Mechanical Engineering, PhD

This is the first version of the 2026–27 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.

The mechanical engineering graduate program in the College of Engineering emphasizes in-depth learning and research. In collaboration with faculty across campus, the mechanical engineering faculty currently research a diverse range of topics within the field. For more information, see the Department of Mechanical Engineering website.

Design and Uncertainty Quantification

The Design and Uncertainty Quantification focus area is concerned with the design optimization of complex mechanical systems in the presence of uncertainty. The focus area emphasizes the development of sound theoretical foundations, novel computational methods and algorithms, and modern software tools aimed at creating state-of-the-art engineering designs of automotive, aerospace, naval, nuclear, and biomedical systems. Current areas of excellence include artificial muscles and smart materials design, ship hydrodynamics, design sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, and reliability-based design optimization.

Fluid Dynamics

The Fluid Dynamics focus area covers a wide variety of topics with the flow of liquids and gases as the common denominator. The graduate program in fluid dynamics emphasizes fundamental principles and applications and the numerical and experimental techniques used to obtain and analyze fluid flows. Areas of concentration include computational fluid dynamics, experimental fluid dynamics, medical flows, naval hydrodynamics, biologically inspired air and underwater vehicles, multiphase flows, cavitation and ventilation, and fluid-structure interaction and turbulence, among others.

Heat Transfer and Combustion

The Heat Transfer and Combustion focus area applies to real-world systems in manufacturing and materials processing, propulsion, energy production, and other areas. The graduate program emphasizes the fundamental principles and techniques required for experimental and theoretical research. Current areas of research include the solidification of materials, metal casting, 3D printing, laser-materials interaction, power plants and propulsion devices such as automobile and aircraft engines, energy conservation and production, energy storage, complex reactive materials, and machine learning in computational modeling and simulation.

Manufacturing and Smart Materials

The Manufacturing and Smart Materials focus area involves fundamental materials processing science, technological advancement in manufacturing applications, and the development of new manufacturing processes and new material functions. Current and emerging thrust areas include solidification, metal casting, laser materials processing, micro- and nanofabrication, joining, ultrasonic welding, machining, microstructure evolution, manufacturing process modeling and simulation, artificial muscles, artificial camouflage, smart materials, and material characterizations. These research activities are well supported by federal and state agencies and the manufacturing industry.

Robotics, Controls, and Autonomous Systems

Robotics, Controls, and Autonomous Systems (RCAS) are concerned with the modeling, analysis, design, and control of dynamic systems. The graduate program in RCAS emphasizes the fundamental principles and techniques of robotics, control theory, and artificial intelligence. Areas of concentration include computational intelligence, dynamic autonomous systems, cyber-physical systems, and networked robotic systems with potential applications in self-driving cars; medical and assistive robots for surgery and rehabilitation; industrial co-robots for human-robot collaboration; and uncrewed aerial, ground, and underwater vehicles.

Solid Mechanics and Multibody Dynamics

Solid Mechanics and Multibody Dynamics are concerned with the behavior of solid materials and flexible bodies, especially their deformation, motion, and stress responses under the action of applied loads. The graduate program in solid mechanics and multibody dynamics emphasizes the theoretical foundations and problem-solving techniques for engineering applications. Current research focuses of the faculty include multiscale mechanics of materials, biomechanics, vehicle dynamics, computational mechanics, multibody dynamics, and optimization.

Human-Robot Interaction and Biomechanics

The Biomechanics and Human-Robot Interaction research area investigates the integration of advanced technologies, wearable sensors, and robotic systems to improve human health, mobility, and performance. This interdisciplinary field emphasizes the development, modeling, and testing of smart wearable technologies and adaptive assistive devices that respond to human needs. Research topics include novel actuation and sensing technologies, skeletal and tissue mechanics, and enhanced human-robot interactions. The program seeks to drive innovations in healthcare, personalized assistive technologies, and bio-inspired robotics, with applications across several domains.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

  • have extensive knowledge of mechanical engineering topics and mastery of advanced concepts in their specific area of study;
  • be able to identify, formulate, analyze, and solve research problems, thereby advancing knowledge through creative scholarship; and
  • develop professional skills that include effective communication, leadership, and ethical conduct in professional, social, and scholarly activities.