Chair   John A. Tichy
Director, Mechanical Engineering   John A. Tichy
Director, Areospace Engineering   Zvi Rusak
Director, Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics   Don Steiner
Associate Chair for Graduate Studies   Antoinette Maniatty
Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies   Henrik J. Hagerup

Department Home Page   http://www.rpi.edu/dept/mane/

Mechanical engineers are engaged in a wide range of activities. At one end of the spectrum, they are concerned with fundamental engineering science, especially energetics and mechanics. At the other end, they are involved with the hardware of various technologies—the design and manufacture of mechanical components and systems. Aerospace engineering is a branch of mechanical engineering with associated technologies that apply not only to aircraft and spacecraft, but to other vehicular systems such as submarines and hydrofoils as well. Nuclear engineering and engineering physics focus on the methods, devices, and systems required for the peaceful use of nuclear technology. While nuclear engineering’s particular emphasis is on nuclear power generation, engineering physics emphasizes the radiation aspect of this technological area.

Research and Innovation Initiatives

Aeronautics
Research is conducted into the performance of fixed wing aircraft, rotorcraft, and space vehicles, as well as micro-vehicles. The research is supported by fundamental studies in aerodynamics, advanced propulsion concepts, vehicle dynamics, and design optimization.

Facilities include the 4-by-6-foot subsonic wind tunnel, the transonic and supersonic blow-down wind tunnel, the 70-foot-long shock tube, the hypersonic shock tunnel, and the structures and controls laboratory.

Applied Mechanics/Mechanics of Materials
Applied Mechanics refers to the theoretical foundations of mechanical engineering. Basic research is being performed on diverse topics such as acoustics, fatigue and fracture processes, nonlinear vibrations, and plasticity. Materials of the latest technologies such as composites, microelectronic materials, and carbon nanotubes are studied from the mechanical perspective. The finite element method is a computational approach in modeling material behavior.

Facilities include the mechanics of materials laboratory, the laboratory for noise control research, and the mechanical systems laboratory.

Energy Systems/Multiphase Phenomena and Heat Transfer
Studies are related to energy conversion and the development of mechanical power, convective heat transfer and freezing, electronic cooling, fouling, heat transfer augmentation, mass transfer, computational fluid dynamics and multidimensional effects in multiphase flow, and heat transfer with applications in nuclear, mechanical, thermal, chemical, biomedical and pharmaceutical systems, development of mechanistic models, and computer simulation capabilities.

Facilities include the gas turbine laboratory; the energy systems laboratory; subsonic, transonic, and supersonic wind tunnels; shock tubes and the hypersonic shock tunnel; the heat transfer laboratory; and the laboratory for fouling research. Additional equipment includes various two-phase flow loops and associated instrumentation, laser Doppler anemometer, optical void probes, and the resources of the Center for Multiphase Research.

Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering are both concerned with energy conversion and the development of mechanical power. Issues of heat transfer are important, from a range of large-scale industrial processes, down to the cooling of electronic micro components with extreme power density. Thermal and fluid flow properties are studied by theoretical and computational means (computational fluid dynamics). Multiphase processes are important in problems from drug delivery optimization to nuclear power cooling systems. Facilities include the thermal fluids laboratory; subsonic, transonic, and supersonic wind tunnels; and the heat transfer laboratory. Additional equipment includes various two-phase flow loops and associated instrumentation, laser Doppler anemometer, etc.

Environmental Health Physics and Radiation Dosimetry
Research in this area has diverse applications: the assessment of environmental radioactivity for the nuclear industry; investigations of health physics practices in hospitals; analysis of worker effective doses from external and internal exposures; and optimization of radiation therapy doses in biomedical applications. These problems are studied theoretically by Monte Carlo methods, among several techniques. Facilities include a versatile health physics laboratory and modern nuclear radiation detection and characterization systems.

Manufacturing/Design
Studies revolve around design methodology in general, and mechanical engineering design techniques in particular. There are applications in machinery and mechanical systems design, the development of new manufacturing techniques, and operation of manufacturing facilities. Areas of concentration include CAD/CAM, diagnostics and controls, tribology, metrology rapid prototyping, robotics and flexible manufacturing, and system integration. Facilities include the advanced manufacturing laboratory, the design optimization laboratory, the robotics and mechanisms laboratory, and the mechatronics laboratory.

