Luan Gara Email & Phone Number

Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States

Led research and test planning for Heat Pump and Air Conditioning Systems of Electric Vehicles, validating system control logic to meet performance requirements of various OEM EV programs.• Conduct system function modeling and testing to verify new system design concept and technology, and benchmarking research in electric vehicle thermal systems.• Review and analyze test data and provide technical advice to engineering and sales team.• Develop LabView based control algorithms for BEV thermal systems with focus on automotive Heat Pump systems.

Novi, Michigan

Led Static Key Life tests, which simulated 10 years life of real-world usage of vehicle AC System. Investigated the implementation of impregnated polymers as substitute of standard polymers to eliminate application of grease on HVAC kinematics. Developed tools and innovative models from concepts to prototypes utilizing CAD, 3D printers, and machine tools.• Developed new Key Life Test profiles for belt-driven and e-compressor AC Systems satisfying customers request for 60% time and 50% cost reduction.• Initiated upgrade of Test Stands utilizing remote monitoring of automated tests enabling fast detection and prevention of issues generated during the test.• Established fundamental and application test concepts, procedures, setups, and unique tools for Bruker UMT TriboLab, identifying new alternative materials for HVAC kinematics design.• Created an Excel Spreadsheet for quick access to multiple raw data files facilitating process of collecting, comparing, and analyzing data simultaneously from multiple raw data files.

Pristina, Kosovo

Taught graduate course - Advanced Engineering Materials, and undergraduate courses - Properties of Materials, Polymers, and Machining Processes. Introduced concept of soft robotics, and ionic nano liquids.• Improved dispersibility and stability of nanoparticles into liquids by selectin right ionic liquids.• Supervised sample preparation and testing of friction, wear, and viscosity of ionic nano liquids.• Prepared test procedures and instructions for testing mechanical properties of materials through tensile, impact, and hardness tests, and metallographic examination of test samples.• Determined experimentally hardness, creep, and stress relaxation of polymers.

Rochester, Michigan

Conducted experimental investigation of tribological performance of nanofluids through friction and wear tests. Built an atomic scale model to investigate thermal conductivity of nanofluids through Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Performed experimental investigation of oil consumption and wear of cylinder bore in a single cylinder diesel engine. • Improved dispersibility and stability of nanoparticles as additives in liquids.• Studied micro and nanostructure of tribological sliding components using optical surface profiler, and electron microscope SEM with EDS and XPS.• Designed, built, and calibrated an apparatus based on transient hot wire method to test thermal conductivity of liquids.• Installed engine test setup with NI LabView and DAQ system, examined ring and liner wear, cylinder bore finish, oil consumption, and reported results to the customer.• Developed a wear volume calculation method based on bearing ratio parameters of surface finish.• Tutored graduate and undergraduate courses of Statics and Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials, Tribology, Engineering Mechanics, Polymers, and Properties of Materials.

Phd, Mechanical Engineering, 3.87

• The tribological properties of nanofluids were studied through experimental investigation using commercially available nanopowders.

Msc, Mechanical Engineering, 3.88

• The contribution of temperature, blow-by, and load on oil consumption and cylinder liner surface roughness and wear were analyzed.