Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering - Mobility, Automotive, and Transportation

The goal of the PhD program is to create a culture of scholarship and high impact research that produces articulate researchers who are called upon first to hold leadership positions in society and academia. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree is the highest degree awarded by the Mechanical Engineering Department and is recommended for students who are interested in leadership careers in academia (e.g. as a faculty member of a university), industry, or government. Research involves active, student-directed inquiry into an engineering topic. A student’s research experience forms the core of the PhD program. There are two goals for conducting research: 1) to learn the general skills to conduct independent research and 2) to develop new knowledge in mechanical engineering. Conducting research requires combining knowledge gained in the classroom with the ability to read the scientific literature, identify critical knowledge gaps, structure complex problems, formulate and test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data, and present and discuss technical results. Engineering research also requires significant experimental, computational, and analytical skills. A student learns these core skills as they pursues their research topic. Many of these skills cannot be learned in the classroom setting, but instead must be developed in the laboratory, library, and conference room as the student actively interacts with faulty, other students, and researchers around the world. Independent, non-classroom based learning and problem solving is a core aspect of the PhD degree. Upon completion of his dissertation the student should be an international expert in a technical area. Dissemination of new knowledge at technical conferences and in peer-reviewed archival publications is an important part of research. Milestones to the PhD: The major ME program milestones all PhD students complete: Research and Coursework; Qualifying Examination (RCC & RFE); Advancement to Candidacy; Dissertation Proposal Meeting (DPM); Thesis Dissertation (written) and Defense (oral). Our Automotive and Transportation research activities are focused in: Advanced and hybrid powertrains; Vehicle dynamics, system optimization, and control; High-performance structures and materials; Advanced vehicle manufacturing; Advanced fuels and combustion processes. In addition to the internationally renowned Automotive Research Center, we receive sustained funding as the home to the General Motors-UM Automotive Collaborative Research Laboratory with three divisions focused on: Advanced Manufacturing; Engine Systems; Multi-Functional Vehicle Systems. Specialties: Internal combustion engines; Combustion research; Hybrid vehicles; Batteries and energy storage; Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Systems; Powertrain Control; Biofuels; Friction; Brake systems; Vehicle dynamics; Fracture and fatigue; Integrated vehicle systems modeling; Adhesives and fracture; Driver-vehicle interaction; Multi-vehicle dynamics; Autonomous vehicles.