Nuclear Science and Technology
Research involves a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the nuclear indutries. Investigations are ongoing into the interaction of neutrons and other radiation with materials used in nuclear reactors; nuclear data analysis and evaluation; radiation transport studies; conceptual designs of fusion power systems and their engineering, safety and environmental implications; plasma wall interactions; analysis of reactor accidents ;and safety studies. Facilities include a versatile 100-Mev electron linear accelerator, time-of-flight and associated instrumentation, a critical reactor facility, a three-dimensional laser Doppler anemometer, and miscellaneous nuclear radiation equipment and computational aids.

Space Technology
Research areas include analysis, design, development, and operations required for space exploration and utilization. Research is ongoing in advanced energetics (laser propulsion), structural dynamics and optimization, and crystal growth in space. Facilities include various supersonic wind tunnels, the shock tube, and crystal growth laboratories.

Faculty

Departmental faculty listings are accurate as of the date generated for inclusion in this catalog. For the most up-to-date listing of faculty positions, including end-of-year promotions, please refer to the Faculty Roster section of this catalog, which is current as of the May 2002 Board of Trustees meeting.

Professors
Crespo da Silva, M.R.M.—Ph.D. (Stanford University); dynamics, nonlinear vibrations, perturbation methods, computerized symbolic manipulation.
Drew, D.A.—Ph.D. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); applied mathematics, fluid mechanics (joint appointment, Mathematics home department).
Dvorak. G.J.—NAE, Ph.D. (Brown University); mechanics of solids, composite materials and structures, fracture and fatigue (William Howard Hart Professor of Mechanics).
Fish, J.—Ph.D. (Northwestern University); computational mechanics, finite element methods, micromechanics, mathematical modeling (joint appointment, Civil Engineering home department).
Gabriele, G.A.— Ph.D. (Purdue University); design automation, design optimization (Vice Provost for Administration, Dean of Undergraduate Education).
Hajela, P.—Ph.D. (Stanford University); optimum design, structural dynamics, aeroelasticity.
Jensen, M.K.—Ph.D., P.E. (Iowa State University); heat transfer, fluid mechanics, energy systems.
Krempl, E.— Dr.Ing. (Technical University of Munich); continuum mechanics; mechanics of materials; creep, fatigue, inelastic analysis (Rosalind and John J. Redfern Jr. Professor of Engineering).
Lahey, R.T., Jr.—NAE, Ph.D., (Stanford University); multiphase flow and boiling heat transfer, reactor safety analysis, reactor thermal-hydraulics, applications of chaos theory (jointly with the Chemical Engineering Department; Edward W. Hood Jr. Professor).
Li, C.J.—Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin-Madison); control of manufacturing process and equipment, machine condition monitoring, nonlinear system identification.
Malaviya, B.K.—Ph.D. (Harvard University); fission and fusion reactor physics and technology, biomedical applications, nondestructive evaluation, radioactive waste management, pedagogic technology (jointly with Engineering Science).
Podowski, M.Z.— Ph.D. (Warsaw Technical University); two-phase flow and heat transfer, reactor dynamics and safety, system stability, applied mathematics.
Rusak, Z.—D.Sc. (Technion-Israel Institute of Technology); theoretical aerodynamics, fluid mechanics.
Smith, R.N.—Ph.D. (University of California, Berkeley); energy systems.
Shephard, M.S. —Ph.D.(Cornell University); finite element analysis, computer graphics, computer-aided design (jointly with the Civil Engineering Department; Samuel A. Johnson’37 and Elizabeth C. Johnson Professor of Engineering).
Spilker, R.L.—Ph.D. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); biomechanics, finite element methods (joint appointment, Biomedical Engineering home department).
Steiner, D.—PhD. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); nuclear fusion systems, plasma engineering, radiation effects on materials (Institute Professor of Nuclear Engineering).
Tichy, J.A.—Ph.D. (University of Michigan); tribology, non-Newtonian fluid mechanics, rheology.
Tiersten, H.F.—Ph.D., P.E. (Columbia University); continuum mechanics, continuum physics, electro-mechanical devices, structures.

