The PhD in Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics is a research-intensive program. Eighty percent of our PhD graduates work in industry.
Research in the department emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration in initiatives ranging from nanotechnologies, to lean manufacturing and design, to alternative-energy technologies including micro and macro fuel cells, hydrogen power, and wind power. Students benefit from extensive research facilities on campus and at satellite locations. Expenditures for the department’s dynamic research community exceed $13 million annually, typically funded by industry, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, NASA, the Department of Defense, and many other sources. Active research thrust areas include:
- Advanced power systems: developing critical technologies for clean, efficient, sustainable power systems, and modeling energy transport and conversion processes. Focus areas include engines, fuel cells, and wind turbines.
- Mechanics of multi-scale materials: constitutive modeling of biomaterials, cellular materials, nanomaterials, energetic materials, and composite materials. Research focuses on developing methods for modeling and characterization that will inform emerging technologies.
- Multidisciplinary engineering dynamic systems: collaborative research at the interface of engineering disciplines such as dynamics, vibration, acoustics, signal processing, and controls. Research focuses on the need for quieter, more reliable, safer products, machines, and equipment.
- Multi-scale sensors and systems: research into the design, fabrication, integration, and testing of physically and functionally compatible devices and components across the size spectrum. Focus areas include nanofabrication and characterization, micro-fabrication processes, and bio-nanotechnology.
- Space systems: development of innovative components, systems, and architectures for micro and nanosatellite applications.
Join one of the largest mechanical and aerospace engineering departments in the nation, and coalesce with scholars working toward achieving technological, environmental, industrial, and societal sustainability.