Oakland University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science officially opened the Fastening and Joining Research Institute (FAJRI) June 2 with a ceremonial ribbon cutting in Hannah Hall. U.S. Senator Carl Levin delivered remarks as did Oakland University President Gary Russi and School of Engineering and Computer Science Dean Pieter Frick.

“The Fastening and Joining Research Institute is the result of a lot of hard work by many dedicated people whose work has been recognized and rewarded with funding so that they may conduct important research to develop and advance new technologies in fastening and joining engineering,” Russi said.

The mission of the FAJRI is to pursue fundamental and applied research and to develop and disseminate new technologies in the area of fastening and joining engineering. This research will improve the safety and reliability of equipment, machinery and mechanical structures.

Defense applications of FAJRI research will enhance the national security of the United States as well as the defense readiness of its military vehicles. Civilian applications of the research will enhance the safety of the public and benefit automotive, aerospace, nuclear power and transportation industries.

“The research that will be conducted at the FAJRI will have significant effects on the safety, quality and reliability of many mechanical and structural systems, machinery and equipment,” said Sayed Nassar, founding director of the FAJRI. “This is the only known facility of its kind in the world, and we are excited to have it located on Oakland University’s campus.”

Mechanical joints are often the weakest link in equipment and machinery, regardless of whether the joints were assembled using threaded fasteners, adhesive bonding, welding or rivets. Research advances in fastening and joining will significantly reduce the time and frequency of maintenance, improve quality and reliability, and increase the availability and combat readiness of Army ground vehicles.

Funding for the FAJRI includes $2.3 million from the U.S. Congress and $1.5 million from the Senate Armed Service Committee, on which Senator Levin serves as chair, to continue research at the FAJRI in 2004.

For more information, visit the Fastening and Joining Research Institute Web site or contact Nassar at (248) 370-2697 or nassar@oakland.edu.