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Mechanical Engineering Masters Theses Collection

Theses from 2024 2024.

TECHNICAL EVALUATION OF FLOATING OFFSHORE WIND PLANTS AND INSTALLATION OPERATIONS , CENGIZHAN CENGIZ, Mechanical Engineering

Heat Transfer Enhacement of Latent Heat Thermal Enery Storage , Joe Hatem T. Saba, Mechanical Engineering

Theses from 2023 2023

Device Design for Inducing Aneurysm-Susceptible Flow Conditions Onto Endothelial Cells , hans f. foelsche, Mechanical Engineering

Thermal Conductivity and Mechanical Properties of Interlayer-Bonded Graphene Bilayers , Afnan Mostafa, Mechanical Engineering

Wind-Wave Misalignment Effects on Multiline Anchor Systems for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines , Doron T. Rose, Mechanical Engineering

Theses from 2022 2022

A Simplified Fluid Dynamics Model of Ultrafiltration , Christopher Cardimino, Mechanical Engineering

Local Nanomechanical Variations of Cold-sprayed Tantalum Coatings , Dhrubajyoti Chowdhury, Mechanical Engineering

Aerodynamically Augmented Air-Hockey Pucks , Madhukar Prasad, Mechanical Engineering

Analysis of Low-Induction Rotors for Increased Power Production , Jack E. Rees, Mechanical Engineering

Application of the New IEC International Design Standard for Offshore Wind Turbines to a Reference Site in the Massachusetts Offshore Wind Energy Area , Samuel C. Roach, Mechanical Engineering

Applications of Thermal Energy Storage with Electrified Heating and Cooling , Erich Ryan, Mechanical Engineering

Theses from 2021 2021

Design and Testing of a Foundation Raised Oscillating Surge Wave Energy Converter , Jacob R. Davis, Mechanical Engineering

Wind Turbine Power Production Estimation for Better Financial Agreements , Shanon Fan, Mechanical Engineering

Finite Element Analysis of Impact and Cohesion of Cold Sprayed Particles onto Non-Planar Surfaces , Zhongkui Liu, Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Design and Analysis: High-Precision Microcontact Printhead for Roll-to-Roll Printing of Flexible Electronics , Mehdi Riza, Mechanical Engineering

Jet Breakup Dynamics of Inkjet Printing Fluids , Kashyap Sundara Rajan, Mechanical Engineering

Ground Source Heat Pumps: Considerations for Large Facilities in Massachusetts , Eric Wagner, Mechanical Engineering

Theses from 2020 2020

Modeling of Electrical Grid Systems to Evaluate Sustainable Electricity Generation in Pakistan , Muhammad Mustafa Amjad, Mechanical Engineering

A Study on Latent Thermal Energy Storage (LTES) using Phase Change Materials (PCMs) 2020 , Ritvij Dixit, Mechanical Engineering

SunDown: Model-driven Per-Panel Solar Anomaly Detection for Residential Arrays , Menghong Feng, Mechanical Engineering

Nozzle Clogging Prevention and Analysis in Cold Spray , Alden Foelsche, Mechanical Engineering

Short Term Energy Forecasting for a Microgird Load using LSTM RNN , Akhil Soman, Mechanical Engineering

Optimization of Thermal Energy Storage Sizing Using Thermodynamic Analysis , Andrew Villanueva, Mechanical Engineering

Fabrication of Binder-Free Electrodes Based on Graphene Oxide with CNT for Decrease of Resistance , Di Zhang, Mechanical Engineering

Theses from 2019 2019

Computational Fluid Dynamics Models of Electromagnetic Levitation Experiments in Reduced Gravity , Gwendolyn Bracker, Mechanical Engineering

Forecasting the Cost of Electricity Generated by Offshore Wind Turbines , Timothy Costa, Mechanical Engineering

Optical-Fiber-Based Laser-Induced Cavitation for Dynamic Mechanical Characterization of Soft Materials , Qian Feng, Mechanical Engineering

On the Fuel Spray Applications of Multi-Phase Eulerian CFD Techniques , Gabriel Lev Jacobsohn, Mechanical Engineering

Topology Network Optimization of Facility Planning and Design Problems , Ravi Ratan Raj Monga, Mechanical Engineering

The Promise of VR Headsets: Validation of a Virtual Reality Headset-Based Driving Simulator for Measuring Drivers’ Hazard Anticipation Performance , Ganesh Pai Mangalore, Mechanical Engineering

Ammonia Production from a Non-Grid Connected Floating Offshore Wind-Farm: A System-Level Techno-Economic Review , Vismay V. Parmar, Mechanical Engineering

Calculation of Scalar Isosurface Area and Applications , Kedar Prashant Shete, Mechanical Engineering

Theses from 2018 2018

Electroplating of Copper on Tungsten Powder , Richard Berdos, Mechanical Engineering

A NUMERICAL FLUTTER PREDICTOR FOR 3D AIRFOILS USING THE ONERA DYNAMIC STALL MODEL , Pieter Boersma, Mechanical Engineering

Streamwise Flow-Induced Oscillations of Bluff Bodies - The Influence of Symmetry Breaking , Tyler Gurian, Mechanical Engineering

Thermal Radiation Measurement and Development of Tunable Plasmonic Thermal Emitter Using Strain-induced Buckling in Metallic Layers , Amir Kazemi-Moridani, Mechanical Engineering

