Research problems pursued are fundamental and generic - and not specific to a particular material. Emphasis is on the following:

• Mathematical model development for web handling "primitives" based on first principles
• Experimental parameter identification and model validation
• Computer modeling and simulation

Fundamental and generic research studies are conducted in the following areas:

• Mechanics of winding and unwinding
• Longitudinal dynamics and tension control
• Lateral dynamics and control; guiding and tracking
• Out-of-plane dynamics
• Wrinkling
• Air films between webs and rollers
• Aerodynamic effects in transport
• Measurement of tension, wound roll properties, and physical properties

Materials considered in these research studies include plastic films, papers of all types, thin metals, and composites.

Specialized WHRC facilities include the winding/wrinkling laboratory, the air film conveyance laboratory, the web transport laboratory, and the high speed web line laboratory.