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Brian Mann

Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
238 Hudson Hall, Box 90300, Durham, NC 27708-0300
238 Hudson Hall, Box 90300, Durham, NC 27708

Research Interests


Nonlinear dynamics and vibration utilizing analytical, numerical, and experimental techniques. Fundamental investigations of phenomenon and application areas where dynamical systems theory plays an important role.

Selected Grants


Thermal Modeling for Dive Planning with a Yazback Wetsuit

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Office of Naval Research · 2024 - 2027

Multi-Axis Testing Research

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Los Alamos National Laboratory · 2023 - 2026

Title: NRT-FW-HTF: NSF Traineeship in the Advancement of Surgical Technologies

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2021 - 2026

CDS&E: Data driven identification, diagnostics, and decision from machining dynamics

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2021 - 2025

SCH: Overcoming the Intraoperative Data Desert: Biophotonics, Advanced Sensing, and Control for Automated Surgery

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2020 - 2024

Biomolecular Motor Nanomechanics and The Role of Passive Tissue in Locomotion

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Army Research Office · 2021 - 2022

Non-smooth Dynamics of Constrained Task-oriented Dynamical Systems

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Army Research Office · 2017 - 2022

Dynamics of Networks with Delays

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Army Research Office · 2016 - 2016

Collaborative Research: Tailoring Energy Flow in Magnetic Oscillators Arrays

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2013 - 2016

Interactions for Broadband Energy Harvesting

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Office of Naval Research · 2011 - 2014

Collaborative Proposal: Stability, Identification, and Stochastic Resonance in Stochastic Delay Systems

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2009 - 2012

Nonlinear Interactions for Broadband Energy Harvesting

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Army Research Office · 2010 - 2012

Broadband Energy Harvesting with Adaptive Piezoelectric Systems (Supplement #2)

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Office of Naval Research · 2009 - 2011

Broadband Energy Harvesting in Varied and Uncertain Environments

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Office of Naval Research · 2008 - 2011

Equipment in Support of Broadband Energy Harvesting

EquipmentPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Office of Naval Research · 2010 - 2011

GOALI: Fundamental Nonlinear Investigations of Dynamic Nanoindentation

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2008 - 2010

CAREER: Measurement and Predictive Dynamics of Meso-scale Milling

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2007 - 2010

Broadband Energy Harvesting with Adaptive Piezoelectric Systems

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Office of Naval Research · 2008 - 2009

Generating Energy from Ocean Waves

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Lord Foundation of North Carolina · 2008 - 2009

Fellowships, Gifts, and Supported Research


Seed Grant: Fostering an Academic Network in Medical Robotics · 2024 Co-PI · Awarded by: Duke Office of Faculty Advancement & Duke Office of Interdisciplinary Studies

External Relationships


  • U.S. Navy
  • US Navy

This faculty member (or a member of their immediate family) has reported outside activities with the companies, institutions, or organizations listed above. This information is available to institutional leadership and, when appropriate, management plans are in place to address potential conflicts of interest.