Restructuring Controllers to Accommodate Plant Nonlinearities , Kushal Sahare, Mechanical Engineering

Application and Evaluation of Lighthouse Technology for Precision Motion Capture , Soumitra Sitole, Mechanical Engineering

High Strain Rate Dynamic Response of Aluminum 6061 Micro Particles at Elevated Temperatures and Varying Oxide Thicknesses of Substrate Surface , Carmine Taglienti, Mechanical Engineering

The Effects of Mechanical Loading and Tumor Factors on Osteocyte Dendrite Formation , Wenbo Wang, Mechanical Engineering

Microenvironment Regulates Fusion of Breast Cancer Cells , Peiran Zhu, Mechanical Engineering

Design for Sustainability through a Life Cycle Assessment Conceptual Framework Integrated within Product Lifecycle Management , Renpeng Zou, Mechanical Engineering

Theses from 2017 2017

Improving the Efficiency of Wind Farm Turbines using External Airfoils , Shujaut Bader, Mechanical Engineering

Evaluation Of Impedance Control On A Powered Hip Exoskeleton , Punith condoor, Mechanical Engineering

Experimental Study on Viscoelastic Fluid-Structure Interactions , Anita Anup Dey, Mechanical Engineering

BMI, Tumor Lesion and Probability of Femur Fracture: a Probabilistic Biomechanics Approach , Zhi Gao, Mechanical Engineering

A Magnetic Resonance Compatible Knee Extension Ergometer , Youssef Jaber, Mechanical Engineering

Non-Equispaced Fast Fourier Transforms in Turbulence Simulation , Aditya M. Kulkarni, Mechanical Engineering

INCORPORATING SEASONAL WIND RESOURCE AND ELECTRICITY PRICE DATA INTO WIND FARM MICROSITING , Timothy A. Pfeiffer, Mechanical Engineering

Effects of Malformed or Absent Valves to Lymphatic Fluid Transport and Lymphedema in Vivo in Mice , Akshay S. Pujari, Mechanical Engineering

Electroless Deposition & Electroplating of Nickel on Chromium-Nickel Carbide Powder , Jeffrey Rigali, Mechanical Engineering

Numerical Simulation of Multi-Phase Core-Shell Molten Metal Drop Oscillations , Kaushal Sumaria, Mechanical Engineering

Theses from 2016 2016

Cold Gas Dynamic Spray – Characterization of Polymeric Deposition , Trenton Bush, Mechanical Engineering

Intent Recognition Of Rotation Versus Translation Movements In Human-Robot Collaborative Manipulation Tasks , Vinh Q. Nguyen, Mechanical Engineering

A Soft Multiple-Degree of Freedom Load Cell Based on The Hall Effect , Qiandong Nie, Mechanical Engineering

A Haptic Surface Robot Interface for Large-Format Touchscreen Displays , Mark Price, Mechanical Engineering

Numerical Simulation of High Velocity Impact of a Single Polymer Particle during Cold Spray Deposition , Sagar P. Shah, Mechanical Engineering

Tunable Plasmonic Thermal Emitter Using Metal-Coated Elastomeric Structures , Robert Zando, Mechanical Engineering

Theses from 2015 2015

Thermodynamic Analysis of the Application of Thermal Energy Storage to a Combined Heat and Power Plant , Benjamin McDaniel, Mechanical Engineering

Towards a Semantic Knowledge Management Framework for Laminated Composites , Vivek Premkumar, Mechanical Engineering

A CONTINOUS ROTARY ACTUATION MECHANISM FOR A POWERED HIP EXOSKELETON , Matthew C. Ryder, Mechanical Engineering

Optimal Topological Arrangement of Queues in Closed Finite Queueing Networks , Lening Wang, Mechanical Engineering

Creating a New Model to Predict Cooling Tower Performance and Determining Energy Saving Opportunities through Economizer Operation , Pranav Yedatore Venkatesh, Mechanical Engineering

Theses from 2014 2014

New Generator Control Algorithms for Smart-Bladed Wind Turbines to Improve Power Capture in Below Rated Conditions , Bryce B. Aquino, Mechanical Engineering

UBOT-7: THE DESIGN OF A COMPLIANT DEXTEROUS MOBILE MANIPULATOR , Jonathan Cummings, Mechanical Engineering

Design and Control of a Two-Wheeled Robotic Walker , Airton R. da Silva Jr., Mechanical Engineering

Free Wake Potential Flow Vortex Wind Turbine Modeling: Advances in Parallel Processing and Integration of Ground Effects , Nathaniel B. Develder, Mechanical Engineering

Buckling of Particle-Laden Interfaces , Theo Dias Kassuga, Mechanical Engineering

Modeling Dynamic Stall for a Free Vortex Wake Model of a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine , Evan M. Gaertner, Mechanical Engineering

An Experimental Study of the C-Start of a Mechanical Fish , Benjamin Kandaswamy Chinna Thambi, Mechanical Engineering

Measurement and Verification - Retro-Commissioning of a LEED Gold Rated Building Through Means of an Energy Model: Are Aggressive Energy Simulation Models Reliable? , Justin M. Marmaras, Mechanical Engineering

Development of a Support Structure for Multi-Rotor Wind Turbines , Gaurav Murlidhar Mate, Mechanical Engineering