Associate Professors
Anderson, K.S.—Ph.D. (Stanford University); multibody dynamics, parallel computing, vehicle dynamics.
Blanchet, T.A.—Ph.D. (Dartmouth College); tribology, solid lubrication, surface science, contact mechanics.
Craig, K.C.—Ph.D. (Columbia University); design, tribology, mechanics, controls (Chair, Engineering Science, and Director, Core Engineering).
Derby, S.J.—Ph.D. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); automation, mechanisms, robotics, design.
Embrechts, M.J.—Ph.D. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute); fusion engineering, applied chaos theory, neural networks (joint appointment, Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems home department).
Hagerup, H.J.—Ph.D. (Princeton University); viscous flow.
Hirsa, A.—Ph.D. (University of Michigan); fluid mechanics, experimental gas dynamics.
Huang, H.—Ph.D. (University of California, Los Angeles); nanomechanics of materials, thin film deposition, radiation damage, multiscale materials modeling.
Jansen, K.—Ph.D. (Stanford University); computational mechanics, parallel computing, computational fluid dynamics.
Kaminski, D.A.—Ph.D. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); heat transfer, computational fluid mechanics, thermal radiation.
Maniatty, A.M.—Ph.D. (Cornell University); continuum mechanics, mechanics of materials (Clare Boothe Luce Associate Professor).
Messac, A.—Ph.D. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); optimal design, physical programming, design methodology, structural dynamics.
Myrabo, L.N.—Ph.D. (University of California, San Diego); energy systems, space technology.
Ostrogorsky, A.G.—Sc.D. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); heat transfer and fluid mechanics, solidification, crystal growth (jointly with Materials Science and Engineering Department).
Scarton, H.A.—Ph.D. (Carnegie Mellon University); biomechanics, wave phenomena, acoustics, noise control.
Walczyk, D.F.—Ph.D., P.E. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); rapid tooling, environmentally conscious design, machine design.
Xu, G.X.—Ph.D. (Texas A&M University); environmental health physics, health and medical physics, Monte Carlo simulations, anatomical modeling, biomedical use of radiation (jointly with the Biomedical Engineering Department).

Associate Clinical Professor
Steiner, M.W.—Ph.D. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); multidisciplinary design, product architecture, advanced design methods.

Assistant Professors
Borca-Tasciuc, T.—Ph.D. (University of California, Los Angeles); heat transfer and energy conversion, nanotechnology, MEMS.
Castillo, L.—Ph.D. (University at Buffalo); fluid mechanics, turbulent boundary layers.
Danon, Y.—Ph.D. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); nuclear instrumentation and data, accelerator technology and radiation applications, nondestructive testing, neural networks applications.
De, S.—Sc.D. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); numerical methods in engineering, multimodal virtual environments, fast computational techniques of MEMS.
Koratkar, N.A.—Ph.D. (University of Maryland at College Park); smart materials and structures, rotorcraft, unsteady aerodynamics.
Peles, Y.—Ph.D. (Technion-Israel Institute of Technology); MEMS fabrication, design and device testing, design and manufacturing of electronic packaging.
Picu, C.R.—Ph.D. (Dartmouth College); mechanics of solids, micro- and nano-mechanics of crystalline defects, atomistic simulations.

Research Professor
Slovacek, R.E.—Ph.D. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); neutron physics, reactor physics.

Research Assistant Professor
Antal, S.—Ph.D. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); computational fluid dynamics, numerical methods in multiphase flows, heat transfer.
Kim, C.H.—Ph.D. (Texas A&M University); Monte Carlo radiation transport, dosimeter simulation, organ dose calculation, medical physics dosimetry, shield design, radiation field characterization.
Wang, X. —Ph.D. (Texas A&M University); microscale heat transfer and fluid flow in porous media, microheat pipes and its applications, microelectronic cooling and electronic packaging.

Senior Lecturer
Swersey, B.L.—B.S. (Cornell University); creativity in design, design methodology.

