Christopher Brown

Mechanical & Materials Engineering
Professor
EDUCATION
PhD Mechanical Engineering, University of Vermont 1983
MS Mechanical Engineering, University of Vermont 1979
BA Political Science, University of Vermont 1975
Expert Bio

Professor Brown teaches grad courses on axiomatic design and on surface metrology, and undergraduate courses on manufacturing and on the technology of alpine skiing. He also consults and teaches courses for industry on axiomatic design and on surface metrology. A WPI faculty member since 1989, Brown has published more than 100 articles on machining, axiomatic design, sports engineering, and surface metrology applied to engineering, archeology and physical anthropology. He has patents on a fractal method for characterizing surface roughness, an apparatus for friction testing, and on sports equipment. He also developed software for surface texture analysis.

Research areas/Expertise
manufacturing engineering
surface engineering
sports engineering
axiomatic design
Manufacturing

Podcast Episodes

Media Coverage

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Scientific American
Lindsey Vonn’s knees reveal the toll of elite skiing—and the body’s resilience

Christopher Brown, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, a former All-American ski racer and former ski coach, spoke with Scientific American about the physical forces that likely contributed to the ACL injury decorated skier Lindsey Vonn suffered during a race in January, just ahead of the Winter Olympics. Brown and his students research and develop new designs for athletic equipment that seek to reduce the loads on athletes' knees that can lead to ACL injuries.

 

Magazine of the Society of Women Engineers
In support of sports

A magazine article on efforts to improve athletic equipment for women features a project led by Christopher Brown, professor of mechanical & materials engineering. He worked with students to design a spring-based shoe sole to protect athletes from injury. 

Patents

For media inquiries please contact:

Colleen B Wamback Associate Director, Public Relations

Colleen B Wamback
Director of Public Relations

Jon Cain Senior Public Relations Manager

Jon Cain
Senior Public Relations Manager

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