Towards Accessible, Usable Knowledge Frameworks in Engineering , Jeffrey Mcpherson, Mechanical Engineering

A Consistent Algorithm for Implementing the Space Conservation Law , Venkata Pavan Pillalamarri Narasimha Rao, Mechanical Engineering

Kinetics of Aluminization and Homogenization in Wrought H-X750 Nickel-Base Superalloy , Sean Reilly, Mechanical Engineering

Single-Phase Turbulent Enthalpy Transport , Bradley J. Shields, Mechanical Engineering

CFD Simulation of the Flow around NREL Phase VI Wind Turbine , Yang Song, Mechanical Engineering

Selection of Outputs for Distributed Parameter Systems by Identifiability Analysis in the Time-scale Domain , Teergele, Mechanical Engineering

The Optimization of Offshore Wind Turbine Towers Using Passive Tuned Mass Dampers , Onur Can Yilmaz, Mechanical Engineering

Design of a Passive Exoskeleton Spine , Haohan Zhang, Mechanical Engineering

TURBULENT TRANSITION IN ELECTROMAGNETICALLY LEVITATED LIQUID METAL DROPLETS , Jie Zhao, Mechanical Engineering

Theses from 2013 2013

Optimization of Mixing in a Simulated Biomass Bed Reactor with a Center Feeding Tube , Michael T. Blatnik, Mechanical Engineering

Continued Development of a Chilled Water System Analysis Tool for Energy Conservation Measures Evaluation , Ghanshyam Gaudani, Mechanical Engineering

Application of Finite Element Method in Protein Normal Mode Analysis , Chiung-fang Hsu, Mechanical Engineering

Asymmetric Blade Spar for Passive Aerodynamic Load Control , Charles Mcclelland, Mechanical Engineering

Background and Available Potential Energy in Numerical Simulations of a Boussinesq Fluid , Shreyas S. Panse, Mechanical Engineering

Techno-Economic Analysis of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems Used as an Electricity Storage Technology in a Wind Farm with Large Amounts of Intermittent Energy , Yash Sanghai, Mechanical Engineering

Multi Rotor Wind Turbine Design And Cost Scaling , Preeti Verma, Mechanical Engineering

Activity Intent Recognition of the Torso Based on Surface Electromyography and Inertial Measurement Units , Zhe Zhang, Mechanical Engineering

Theses from 2012 2012

Simulations of Non-Contact Creep in Regimes of Mixed Dominance , Maija Benitz, Mechanical Engineering

Techniques for Industrial Implementation of Emerging Semantic Technologies , Jay T. Breindel, Mechanical Engineering

Environmental Impacts Due to Fixed and Floating Offshore Wind Turbines , Micah K. Brewer, Mechanical Engineering

Physical Model of the Feeding Strike of the Mantis Shrimp , Suzanne M. Cox, Mechanical Engineering

Investigating the Relationship Between Material Property Axes and Strain Orientations in Cebus Apella Crania , Christine M. Dzialo, Mechanical Engineering

A Multi-Level Hierarchical Finite Element Model for Capillary Failure in Soft Tissue , Lu Huang, Mechanical Engineering

Finite Element Analysis of a Femur to Deconstruct the Design Paradox of Bone Curvature , Sameer Jade, Mechanical Engineering

Vortex-Induced Vibrations of an Inclined Cylinder in Flow , Anil B. Jain, Mechanical Engineering

Experimental Study of Stability Limits for Slender Wind Turbine Blades , Shruti Ladge, Mechanical Engineering

Semi-Active Damping for an Intelligent Adaptive Ankle Prosthesis , Andrew K. Lapre, Mechanical Engineering

A Finite Volume Approach For Cure Kinetics Simulation , Wei Ma, Mechanical Engineering

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Digital Commons @ USF > College of Engineering > Mechanical Engineering > Theses and Dissertations

Mechanical Engineering Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Metachronal Locomotion: Swimming, Scaling, and Schooling , Kuvvat Garayev

A Human-in-the-Loop Robot Grasping System with Grasp Quality Refinement , Tian Tan

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Health Effects of Oil Spills and Dispersal of Oil Droplets and Zooplankton by Langmuir Cells , Sanjib Gurung

Estimating the As-Placed Grout Volume of Auger Cast Piles , Tristen Mee

Hybrid RANS-LES Hemolytic Power Law Modeling of the FDA Blood Pump , Joseph Tarriela

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Dynamic Loading Directed Neural Stem Cell Differentiation , Abdullah Revaha Akdemir

An Investigation of Cross-links on Crystallization and Degradation in a Novel, PhotoCross-linkable Poly (Lactic Acid) System , Nicholas Baksh

A Framework to Aid Decision Making for Smart Manufacturing Technologies in Small-and Medium-Sized Enterprises , Purvee Bhatia

Formation of Gas Jets and Vortex Rings from Bursting Bubbles: Visualization, Kinematics, and Fluid Dynamics , Ali A. Dasouqi

Development of Carbon and Silicon Carbide Based Microelectrode Implantable Neural Interfaces , Chenyin Feng

Sulfate Optimization in the Cement-Slag Blended System Based on Calorimetry and Strength Studies , Mustafa Fincan

Interrelation of Thermal Stimulation with Haptic Perception, Emotion, and Memory , Mehdi Hojatmadani

Modeling the Ambient Conditions of a Manufacturing Environment Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) , Yang Liu