Lecturer
McDougall, R.—B.S. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); mechatronics.

Adjunct Faculty
Anderson, T.—Ph.D. (New York University); plasma physics, fluid dynamics, reactor physics and radwaste management, environmental engineering.
Borton, D.N.—Ph.D. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); solar energy.
Caracappa, P.—M.S. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); radiation safety, health physics.
DeLorey, T.F.—Ph.D. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); reactor physics, computational physics, software engineering.
Feitelberg, A.S.—Ph.D. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); combustion.
Francis, N.—Ph.D. (University of Rochester); reactor physics.
Haley, T.—Ph.D. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); nuclear fuel management, mathematical modeling, reactor design.
Kendall, G.—Ph.D. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); investigations of solid-state and metallurgical phenomena involving mechanical and thermal properties of advanced materials.
Thompson, B.E.—Ph.D. (University of London); aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, multiphase flow.
Ting, J.K.—M.S. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); energy systems.
Trumbull, T.H.—M.Eng. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); research reactor experimental operations.
Witter, J.K.—Ph.D. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); reactor physics, plant operations, thermal hydraulics, reactor for space applications.

Emeritus Faculty
Bergles, A.E.—P.E., NAE, Ph.D. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); heat transfer, two-phase flow.
Block, R.C.—Ph.D. (Duke University); nuclear structure and data, radiation effects in electronics, accelerator technology neutron reactions, real-time radiography, industrial applications of radiation, nondestructive testing.
Ettles, C.M.—Ph.D. (Imperial College), D.Sc. (University of London); mechanical design, machine dynamics, tribology.
Harris, D.R.—Ph.D. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); reactor physics, fusion technology, shielding, reactor noise analysis.
Lee, D.—Sc.D. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); mechanics of materials, computer-aided manufacturing.
Nagamatsu, H.T.—Ph.D. (California Institute of Technology); hypersonics, transonics, plasma dynamics, aeroacoustics, heat transfer.
Ryan, R.M.—B.S.C.E. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); health physics, reactor safety, radioactive waste management, radiation dosimetry, environmental effects of the nuclear fuel cycle, emergency planning.
Sneck, H.J., Jr.— Ph.D., P.E. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); viscous-fluid mechanics, bearing lubrication and design.
Somerscales, E.F.C.—Ph.D. (Cornell University); heat transfer.

Technical Support Staff
Brand, P.
Calabrese, S.J.
Gray, M.
Mielke, W.R., Jr.
Murray, S.F.
Paedelt, V.
Prince, L.
Trumbull, T.
Westhead, J.

Undergraduate Programs

Objectives of the Undergraduate Curriculum
While the objectives stated in the School of Engineering’s Overview of Undergraduate Programs apply to all departments, achievement of the third objective requires a specific subset of objectives specific to ensure that all graduates have specialized technical knowledge in their chosen fields. In this regard, students within the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering will:

• Be able to identify and treat problems of interest to society.
• Develop communication skills, both oral and written.
• Exhibit leadership abilities and form an awareness and appreciation of the impact of engineering solutions in a global context, along with their ethical and societal implications and responsibilities.
• Have a broad foundation in mechanical systems, thermal and fluids engineering, and electronics and controls; be able to apply their knowledge to the design of mechanical and thermal/fluids systems and devices; gain additional technical depth in one or more areas of concentration, such as aeronautics, applied energy systems, design optimization, dynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics, manufacturing, mechatronics, and mechanics of materials; and be familiar with basic laboratory techniques in mechanical systems and in thermal/fluids engineering or
• Have a broad foundation in aerodynamics, aircraft structures, propulsion, and flight mechanics; be able to apply their knowledge to the design of aircraft and spacecraft; and be familiar with basic numerical methods for engineering problems and the use of high-level computer software or
• Develop and demonstrate the ability to apply relevant atomic and nuclear phenomena to nuclear and radiological systems and processes, conduct experimental investigations, and work on design projects so as to be prepared to work professionally at a satisfactory level in one or more of the nuclear or radiological fields of specialization identified by the nuclear engineering program or
• Conduct experimental and analytical investigations and design projects, and develop the ability to work professionally at a satisfactory level in one or more of the high-tech areas of specialization identified by the engineering physics program.

