Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Professors Dadras (emeritus), Grandhi, Hankey (emeritus), Mukhopadhyay, R. Srinivasan, J. Thomas, Wolff
Associate Professors Amer, Bethke (chair), Cornelius, Klingbeil, Lieh, Menart, Slater, S. Thomas
Assistant Professors Friar (emeritus), Penmetsa, Young

The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering offers undergraduate programs in mechanical engineering, and materials science and engineering. Both programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). These programs cover traditional engineering fundamentals and develop the skills for modern engineering analysis and design. Laboratory and computer experience are integrated throughout the curriculum. Most required courses are offered in both day and evening sections at least once a year.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is a modern, creative discipline encompassing a wide variety of technical activities. The field is changing rapidly with the progress of the computer era, but the key element that links all of the activities within mechanical engineering is design. The design function is now largely computer-based and involves modeling, simulation, analysis, and synthesis.

Historically, mechanical engineering includes two principal stems. One stem concerns heat, fluids, and energy. Engineers who study combustion in a turbine engine or aircraft lift and drag are practicing in this area. The other stem concerns force and motion in mechanical systems. Problems here include determining robot trajectories, analyzing vibrations to minimize noise, or predicting the stresses in a rotating disc.

The curriculum includes advanced course work in mechanics, thermal sciences, fluids, materials, electronics, mechanical systems, and design.

Degree Requirements - Mechanical Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering

Materials science and engineering has evolved over the last 25 years from metallurgical engineering, polymer chemistry, and ceramic science. It is increasingly recognized as a key engineering field that opens the door for new developments in other advanced technologies. Over the past several decades, scientists and engineers have successfully developed radically new materials. Examples include lightweight alloys for structural use, composites of high-strength fibers in ductile matrices, semiconductors for electronic devices, and, more recently, high-temperature semiconductors. These advances typify the challenge faced by materials engineers-to select, modify, or develop the right materials for new applications and technologies.

The curriculum includes advanced course work in engineering mechanics, materials science, ceramics, metallurgy, polymer science, electric circuits, materials testing, processing, and design.

• Materials Science and Engineering graduates will possess the necessary skills to successfully enter the engineering profession or to pursue graduate study and will appreciate the benefits of lifelong learning.
• Materials Science and Engineering graduates will possess a solid foundation in mathematics, basic and engineering sciences, and laboratory techniques and their application to the field of materials.
• Materials Science and Engineering graduates will demonstrate a breadth of understanding in the relationships among processing, microstructure, properties, and performance of different materials systems.
• Materials Science and Engineering graduates will demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to work in collaborative groups in a professional and ethical fashion.

Degree Requirements - Materials Science and Engineering

***Technical Electives are listed on the materials science and engineering program guide available in the department office.

Minor in Materials Science and Engineering

Students who successfully complete the courses for the materials science and engineering focus area and meet additional departmental requirements will receive a minor in materials science and engineering. Interested students should apply to be admitted to the minor once they are established in the industrial and systems engineering major and have achieved junior status.