Flow Visualization and Aerosol Characterization of Respiratory Jets Exhaled from a Mannequin Simulator , Sindhu Reddy Mutra

A Constitutive-Based Deep Learning Model for the Identification of Active Contraction Parameters of the Left Ventricular Myocardium , Igor Augusto Paschoalotte Nobrega

Sensible/Latent Hybrid Thermal Energy Storage for the Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Brayton Cycle , Kelly Osterman

Evaluating the Performance of Devices Engineering to Quantify the FARS Test , Harsh Patel

Event-Triggered Control Architectures for Scheduling Information Exchange in Uncertain and Multiagent Systems , Stefan Ristevski

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Experimental Investigation of Liquid Height Estimation and Simulation Verification of Bolt Tension Quantification Using Surface Acoustic Waves , Hani Alhazmi

Investigation of Navigation Systems for Size, Cost, and Mass Constrained Satellites , Omar Awad

Simulation and Verification of Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage , Marwan Mosubah Belaed

Control of a Human Arm Robotic Unit Using Augmented Reality and Optimized Kinematics , Carlo Canezo

Manipulation and Patterning of Mammalian Cells Using Vibrations and Acoustic Forces , Joel Cooper

Stable Adaptive Control Systems in the Presence of Unmodeled and Actuator Dynamics , Kadriye Merve Dogan

The Design and Development of a Wrist-Hand Orthosis , Amber Gatto

ROBOAT - Rescue Operations Bot Operating in All Terrains , Akshay Gulhane

Mitigation of Electromigration in Metal Interconnects Passivated by Ångstrom-Thin 2D Materials , Yunjo Jeong

Swimming of Pelagic Snails: Kinematics and Fluid Dynamics , Ferhat Karakas

Functional Gait Asymmetries Achieved Through Modeling and Understanding the Interaction of Multiple Gait Modulations , Fatemeh Rasouli

Distributed Control of Multiagent Systems under Heterogeneity , Selahattin Burak Sarsilmaz

Design and Implementation of Intuitive Human-robot Teleoperation Interfaces , Lei Wu

Laser Micropatterning Effects on Corrosion Resistance of Pure Magnesium Surfaces , Yahya Efe Yayoglu

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Synthesis and Characterization of Molybdenum Disulfide/Conducting Polymer Nanocomposite Materials for Supercapacitor Applications , Turki S. Alamro

Design of Shape-Morphing Structures Consisting of Bistable Compliant Mechanisms , Rami Alfattani

Low Temperature Multi Effects Desalination-Mechanical Vapor Compression Powered by Supercritical Organic Rankine Cycle , Eydhah Almatrafi

Experimental Results of a Model Reference Adaptive Control Approach on an Interconnected Uncertain Dynamical System , Kemberly Cespedes

Modeling of Buildings with Electrochromic Windows and Thermochromic Roofs , Hua-Ting Kao

Design and Testing of Experimental Langmuir Turbulence Facilities , Zongze Li

Solar Thermal Geothermal Hybrid System With a Bottoming Supercritical Organic Rankine Cycle , Francesca Moloney

Design and Testing of a Reciprocating Wind Harvester , Ahmet Topcuoglu

Distributed Spatiotemporal Control and Dynamic Information Fusion for Multiagent Systems , Dzung Minh Duc Tran

Controlled Wetting Using Ultrasonic Vibration , Matthew A. Trapuzzano

On Distributed Control of Multiagent Systems under Adverse Conditions , Emre Yildirim

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Synthesis and Characterization of Alpha-Hematite Nanomaterials for Water-Splitting Applications , Hussein Alrobei

Control of Uncertain Dynamical Systems with Spatial and Temporal Constraints , Ehsan Arabi

Simulation and Optimization of a Sheathless Size-Based Acoustic Particle Separator , Shivaraman Asoda

Simulation of Radiation Flux from Thermal Fluid in Origami Tubes , Robert R. Bebeau

Toward Verifiable Adaptive Control Systems: High-Performance and Robust Architectures , Benjamin Charles Gruenwald

Developing Motion Platform Dynamics for Studying Biomechanical Responses During Exercise for Human Spaceflight Applications , Kaitlin Lostroscio

Design and Testing of a Linear Compliant Mechanism with Adjustable Force Output , William Niemeier

Investigation of Thermal History in Large Area Projection Sintering, an Additive Manufacturing Technology , Justin Nussbaum

Acoustic Source Localization with a VTOL sUAV Deployable Module , Kory Olney

Defect Detection in Additive Manufacturing Utilizing Long Pulse Thermography , James Pierce

Design and Testing of a Passive Prosthetic Ankle Foot Optimized to Mimic an Able-Bodied Gait , Millicent Schlafly

Simulation of Turbulent Air Jet Impingement for Commercial Cooking Applications , Shantanu S. Shevade

Materials and Methods to Fabricate Porous Structures Using Additive Manufacturing Techniques , Mohsen Ziaee

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Large Area Sintering Test Platform Design and Preliminary Study on Cross Sectional Resolution , Christopher J. Gardiner

Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Remediation of Organics in Water Using Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide Nanostructures , Srikanth Gunti

Heat Flux Modeling of Asymmetrically Heated and Cooled Thermal Stimuli , Matthew Hardy

Simulation of Hemiparetic Function Using a Knee Orthosis with Variable Impedance and a Proprioception Interference Apparatus , Christina-Anne Kathleen Lahiff

Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Molybdenum Oxide Nanomaterials , Michael S. McCrory

Effects of Microstructure and Alloy Concentration on the Corrosion and Tribocorrosion Resistance of Al-Mn and WE43 Mg Alloys , Hesham Y. Saleh Mraied

Novel Transducer Calibration and Simulation Verification of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Channels on Acoustic Microfluidic Devices , Scott T. Padilla

Force Compensation and Recreation Accuracy in Humans , Benjamin Rigsby

Experimental Evaluation of Cooling Effectiveness and Water Conservation in a Poultry House Using Flow Blurring ® Atomizers , Rafael M. Rodriguez

Media Velocity Considerations in Pleated Air Filtration , Frederik Carl Schousboe

Orthoplanar Spring Based Compliant Force/Torque Sensor for Robot Force Control , Jerry West

Experimental Study of High-Temperature Range Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage , Chatura Wickramaratne

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Al/Ti Nanostructured Multilayers: from Mechanical, Tribological, to Corrosion Properties , Sina Izadi

Molybdenum Disulfide-Conducting Polymer Composite Structures for Electrochemical Biosensor Applications , Hongxiang Jia

Waterproofing Shape-Changing Mechanisms Using Origami Engineering; Also a Mechanical Property Evaluation Approach for Rapid Prototyping , Andrew Jason Katz

Hydrogen Effects on X80 Steel Mechanical Properties Measured by Tensile and Impact Testing , Xuan Li

Application and Analysis of Asymmetrical Hot and Cold Stimuli , Ahmad Manasrah

Droplet-based Mechanical Actuator Utilizing Electrowetting Effect , Qi Ni

Experimental and Computational Study on Fracture Mechanics of Multilayered Structures , Hai Thanh Tran

Designing the Haptic Interface for Morse Code , Michael Walker

Optimization and Characterization of Integrated Microfluidic Surface Acoustic Wave Sensors and Transducers , Tao Wang

Corrosion Characteristics of Magnesium under Varying Surface Roughness Conditions , Yahya Efe Yayoglu

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) Emissions, Human Energy, and Cultural Perceptions Associated with Traditional and Improved Methods of Shea Butter Processing in Ghana, West Africa , Emily Adams

Experimental Investigation of Encapsulated Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage , Tanvir E. Alam

Design Of Shape Morphing Structures Using Bistable Elements , Ahmad Alqasimi

Heat Transfer Analysis of Slot Jet Impingement onto Roughened Surfaces , Rashid Ali Alshatti

Systems Approach to Producing Electrospun Polyvinylidene Difluoride Fiber Webs with Controlled Fiber Structure and Functionality , Brian D. Bell

Self-Assembly Kinetics of Microscale Components: A Parametric Evaluation , Jose Miguel Carballo

Measuring Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Mechanical Properties Using Flat Punch Nanoindentation Focusing on Obtaining Full Contact , Federico De Paoli

A Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Flow Induced Noise In Hydraulic Counterbalance Valves , Mutasim Mohamed Elsheikh

An Experimental Study on Passive Dynamic Walking , Philip Andrew Hatzitheodorou

Use of Anaerobic Adhesive for Prevailing Torque Locking Feature on Threaded Product , Alan Hernandez

Viability of Bismuth as a Green Substitute for Lead in Jacketed .357 Magnum Revolver Bullets , Joel A. Jenkins

A Planar Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model for Cantilevers Experiencing Combined Endpoint Forces and Uniformly Distributed Loads Acting in Parallel , Philip James Logan

Kinematic Control of Redundant Mobile Manipulators , Mustafa Mashali

Passive Symmetry in Dynamic Systems and Walking , Haris Muratagic

Mechanical Properties of Laser-Sintered-Nylon Diamond Lattices , Clayton Neff

Design, Fabrication and Analysis of a Paver Machine Push Bar Mechanism , Mahendra Palnati

Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Properties of Polyaniline Thin Films , Soukaina Rami

A Technical and Economic Comparative Analysis of Sensible and Latent Heat Packed Bed Storage Systems for Concentrating Solar Thermal Power Plants , Jamie Trahan

Use of FDM Components for Ion Beam and Vacuum Applications , Eric Miguel Tridas

The Development of an Adaptive Driving Simulator , Sarah Marie Tudor

Dual 7-Degree-of-Freedom Robotic Arm Remote Teleoperation Using Haptic Devices , Yu-Cheng Wang

Ductility and Use of Titanium Alloy and Stainless Steel Aerospace Fasteners , Jarrod Talbott Whittaker

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Home > Engineering > Mechanical Engineering > Theses and Dissertations

Mechanical Engineering Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Application of High-Deflection Strain Gauges to Characterize Spinal-Motion Phenotypes Among Patients with CLBP , Spencer Alan Baker

GPS-Denied Localization of Landing eVTOL Aircraft , Aaron C. Brown

Development of Deployable Arrays for Satellites through Origami-Pattern Design, Modeling, and Optimization , Nathan McKellar Coleman

Investigating Which Muscles are Most Responsible for Tremor Through Both Experimental Data and Simulation , Daniel Benjamin Free

Multiscale Characterization of Dislocation Development During Cyclic Bending Under Tension in Commercially Pure Titanium , Nathan R. Miller

Time-Dependent Strain-Resistance Relationships in Silicone Nanocomposite Sensors , Alex Mikal Wonnacott

