Apr 19, 2024

2010-2011 General Catalog

2010-2011 General Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Mechanical Engineering, PhD

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The PhD Degree beyond a BS degree requires 24 credits of 6000-level (or above) MAE coursework, exclusive of MAE 6930 , MAE 6950 , MAE 6970 , MAE 6990 , MAE 7930 , MAE 7970 , and MAE 7990 ; and a minimum of 6 credits of 5000-level (or above) coursework in approved mathematics. A minimum of 90 credits is required beyond the BS, including a dissertation (MAE 7970 ). The dissertation must meet School of Graduate Studies requirements and be at least 24 credits, but no more than 39 credits. A Qualifying Exam is required and must be passed before completing 18 credits at the PhD level. A paper must be submitted for publication in a refereed journal prior to scheduling the final defense. The paper must be related to the dissertation and have the student as first author.

The PhD Degree beyond an MS degree requires 12 credits of 6000-level (or above) MAE coursework, exclusive of MAE 6930 , MAE 6950 , MAE 6970 , MAE 6990 , MAE 7930 , MAE 7970 , and MAE 7990 ; and a minimum of 3 credits of 5000-level (or above) coursework in approved mathematics. A minimum of 60 credits is required beyond the MS, including a dissertation (MAE 7970 ). The dissertation must meet School of Graduate Studies requirements and be at least 24 credits, but no more than 39 credits. A Qualifying Exam is required and must be passed before completing 18 credits at the PhD level. A paper must be submitted for publication in a refereed journal prior to scheduling the final defense. The paper must be related to the dissertation and have the student as first author.

Specializations

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers ME, MS, and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering, with specializations in Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. An MS degree in Aerospace Engineering is also offered.

Aerospace Engineering addresses atmospheric and space flight. Included are such disciplines as computational fluid dynamics, experimental fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, aircraft flight dynamics, aircraft design, spacecraft orbital mechanics, spacecraft attitude motion and control, aircraft and spacecraft propulsion systems, space system design, thermal management of space deployed systems, and the space environment. Mechanical Engineering graduates choosing the aerospace engineering specialization may pursue careers in such areas as aircraft design and development, aircraft flight testing, spacecraft and space systems design, and spacecraft trajectory design and analysis, as well as the broader, traditional mechanical engineering fields.

Manufacturing Engineering concentrates on the theory of manufacturing systems, including manufacturing processes, the design of manufacturing systems, product design, productivity, quality, and life cycle analysis. Principal areas of emphasis include manufacturing automation, machining theory, mold flow analysis, and materials joining, as well as flexible manufacturing systems and computer-integrated manufacturing. Manufacturing engineers are prepared to pursue product and process design careers in virtually all manufacturing industries, including electronics, food processing, and petroleum industries.

Mechanical Engineering deals with the creation of the mechanical systems and machines that serve society. Areas of emphasis include solid mechanics, thermal/fluids, and dynamics and control. The solid mechanics emphasis is concerned with the mechanics of displacement and stress analysis combined with material science for selection of an optimum design. Students learn to use the finite element method as well as classical methods for the determination of stresses, strains, and displacements. Included are studies of elasticity, plasticity, and failure in traditional metals and high-tech composite materials. The thermal/fluids emphasis is concerned with the transport of mass, momentum, and energy in solids, liquids, and gasses. Included within its scope are the fundamental studies of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics. The dynamics and control emphasis is concerned with describing and controlling the motion of mechanical systems. Included within its scope are the fundamental studies of dynamics, kinematics, vibrations, control theory, hydraulics and pneumatics, electromechanical systems, and machine design. Graduates who select the broad mechanical engineering specialization are prepared to pursue careers in such widely diverse disciplines as aerospace, automotive, building, chemical, defense, electronics, environmental engineering, food processing, heating and air conditioning, heavy equipment, machine tools, manufacturing, nuclear, petroleum, public utilities, and solar energy.

Course Requirements

The specific course requirements for the ME, MS, and PhD degrees offered through the department may occasionally change. For this reason, prospective students are advised to seek current details concerning graduate degree requirements and program coursework by contacting the department or sending an Internet e-mail request to: Bonnie Ogden at bogden@engineering.usu.edu.