Dr. Joseph J. Beaman, professor in the Cockrell School's Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been appointed to a three-year term as a member of the Army Science Board (ASB) by U.S. Secretary of the Army The Honorable John McHugh. Beaman will serve as an independent technical and scientific adviser to the United States Army on strategic issues that are important to large segments of the Army.
The ASB provides the Army with a resource of world-class scientists, engineers, technologists, operational experts as well as business, policy and management specialists, who volunteer their expertise and time to address strategic issues of importance to the Army.
Beaman, also a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, joined the faculty at The University of Texas at Austin in 1979 and has since been a pioneer in the field of manufacturing and control engineering, particularly in solid freeform fabrication. He played a key role in the development of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), an additive manufacturing process that uses a high power laser to fuse together 3-D objects from a powder, such as nylon, metal, ceramic or glass. The patents on this technology have been one of the most significant sources of royalties for the university in its history.
Beaman’s recent research involves further development of SLS. Other areas of interest include cyber-enabled manufacturing, which he describes as "high-fidelity model-based control in real-time during the manufacturing process." He's also interested in reconnecting with the oil and gas and renewable energy industries, since a large number of the department's graduates are working in energy-related businesses.
For the past 11 years, Beaman has served as the 22nd chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department. During his tenure as chairman, Beaman was recognized for his efforts in curriculum reform, student recruitment and faculty recognition. In 2012, he stepped down from his position as chair to return to teaching and research.