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

A Series of Improved and Novel Methods in Computer Vision Estimation , James J. Adams

Experimental Validation of a Vibration-Based Sound Power Method , Trent P. Bates

Detecting Lumbar Muscle Fatigue Using Nanocomposite Strain Gauges , Darci Ann Billmire

Heated Supersonic Jet Characteristics From Far-field Acoustical Measurements , Matthew Austin Christian

Cooperative Navigation of Autonomous Vehicles in Challenging Environments , Brendon Peter Forsgren

Heat Transfer to Rolling or Sliding Drops on Inclined Heated Superhydrophobic Surfaces , Joseph Merkley Furner

Lumbar Skin Strain Fields in the Context of Skin Adhered Wearables , Andrew Kent Gibbons

A Statistical Approach for Analyzing Expectations Alignment Between Design Teams and their Project Stakeholders , Matthew Christian Goodson

Interaction of Natural Convection and Real Gas Radiation Over a Vertical Flat Plate , Nathan Hale

Thermal Atomization of Impinging Drops on Superheated Superhydrophobic Surfaces , Eric Lee

An Inexpensive, 3D Printable, Arduino and BluRay-based, Confocal Laser and Fluorescent Scanning Thermal Microscope , Justin Loose

Gradient-Based Optimization of Highly Flexible Aeroelastic Structures , Taylor G. McDonnell

Dynamic Segmental Kinematics of the Lumbar Spine During Diagnostic Movements , Paul McMullin

Friction and Heat Transfer Modeling of the Tool and Workpiece Interface in Friction Stir Welding of AA 6061-T6 for Improved Simulation Accuracy , Ryan Melander

Designed for Better Control: Using Kinematic and Dynamic Metrics to Optimize Robot Manipulator Design , John R. Morrell

Numerical Evaluation of Forces Affecting Particle Motion in Time-Invariant Pressurized Jet Flow , Donald E. Peterson

Modeling the Influence of Vibration on Flow Through Embedded Microchannels , Joseph S. Seamons

Evaluating Effects of Urban Growth Within the Greater Salt Lake Area on Local Meteorological Conditions Using Urban Canopy Modeling , Corey L. Smithson

Soft Robot Configuration Estimation: Towards Load-Agnostic Soft-Bodied Proprioception , Christian Peter Sorensen

Perfusion Pressure-Flow Relationships in Synthetic Poroelastic Vocal Fold Models , Cooper B. Thacker

Methods for Designing Compact and Deployable Origami-Inspired Flat-Foldable Spacecraft Antennas and Other Systems , Collin Ryan Ynchausti

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Mechanisms for Improvement of Key Mechanical Properties in Polymer Powder Bed Fusion Processes , Clinton Spencer Abbott

Reformulated Vortex Particle Method and Meshless Large Eddy Simulation of Multirotor Aircraft , Eduardo J. Alvarez

Improving Ideation of User Actions Using a Novel Ideation Method , Thomas L. Ashworth

Temperature and Radiation Measurements in a Pressurized Oxy-Coal Reactor , Dustin Peter Badger

Midfoot Motion and Stiffness: Does Structure Predict Function? , Kirk Evans Bassett

The Effects of Various Inlet Distortion Profiles on Transonic Fan Performance , Andrew Michael Bedke

Optical Observation of Large Area Projection Sintering , Derek Black

Investigations into Pressure Profile and Pressure Control in Wrist-Worn Health Monitoring Devices , Roger McAllister Black

Selecting and Optimizing Origami-Based Patterns for Deployable Space Systems , Diana Stefania Bolanos

Developing an Accurate Simulation Model for Predicting Friction Stir Welding Processes in 2219 Aluminum Alloy , Kennen Brooks

An Augmented Reality Maintenance Assistant with Real-Time Quality Inspection on Handheld Mobile Devices , James Thomas Frandsen

Motion Analysis of Physical Human-Human Collaboration with Varying Modus , Seth Michael Freeman

Effects of Optical Configuration and Sampling Efficiency on the Response of Low-Cost Optical Particle Counters , Brady Scott Hales

Developing Ultra-High Resolution 3D Printing for Microfluidics , Kent Richard Hooper

Controlled Pre-Wetting of Spread Powder and Its Effects on Part Formation and Printing Parameters in Binder Jetting Additive Manufacturing , Colton G. Inkley

Enabling Successful Human-Robot Interaction Through Human-Human Co-Manipulation Analysis, Soft Robot Modeling, and Reliable Model Evolutionary Gain-Based Predictive Control (MEGa-PC) , Spencer W. Jensen

Demonstration of a Transient Hot Wire Measurement System Towards a Carbide-Based Sensor for Measuring the Thermal Conductivity of Molten Salts , Peter Charles Kasper

Measured Spectral, Directional Radiative Behavior of Corrugated Surfaces , Kyle S. Meaker

Modified Transient Hot-Wire Needle Probe for Experimentally Measuring Thermal Conductivity of Molten Salts , Brian N. Merritt

Parametric Models of Maize Stalk Morphology , Michael Alan Ottesen

A Formal Consideration of User Tactics During Product Evaluation in Early-Stage Product Development , Trenton Brady Owens

Airship Systems Design, Modeling, and Simulation for Social Impact , Daniel C. Richards

Sub-Grain Characterization of Slip Activity in BCC Tantalum , Tristan Kirby Russell

