Department of Mechanical Engineering

Faculty and Fields of Interest

Farhad Azadivar modeling and optimization of manufacturing systems, computer simulation, management of technological innovation

Sankha Bhowmick heat and mass transfer bioengineering, MEMS

Vijaya B Chalivendra analytical and experimental treatment of fracture studies in functionally graded materials

Sherif D El Wakil computer-aided manufacturing, design for manufacturing, materials science

Alex J Fowler fluid flow in porous media, heat transfer, thermodynamics, bioengineering

Peter D Friedman (Chair) experimental fluid mechanics and heat transfer, thermodynamics, nuclear power plant operation

Wenzhen Huang product and manufacturing process modeling, simulation, design analysis and optimization, and diagnosis for variation reduction and quality improvement

Raymond N Laoulache thermodynamics, multiphase flow, control systems, fluid mechanics, laser doppler anemometry, parallel computing

Tesfay Meressi robotics, control theory, machine design

Katja Holtta-Otto product design and development, systems engineering and modular product platforms

John M Rice solid mechanics, computer-aided engineering, finite element analysis, composite materials, vibration

K Srinagesh manufacturing processes, physical metallurgy, foundry engineering

Mechanical engineers are involved in a spectrum of technical activities from the design and manufacture of various products to fundamental research.

Mechanical engineers are concerned with the production, transmission, and use of power. They design and develop systems which produce power, such as steam and gas turbines, internal combustion engines, nuclear reactors, jet engines, and rocket motors. They also design, develop, and manufacture devices which consume power in order to accomplish some useful result, such as refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, machine tools, rolling mills, and elevators, to name a few.

The environmental impact of these systems forms an integral part of their analysis and design. Mechanical engineers must cope with stringent standards of air and water quality, noise abatement, and thermal pollution.

Graduates find employment in a number of areas, including private industry, government, consulting firms and education. They may be involved in one or more of the following: research, design, development, manufacturing, administration, management, sales or production supervision. Others continue studies in graduate school.

The Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012.

A student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers permits the student to initiate professional contacts through a program of technical and social events which introduces the student to practicing engineers from industry and students from other engineering schools.

Mission Statement

The Mechanical Engineering Department at UMass Dartmouth offers two degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The program provides service to meet the needs of students, industry, government, and society. The program offers excellence, access, and value through a strong commitment to teaching, scholarship, outreach, and professionalism.

Program Educational Objectives

To educate students in the principles that underlie technological applications related to mechanical design, manufacturing, and energy systems.
To prepare students in several areas of concentration to meet the diverse employment opportunities in Mechanical Engineering.
To prepare students to be aware of the societal, economic, ethical, and political context in which engineering is done.

Program Outcomes

UMass Dartmouth Mechanical Engineering graduates will have:

an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs including experience in designing and building a project and ability in the area of manufacturing;
an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams including an ability to work collaboratively and a broad interdisciplinary knowledge;
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
an ability to communicate effectively including with written, oral, and electronic communication;
the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global/societal context including understanding cultural, political, and economic issues;
a recognition of the need and an ability to engage in life-long learning including being an independent learner and working in industry and/or furthering their education in graduate schools, not only in engineering but also in business, law, or medicine, depending on their future interests;
a knowledge of contemporary issues;
an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice including computers and instrumentation.