Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering - Sensing and Controls

Faculty in mechanical engineering are significantly engaged in research on the development of smart and autonomous systems that utilize novel sensors, model-based estimation, feedback control and mechatronic system integration. Analytical areas of research in control systems in the department include observer design for nonlinear dynamic systems, control of nonlinear systems, passivity, stochastic estimation, disturbance rejection and repetitive control. Coursework and research for all graduate degrees are offered in bioengineering, biomechanics, combustion, computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, computer graphics, control systems, design, energy conservation, environmental control, environmental engineering, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, history of science and technology, human factors engineering, industrial engineering, innovative methodologies, integration of structural and environmental systems, lubrication, manufacturing engineering, particle technology, plasma chemistry, plasma heat transfer, power, propulsion, and applied thermodynamics, socioeconomic systems, solar energy, solar processing and thermochemistry, statistics, structures, systems dynamics, technology assessment, thermal energy storage, thermal environmental engineering, thermodynamics, transportation, tribology, vibration, and interdisciplinary finite element methodology. Additional instructional and research programs can be formulated.