Tidally Generated Internal Waves from Dual-Ridge Topography , Ian Derik Sanderson

An Investigation into the Role of Geometrically Necessary Dislocations in Multi-Strain Path Deformation in Automotive Sheet Alloys , Rishabh Sharma

Methods for Engineers to Understand, Predict, and Influence the Social Impacts of Engineered Products , Phillip Douglas Stevenson

Principles for Using Remote Data Collection Devices and Deep Learning in Evaluating Social Impact Indicators of Engineered Products for Global Development , Bryan J. Stringham

Improvement of Ex Vivo Testing Methods for Spine Biomechanical Characterization , Aubrie Lisa Taylor

Gradient-Based Wind Farm Layout Optimization , Jared Joseph Thomas

Material Development Toward an Index-Matched Gadolinium-Based Heterogenous Capture-Gated Neutron Detector , Aaron J. Thorum

Optimization of a Smart Sensor Wearable Knee Sleeve for Measuring Skin Strain to Determine Joint Biomechanics , David Steven Wood

Multi-Material 3D-Printed Silicone Vocal Fold Models , Clayton Adam Young

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Laser Forming of Compliant Mechanisms and Flat-Foldable Furniture , Daniel Calvin Ames

Effects of Static and Dynamic Thermal Gradients in Gas Chromatography , Samuel Avila

Five Degree-of-Freedom Property Interpolation of Arbitrary Grain Boundaries via Voronoi Fundamental Zone Octonion Framework , Sterling Gregory Baird

Optimization of Solar-Coal Hybridization for Low Solar Augmentation , Aaron T. Bame

Characterizing Behaviors and Functions of Joints for Design of Origami-Based Mechanical Systems , Nathan Chandler Brown

Thermal Transport to Impinging Droplets on Superhydrophobic Surfaces , Jonathan C. Burnett

3D Permeability Characterization of Sheared Fiber Reinforcement for Liquid Composite Molding Process Simulation , Collin William Childs

The Impact of Inkjet Parameters and Environmental Conditions in Binder Jetting Additive Manufacturing , Trenton Miles Colton

Control of Post-Weld Fracture Toughness in Friction Stir Processed X-80 HSLA Steel , Nolan Tracy Crook

Sensitivity of Tremor Propagation to Model Parameters , Charles Paul Curtis Jr.

Feasibility and Impact of Liquid/Liquid-encased Dopants as Method of Composition Control in Laser Powder Bed Fusion , Taylor Matthew Davis

Design Validation of a Multi-Stage Gradually Deploying Stent , Dillon J. Despain

Analysis of Closed-Loop Digital Twin , Andrew Stuart Eyring

Completion and Initial Testing of a Pressurized Oxy-Coal Reactor , Scott Hunsaker Gardner

Method for Creating Subject-specific Models of the Wrist in both Degrees of Freedom Using Measured Muscle Excitations and Joint Torques , Blake Robert Harper

CEDAR: A Dimensionally Adaptive Flow Solver for Cylindrical Combustors , Ty R. Hosler

Modeling Current and Future Windblown Utah Dust Events Using CMAQ 5.3.1 , Zachary David Lawless

Acclimation of Contact Impedance and Wrist-Based Pulsatile Signal Measurements Through Electrical Bioimpedance , Diego A. Leon

Characterizing Bacterial Resistance and Microstructure-Related Properties of Carbon-Infiltrated Carbon Nanotube Surface Coatings with Applications in Medical Devices , Stephanie Renee Morco

Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Inhibitory Control Processes , Bennett Alan Mortensen

Exploration of Constant-Force Wristbands for a Wearable Health Device , Thomas Alexander Naylor

Effect of Ported Shroud Casing Treatment Modifications on Operational Range and Limits in a Centrifugal Compressor , Alexander A. Newell

Considering Social Impact when Engineering for Global Development , Hans Jorgen Ottosson

A New Method of Measuring Flow Stress for Improved Modeling of Friction Stir Welding , David John Prymak

Constrained Nonlinear Heuristic-Based MPC for Control of Robotic Systems with Uncertainty , Tyler James Quackenbush

A Study in Soft Robotics: Metrics, Models, Control, and Estimation , Levi Thomas Rupert

Development of an Origami Inspired Composite Deployable Structure Utilizing Compliant Joints as Surrogate Folds , Samuel Porter Smith

Development and Evaluation of an Improved Microbial Inactivation Model for Analyzing Continuous Flow UV-LED Air Treatment Systems , Cole Holtom Thatcher

Micromechanisms of Near-Yield Deformation in BCC Tantalum , Joshua Jr-Syan Tsai

Effects of Carbon-Infiltrated Carbon Nanotube Growth on the Biocompatibility of 316L Stainless Steel , Sterling Charles Voss

Active Thermography for Additive Manufacturing Processes , Nicholas Jay Wallace

System Identification of Postural Tremor in Wrist Flexion-Extension and Radial-Ulnar Deviation , Sydney Bryanna Ward

Effective Temperature Control for Industrial Friction Stir Technologies , Arnold David Wright

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Characterization of the Factors Influencing Retained Austenite Transformation in Q&P Steels , Derrik David Adams

Instructional Case Studies in the Field of Windfarm Optimization , N. Francesco Baker

LCM Permeability Characterization Over Mold Curvature , Benjamin Grant Betteridge

