource extraction and usage, is becoming increasingly important in the science, technology, and innovation policy. Under increasing public and shareholders' concerns of social and environmental sustainability, the fabrication industries require careful attention owing to their own risks related to the resources and materials that are used in their products and services. The Material Flow Analysis tool and Input output technique provide useful perspectives and valuable evidences for avoiding or minimizing the social and environmental risks related to the demand of resources.
実用化イメージ

Our developed model evaluates the risk weighted flow analysis by combining the resource logistics database and Global Link Input Output model. The estimated results shed light on how resource logistics prepares policy makers and R&D engineers to confront the risks behind resource usage and how the information should be shared among the stakeholders.

Researchers

Graduate School of Environmental Studies

Kazuyo Matsubae

IVR (Interventional Radiology) Treatment of Hypertention: Minimally Invasive Treatment of Primary Aldosteronism Based on the Adrenal Vein Sampling Technology

 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • Primary aldosteronism is a leading cause of secondary hypertension accounting for approximately 10 % of hypertensive patients; 4 million patients potentially exist in Japan. We aim to optimize the method of ablating aldosterone producing adenoma using newly developed bipolar radiofrequency ablation system with 300-400kHz high-frequency current and electric power of 40W (Celon Prosurge Applicator), and establish a less invasive interventional radiological treatment of primary aldosteronism.
実用化イメージ

Collaboration with medical equipment manufacture and universities are expected to develop new devices enabling ablation of aldosterone producing adenoma. Flexible guide-wire-type ablation system and rapid aldosterone assay system should be co-developed to tread aldosterone producing microadenoma which is difficult to detect due to its small diameter of less than 5mm.

Researchers

Graduate School of Medicine

Kei Takase

Monomer-Recycle System of Biodegradable Plastics by Industrial Fungal Fermentation and Application of Fungal Biosurfactant Proteins to Nanoparticles for Medical Use

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • In Japan, solid-phase fungal fermentation systems using the industrial fungus Aspergillus oryzae have been extensively used for producing fermented foods such as soy sauce and sake; the annual production volume of the products is over one million tons. The efficient enzymatic hydrolyzing systems are expected to be applicable to biological recycling of biodegradable plastics. We found that A. oryzae can effectively degrade polybutylene succinate-coadipate (PBSA) by the combination with an esterase (cutinase) CutL1 and novel surfactant proteins, RolA and HsbA that are attached to the surface of PBSA and then recruit CutL1. The recruitment of Cutl1 by the surfactants stimulated PBSA degradation.
実用化イメージ

The fungal biosurfactant protein is applicable to industrial recycling of biodegradable plastics and to production of immune-response free nano-particles for medical use.

Researchers

Graduate School of Agricultural Science

Keietsu Abe

Development of a Novel Quantification Method for Diarrhetic Schell Fish Poisoning

特徴・独自性
  • We have investigated isolation and structure determination of natural products and evaluated mode of their actions. We have especially focused on marine natural products causative for a food poisoning, diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP), which has spread worldwide and threatened regional fishery industry. Dinophysistoxin produced by the dinoflagellate Dinophysis spp. and okadaic acid, are thought to be responsible for DSP. Acute toxicity test using mice has been the primary method for detection of DSP in the fish market, though an alternative method to quantify DSP without sacrificing mice has been requested. We isolated OABP2, a novel okadaic acid binding protein, from the marine sponge Halichondria okadai and succeeded in expression of the recombinant OABP2 in E. coli, which eventually showed high affinity to the DSP toxins.
実用化イメージ

We are now working on visualization of OA by utilizing OABP2 in order to provide an easy and quick quantification method for DSP.

Researchers

Graduate School of Agricultural Science

Keiichi Konoki

Nonlinear Aeroelastic and Multibody Dynamic Analysis for Floating Wind Turbine and Next-Generation Aircraft

 
 
 
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概要

Floating wind turbine and next-generation aircraft have high-aspect-ratio blade and wing that undergo nonlinear aeroelastic deformation. We have developed a nonlinear aeroelastic analysis framework with absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). This nonlinear aeroelastic deformation is coupled with multibody dynamics. We are also developing a novel analysis framework for this coupling dynamics.

従来技術との比較

By using the nonlinear analysis method proposed in this study, it is possible to handle the reduction in flutter speed due to large deformations and the coupled phenomenon of deformation and flight behavior that cannot be captured using conventional linear analysis methods.

特徴・独自性
  • Straightforward nonlinear structural analysis method that does not use any rotational coordinates
  • Highly efficient unsteady fluid calculation method for large deformations
  • Multibody dynamics that captures the relative motion between bodies, such as rotating blades and control surfaces
実用化イメージ

Dynamic, aeroelastic, structural, vibration, aerodynamic analyses for Aeroelastic Multibody Systems:
1. Floating wind turbine
2. High altitude platform station (HAPS), high-aspect-ratio-wing commercial jet
3. Helicopter, drone
4. Robot, crane

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Keisuke Otsuka

Development of Compound Semiconductor Radiation Detectors

 
 
 
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特徴・独自性
  • The main research subject of our group is developing material purification methods, crystal growth methods and detector fabrication technologies for compound semiconductor radiation detectors. Our group intensely studies a compound semiconductor, thallium bromide (TlBr), for fabrication of gamma-ray detectors for the advanced radiation applications. The attractive physical properties of TlBr lie in its high atomic number (Tl: 81, Br: 35), high density (7.56 g/cm3) and wide bandgap (2.68 eV). Due to the high atomic number and high density, TlBr exhibits high photon stopping power. The wide bandgap of TlBr permits the device low-noise operation at and above room temperatures.
実用化イメージ

Our group focuses on development of compound semiconductor radiation detectors for advanced radiation applications including ultra-high resolution PET systems, ultra-high resolution SPECT systems, photon counting CT systems and Compton cameras. We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application of this technology in industry.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Keitaro Hitomi

newDevelopment of a stromal function chip for reproduction of flow and transport phenomena in microenvironments in vivo.