Students may achieve these objectives through completion of the B.S. degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, nuclear engineering, or engineering physics. A variety of options are available to those pursing the B.S., depending upon the specific degree program. These options, which include concentrations, minors, and/or dual majors are delineated within the following individual descriptions of each baccalaureate curriculum.

Baccalaureate Programs
Freshmen or sophomores who have identified mechanical, aerospace, nuclear engineering, or engineering physics as their major may follow the baccalaureate program below in lieu of the general core engineering program presented earlier. The total number of credit hours required to complete any of these curricula is 128.

Mechanical Engineering Curriculum

1. These required courses may be taken in any order.
2. Alternative: ENGR-1310
3. Choice of Mechanical Design Module and Thermal and Fluids Module. Both modules are required for graduation; each module may be taken in either semester. The Mechanical Design Module consists of MANE-4030 and MANE-4040, taken concurrently. The Thermal and Fluids Module consists of MANE-4010 and MANE-4020, taken concurrently. Other third year courses may be taken in either semester.
4. This course will be fulfilled from a list published at the start of each semester. It must be completed before MANE-4260.
5. Can be taken either semester senior year.

Concentrations

The mechanical engineering curriculum offers the following six concentration options.

Aeronautics
The focus is on the analysis, design, development, and operation of flight vehicles, which is fundamental for students interested in aeronautical engineering. This concentration provides a strong engineering and scientific foundation in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, structural dynamics, vehicular mechanics, and control systems analysis. Student projects in recent years have involved spin preventions in fighter aircraft, trailing vortex dissipation, and helicopter maneuverability.

Applied Mechanics
This concentration provides the opportunity for fundamental study in fluid mechanics and solid mechanics. The objective is to develop broad analytical abilities and encourage critical inquiry. Programs in this area usually continue through the master’s level. Topics have included cellular heat convection, locally separated flow, and inelastic fatigue analysis and fracture. Biomechanics, especially the mechanics of musculoskeletal systems, is part of this concentration.

Design
The concern here is with design methodology in general and mechanical design techniques in particular, and is intended for mechanical engineering students interested in the design of machinery and mechanical systems. A student interested in the design of specialized mechanical equipment can develop a suitable program from courses in this and other mechanical engineering concentrations.

Energy Systems
This concentration is intended for those interested in energy conversion and the development of mechanical power. Students concerned with the design of equipment in this field should consider this concentration together with the design concentration. Those interested in the fundamentals should consider this concentration together with the applied mechanics concentration.

Manufacturing Concentration
This area is intended for the mechanical engineering student who is interested in manufacturing and is planning a career designing manufacturing equipment, developing new manufacturing techniques, or operating manufacturing facilities.

Space Technology
This is an inherently multidisciplinary area that is offered for students interested in the analysis, design, development, and operations required for space exploration and utilization. Current areas of particular emphasis include the space environment, propulsion, orbital and structural dynamics, structures and control.

Concentration Electives Criteria

Students wishing to obtain any one of these concentrations must adhere to strict concentration electives criteria as follows.The first two courses within the four-course concentration are highly restricted. The first of these should be selected from the courses listed below. These courses define the concentration areas available within mechanical engineering and are thus termed “concentration-defining” electives.

Mechanics of Materials
MANE-4670 Mechanical Behavior of Materials I
Dynamics
MANE-4170 Machine Dynamics
Aeronautics
MANE-4070 Aerodynamics I
MANE-4060 Aerospace Structural Analysis
Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics
MANE-4710 Advanced Heat Transfer
MANE-4800 Boundary Layers and Heat Transfer
Applied Energy Systems
MANE-4720 Design and Analysis of Energy Systems
Design
MANE-4280 Design Optimization
MANE-4180 Mechanisms
Manufacturing
MANE-4550 Analysis of Manufacturing Processes
ENGR-4710 Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory I
Mechatronics
MANE-4490 Mechatronics

The second of the restricted concentration elective courses may be chosen from either:

• A list of courses associated with the originally defined concentration area. Such courses will be termed “concentration-completing” electives. Through them, a student clearly identifies a concentration within the mechanical engineering major.
• The original short list of concentration-defining electives. Through these, a student obtains greater breadth within mechanical engineering.

