College of Engineering researchers make their The History Channel debut tonight on a segment of the show “Modern Marvels.”

The hour-long episode “Super Hot” explores the realm of extreme temperatures – a realm with which the university’s Center for Advanced Friction Studies is well acquainted.

The segment shows demonstrations of the center’s dynamometer, which is used to simulate the friction of Boeing 767 landings and failed take-offs. Creating the scorching temperatures similar to those of aircrafts and racecars allows researchers to study and develop brakes that can withstand the heat, said the center’s director, Peter Filip. Filip and Assistant Scientist Tod Policandriotes also appear in the episode, which will air at 11 p.m CDT.

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The center is the only one of its kind, and houses one of only two subscale aircraft brake dynamometers in the world, Filip said. The other is owned by B.F. Goodrich, but researchers at the center designed it and sold it to the company.

The center also works with four Formula One racecar teams to select brake materials and improve their designs, performs medical research with knee and hip implants and develops tools used in Illinois coal mines, Filip said.

“I think anything we do that shows we have interaction with the industry in doing state-of-the-art work benefits the university,” said John Nicklow, associate dean of the College of Engineering. “The stuff we’re doing is directly applicable. It’s interesting and it’s fun.”

Faculty and students say the show could have a positive impact on the university as well the center.

“It brings in a lot of research money for the friction center and the friction center contributes a lot of money to the university, I’m pretty sure,” said Cody MacCrimmon, a graduate student from Carbondale studying mechanical engineering.

Policandriotes said some of the material used in the center’s aircraft and Formula One brakes could possibly be carcinogenic and cause environmental problems.

“The non-heat treated carbon is activated carbon, meaning it can be carcinogenic if you breathe it,” said Policandriotes. “Once it’s heat treated it’s no longer inert and it is not dangerous to the human body.”

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Filip said they are keeping an eye out for potential environmental problems.

Justin Kabbes can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 268 or [email protected].