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概要

Cells comprising biological tissues are surrounded by a structure known as the stroma, and their behavioradapts in response to stimuli generated by flow and transport phenomena. Despite its importance, ourunderstanding of how cells respond to their surrounding microenvironment remains limited, hindering thedevelopment of effective disease prevention and treatment strategies. A significant challenge has been thedifficulty in observing cellular behavior while simultaneously controlling the local culture environment.Although microfluidic devices have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, they have not fullyaddressed the need for comprehensive environmental control. To overcome this limitation, we developed the&quot;stromal function chip,&quot; which focuses on three critical environmental factors within the stroma: oxygenconcentration, pH, and interstitial flow. This innovative platform enables precise and rapid manipulation ofthese parameters while facilitating real-time observation of both individual cellular responses and complexcell-cell interactions.

従来技術との比較

Traditionally, stage incubators mounted on microscopes have been employed to maintain culture conditionsduring time-lapse observations of cellular behavior. However, these conventional systems present significantlimitations in actively and rapidly controlling localized changes within the culture microenvironment. Whilerecent advances in microfluidic devices and organ-on-a-chip technologies have enhanced our ability toobserve cellular responses under controlled conditions, these approaches still exhibit considerable constraintsin achieving comprehensive environmental regulation. In contrast, our newly developed chip providesprecise, dynamic, and immediate control over the culture microenvironment during cellular experiments,enabling high-fidelity visualization and quantification of complex cellular dynamics in response to environmental stimuli.

特徴・独自性
  • The stromal function chip features sophisticated architecture comprising cell culture channels with multiplegas channels strategically positioned in vertical alignment above them. Through the controlled delivery ofprecisely mixed gases containing specific oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations to these gas channels,the chip facilitates gas exchange that enables exquisite regulation of both oxygen concentration and pHwithin the cell culture microenvironment. This approach represents a significant advancement overconventional chemical reaction-based methods, as it eliminates potential cellular toxicity while providinghighly flexible and dynamic control over oxygen concentration and pH. Furthermore, the chip&#39;s innovativedesign allows for the precise modulation of interstitial flow—achieved by embedding hydrogel within theculture channels and establishing controlled hydrostatic pressure gradients between inlet and outlet ports. Bysimultaneously manipulating these three critical environmental factors—oxygen concentration, pH, andinterstitial flow—researchers can systematically investigate cellular response mechanisms and characterizehow cells adapt to specific stromal microenvironmental conditions, thereby advancing our understanding oftissue physiology and pathophysiology.
実用化イメージ

By precisely recapitulating the hypoxic and acidic microenvironmental conditions that characterize tumorniches and inflammatory sites, this innovative chip serves as a powerful platform for pre-clinical evaluationof therapeutic efficacy, enabling researchers to determine optimal drug candidates and dosage regimens priorto in vivo studies. Moreover, the system serves as a platform/tool for fundamental medical and biologicalinvestigations, allowing for high-resolution cellular observation and analysis under rigorously controlled andphysiologically relevant culture conditions.

Researchers

Institute of Fluid Science

Kenichi Funamoto

Quantitative analysis of microstructure in nuclear materials by week-beam scanning transmission electron microscopy

 
 
 
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概要

We have developed a technique for quantitative analysis of microstructures (e.g., dislocations and irradiation defect aggregates) of activated and nuclear-burned specimens in the context of the Week Beam Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (WB-STEM) method, which boasts extremely high measurement accuracy as a quantitative analysis method for lattice defects.
In combination with a dedicated heated sample holder with fully automated temperature measurement and current control in a cartridge-type heating furnace, changes in dislocation microstructure can be dynamically measured in-situ along with a highly reliable temperature history.

従来技術との比較

Conventional TEM methods require expertise in reciprocal space and dislocation theory, but our WB-STEM method is equipped with automatic analysis software for film thickness measurement and dislocation loop feature extraction, making it possible to analyze irradiation defects easily and precisely.

特徴・独自性
  • Since its design, the WB-STEM method has been developed for implementation and on-site repair in radiation controlled areas where nuclear materials are handled, with special aperture and diffraction disc selection equipment, control and analysis software.
  • WB-STEM accepts irradiation defect analysis of activated specimens from all over the world, including RPV monitoring specimens from European reactors and neutron-irradiated materials from US research reactors.
  • It is also used to analyze the properties of iron-containing nuclear fuel simulated debris in decommissioning projects.
実用化イメージ

We support research organizations that currently use transmission electron microscopy to observe microstructures to introduce the WB-STEM method by special modification. We will instruct researchers who have no experience using transmission electron microscopy in the procedure for dislocation analysis.

Researchers

Institute for Materials Research

Kenta Yoshida

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