Any student wishing to satisfy these restricted concentration elective requirements in another way may first consult with the adviser and then propose a plan to the associate chair in undergraduate studies for approval. Students are reminded to consult the Catalog and the Class Hour Schedule for the availability of a particular course in any given semester.

The second two courses of the four-course concentration are to be selected from any upper-level (4000 or above) course in science, engineering, or mathematics. One of these may be an independent study course, such as a design project or an undergraduate research project. The second course should not normally be a project. However, the associate chair for undergraduate studies may grant approval for an exception based on a particularly valuable research experience.

Humanities or Social Sciences Electives
In this area, the electives are based on the Institute and School of Engineering requirements. Students are urged to elect humanities and social science sequences through which they will obtain adequate breadth and depth in subject areas. Students desiring minors in Humanities and Social Sciences must consult the school or department in which the courses are offered to obtain further information and specific requirements.

Dual Major Programs
Dual majors lead to a single baccalaureate degree embracing two fields. Special programs which can be completed in eight semesters have been developed. Examples include dual majors in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering and product design and innovation (STS), and others. Further information is available in the departmental office.

Aerospace Engineering Curriculum

1. These required courses may be taken in any order.
2. Alternative: ENGR-1310.
3. This course will be fulfilled from a list published at the start of each semester.
4. Choice of: MANE-4800 or MANE-4900.
5. Can be taken either semester senior year.
6. Choice of: MANE-4090, MANE-4100, or MANE-4200.
7. Choice of: MANE-4910 (fall semester), or MANE-4920 (spring semester).
8. Choice of: MANE-4230, MANE-4850, or MANE-4860.

Humanities or Social Sciences Electives
In this area, the electives are based on the Institute and School of Engineering requirements for these electives. Students are urged to elect humanities and social science sequences through which they will obtain adequate breadth and depth in subject areas. Students desiring minors in Humanities and Social Sciences must consult the school or department in which the courses are offered to obtain further information and specific requirements.

Dual Major Programs
A dual major in aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering is available to students who follow a prescribed program that can be completed in eight semesters. These students would choose ENGR-16000 as the first year science elective and ENGR-2350 and ENGR-4300 as free electives in the third or fourth year. The dual degree program must satisfy all aerospace engineering program requirements as outlined above and must include either MANE-4800 or MANE-4010, either MANE-4910 or MANE- 4020, and either MANE-4920 or MANE-4040 (the latter to be taken concurrently with MANE-4030). General requirements and procedures for dual degrees are described within the Academic Information and Regulations section of this catalog.

Nuclear Engineering Curriculum

* This course will be fulfilled from a list published at the start of each semester.
1. May be taken in any order in the first two semesters
2. Any course in engineering or science at 4000 level or higher.
** This course can be taken either semester of the senior year.

Concentrations

For more information on any of these concentrations, students should consult with their program adviser.

Reactor Physics
This area of concentration is intended for students who wish to develop expertise in the physics of nuclear power reactor cores. Topics such as reactor physics design, nuclear fuel management, and reactor startup physics tests are included.

Reactor Engineering
This area of concentration is intended for students who wish to develop a broad understanding of nuclear technology. Topics such as reactor thermal-hydraulics, reliability, safety and licensing, radioactive waste management, structural dynamics, and materials problems are included.

Health Physics
This area of concentration is intended for students who wish to develop expertise in the radiation safety aspects of nuclear power plant operations and the associated nuclear fuel cycle.

Nuclear Thermal Hydraulics
This area of concentration is intended for students who wish to develop an extended knowledge and the ability to apply principles of fluid mechanics and heat transfer in single-phase and multiphase gas-liquid systems to reactor engineering.

Nuclear Plant Operations and Management
This area of concentration is intended for students who wish to specialize in the operation and management of nuclear power plants. This concentration is directed toward students interested in careers with nuclear electric utility organizations.

