Brian Mann looks to collaborate with Duke scholars outside of the Pratt School.

Durham, NC - Not long ago, while taking a walk and bemoaning the fact his cell phone kept dying, Brian Mann had an inspiration. "I know I walk enough to recharge my cell phone," he thought. "Now I just need to find a way to turn that motion into energy."

The idea of exploring everyday activities or natural phenomena as novel sources of energy, known as energy harvesting, is the newest research interest for Mann, who joined the faculty of Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering in 2008 as assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science.

This line of research is a logical offshoot to his primary interest in non-linear dynamics - a research area that investigates the stability behavior of natural phenomena and the evolution of systems in nature. While non-linearity can be found in virtually every engineered and natural system, Mann said "linear models are often applied for analytical convenience" although they fail to elucidate the true behavior. Thus the ability to understand, control and take advantage of non-linear behavior provides a complementary set of tools to address modern engineering problems.

"Researchers have been studying energy harvesting devices that operate in linear regimes, however we're interested in using non-linearity as a way to take advantage of what's happening in nature," Mann said. "We want to integrate sophisticated theory into novel experimental devices that extract environmental energy through vibration and turn this mechanical energy into usable electrical energy."

Recognizing his potential in the field of energy harvesting, the Office of Naval Research named Mann one of 24 promising young researchers in the nation for 2008 in its Young Investigator Program. He was one of nine investigators awarded grants in the Sea Warfare and Weapons section of the program. The three-year program awards grants of up to $100,000 per year.

The title of his proposal, "Broadband Energy Harvesting in Varied and Uncertain Environments," belies the nature of his proposal developing buoys that harvest the energy in ocean waves to power a network of sensors.

"We proposed a scientific investigation that takes into account the challenges of real ocean environments, such as wave height and frequency and wind speeds, all of which can change considerably in a short period of time," Mann said. "The project includes the design, fabrication and testing of these buoy energy harvesters. Experiments will first be performed in the lab, before moving to a wave tank and finally the ocean."

Mann also continues to apply his skills in the aerospace field, most recently with Boeing, where he has worked to develop stability and vibration prediction techniques that are being used to machine aircraft structures that are lighter in weight, yet more durable. As an example, his work is being implemented to increase the dimensional accuracy of thin wall structures used in spacecraft and unmanned aircraft. In 2006, Mann received a Defense Manufacturing Achievement Award for his work in this area.

Mann came to Duke after spending five years in the aerospace and automotive industries to take advantage of the opportunities offered by an academic setting, particularly Pratt faculty and the students.

"There are world-class experts here in my field to collaborate with," he said. "Also attractive was the opportunity to do interdisciplinary work with groups of researchers whose work transcends traditional engineering. Just as important was the chance work with students who will be future leaders in our field."

For someone who is so immersed in such intricate and precision matters, it might be surprising to learn that Mann spends much of his non-engineering time in his woodworking shop using traditional hand tools to build furniture, such as rocking chairs and roll-top desks.

"It's an artistic and creative outlet, and it is something I can do with my two young boys," he said. "Together, we're involved in what will someday become family heirlooms. It is also an example to them that they can do anything they want if they set their mind to it."