Fusion Reactor Engineering
This area of concentration is intended for students who desire to develop expertise in the analysis, assessment, and design of fusion reactor power systems.

Humanities or Social Sciences Electives    In this area, the electives are based on the Institute and School of Engineering requirements. Students are urged to elect humanities and social science sequences through which they will obtain adequate breadth and depth in subject areas. Students desiring minors in Humanities and Social Sciences must consult the school or department in which the courses are offered to obtain further information and specific requirements.

Minor Programs    Students not majoring in nuclear engineering may receive a minor in this discipline by completing 15–16 credit hours of study selected in consultation with their program adviser.

Engineering Physics Curriculum

Graduate Programs

The department offers graduate programs in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, nuclear engineering, and engineering physics. To accommodate a student’s career plans and interests, the graduate programs are structured to allow great flexibility in choosing appropriate courses, while ensuring sufficient depth and breadth. The professor assigned to or chosen by a student as the adviser has the knowledge to make suggestions of specific courses to further the student’s educational goals.

Among the available degrees are the M.Eng., which is perceived to be more practically oriented and consists of course work; the M.S., which is considered more scholarly or fundamental and must include a thesis; D.Eng.; and Ph.D. Listed below are many of the requirements for these degrees. For all degrees, full-time students must register each semester for the zero credit course MANE- 6900. Complete requirement information is available through the Office of Graduate Education.

Master’s Programs

Master of Science
Students working toward this degree work on a research project in conjunction with a professor who serves as the academic adviser. The topic is chosen based on mutual interests and needs. Course work typically focuses on subjects related to the research project. In addition to the Institute requirements and those listed above, the M.S. requires a total of 30 credits, six of which come from the thesis. Of the 24 credits of course work, a minimum of 12 must be at the 6000 level with a minimum of nine of these 6000-level courses from MANE (or courses that are cross-listed with MANE courses).

Master of Engineering
M.Eng. students will primarily take courses to deepen and broaden their knowledge, usually in a focused area of study. If a project is included in the degree program, the student will have to involve a professor as an adviser. In addition to the Institute requirements and those listed above, the M.Eng. requires a total of 30 credits. If no project is undertaken, a minimum of 18 credits must be at the 6000 level, with a minimum of nine of these taken within MANE (or courses that are cross-listed with MANE courses).

Students may also take part in a culminating experience consisting of:

• an approved sequence of three integrated or related courses with at least two courses in MANE, only one of which may be at the 4000 level. One of these courses must involve a project or design experience which integrates or synthesizes knowledge from other courses taken in the master’s program, or
• a six-credit project, or
• an internship/practicum involving a minimum of one summer and one semester full-time work in an approved setting.

Doctoral Programs
For the doctoral degree, 90 credits in addition to the bachelor’s or 60 credits in addition to the master’s degree are required. Usually this means that 15 or 20 courses beyond the bachelor’s are needed, as specified by the adviser and the doctoral committee, in addition to residence and thesis requirements. Under the guidance of a thesis adviser, the student conducts advanced study and research. If a student chooses to do a thesis with a thesis adviser from another department, a Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering Department faculty member must be appointed co-chair and the doctoral committee must contain at least two department faculty members. After approximately one year of full-time study, the student should have a research adviser and be advanced to doctoral student status. To attain this milestone a qualifying examination is required. When thesis research has begun and after approximately two years of full-time study, the candidacy examination is taken. At the completion of the research project and after the dissertation has been written, the student must defend the thesis in an open presentation to his or her committee.

Doctor of Engineering
This degree program is awarded under the auspices of the Professional School of the School of Engineering. This degree is awarded when the student proposes an engineering problem of substance and develops a solution to it in a creative and distinguished manner.

Doctor of Philosophy
This degree is awarded under the auspices of the Office of Graduate Education when the thesis is directed toward making an original contribution to fundamental knowledge in a particular field or in an interdisciplinary field. A dissertation that is scholarly, creative, original, and publishable may deal also with the relation of a discipline to educational problems and objectives within the field.

Courses   Courses directly related to all Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering curricula are described in the Course Description section of this catalog under the department code MANE.