Linear and Nonlinear Dimensionality-Reduction-Based Surrogate Models for Real-Time Design Space Exploration of Structural Responses , Gregory David Bird

Electrochemical Sensors Enhanced by Convection and by 3D Arrays of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes , Benjamin James Brownlee

In Vivo Silicon Lance Array Transfection of Plant Cells , Taylor Andrew Brown

Real Time Design Space Exploration of Static and Vibratory Structural Responses in Turbomachinery Through Surrogate Modeling with Principal Components , Spencer Reese Bunnell

On Creases and Curved Links: Design Approaches for Predicting and Customizing Behaviors in Origami-Based and Developable Mechanisms , Jared J. Butler

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Mechanical Engineering: Find Theses and Dissertations

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About Theses and Dissertations

A dissertation or thesis is a document submitted in support of candidature for a degree or professional qualification presenting the author's research and findings.  (International Standard ISO 7144: Documentation — Presentation of theses and similar documents ).

For most universities in the U.S., dissertation is the term for the required submission for the PhD, and thesis refers only to the master's degree requirement.

Other Universities

T he best source to find theses is ProQuest Dissertations & Thesis Global .  Policies regarding theses and dissertation collections largely vary between universities.  So check the library website of the university of interest.

Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon theses are now ONLINE and can be searched through the ProQuest database Dissertations & Theses @ Carnegie Mellon University that enables access to citations and abstracts of all dissertations and theses, as well as the fulltext in PDF format.  Scroll down and select Dissertations & Theses, then do a regular search. Print versions are also available in the libraries collection.

The Carnegie Mellon Library catalog , uses the term THESIS to denote both masters' theses and dissertations.  However, the number of master's theses is limited.  Within the libraries, theses are located in designated areas and are shelved in alphabetical order by the author's last name.  The catalog treats theses and dissertations like books and they can be borrowed as such.  Theses may be in print, microfiche, or microform.

• In the catalog use the Advanced Search :  search by author, title, or keyword limiting to type THESIS.
• For a list of theses from a specific department, use Advanced Search to combine a keyword search for the name of the department with location THESES.  E.g., search for "Dept. of Computer Science" with THESES as the location.
• For a reasonably complete list of theses at Carnegie Mellon, use Advanced Search to search Carnegie Mellon University Dissertations in the Subject line.  

Other Countries

Center for Research Libraries:  Foreign Doctoral Dissertations CRL has more than 800,000 cataloged foreign doctoral dissertations from more than 90 countries and over 1200 institutions.

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• Last Updated: Feb 26, 2024 3:48 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.cmu.edu/meng

University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Mechanical Science and Engineering Research Resources: Dissertations & Theses

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As part of the requirements for graduate level degrees, students must complete a thesis for a Master's degree and/or dissertation for a Ph.D. Dissertations and theses are submitted to the academic department and the Graduate College and are made available through the University Library. Since 2010, all theses and dissertations are electronically deposited into IDEALS, the Illinois Digital Environment for Access to Learning and Scholarship, the University's open repository of scholarly content.

ProQuest Dissertations is a comprehensive collection of citations to dissertations and theses worldwide from 1861 to the present day. Full text PDFs are available for many Ph.D. dissertations added since 1997 and some older graduate works.

• IDEALS (UIUC Institutional Repository) Digital copies of theses, data sets, and publications by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign faculty and students.
• ProQuest Dissertations and Theses PDF copies of dissertations and theses from U.S. universities.

Mechanical Science & Engineering Dissertations & Theses

• Mechanical Science & Engineering Dissertations & Theses Search Interface

Print Dissertations & Theses

Prior to 2010, print format dissertations and theses were bound and cataloged separately for the Grainger Engineering Library. Prior to 1983, each thesis was shelved by a call number assigned by subject headings. To locate them, search the online catalog for the author’s last name, title word(s) if known, and “theses” and the year granted as subject term(s).

Mechanical Science and Engineering dissertations and theses granted from 1985 to 1999 were assigned Q.629.1Ta, followed by the 2-number year, followed by starting letters from the author’s last name. (Example: A 1991 thesis by M. Doyle would be Q.629.1Ta91D). Dissertations and theses granted from 2000 to present were assigned Q.629.1Tb, followed by the 2-number year, followed by starting letters from the author’s last name. (Example: A 2006 thesis by H. Dewey would be Q.629.1Tb06De).

Mechanical Science and Engineering - Q. 621.8T

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MS in Mechanical Engineering - Thesis Guidelines

Students may choose to pursue a thesis as part of their MS degree program, but only with the consent of a faculty advisor willing to supervise the thesis work. 

Preparation of a thesis representing an independent research work is a pivotal phase of this MS degree program. It provides the student with an opportunity to work on an open-ended problem, developing a particular solution that is not pre-determined and involving synthesis of knowledge and intellectual creativity. The thesis may involve an investigation that is fundamental in nature, or may be applied, incorporating theory, experimental testing and/or analytical modeling, and/or creative design. Through the thesis, candidates are expected to give evidence of competence in research and a sound understanding of the area of specialization involved. Students are also strongly encouraged to present their research at scientific conferences and publish the results of their thesis research in a peer-reviewed journal.

Students receive a grade of Y (incomplete) in these courses as long as the thesis in progress. Eventual thesis grades replace the incomplete grades upon formal completion of the thesis. In order to receive a grade of Y for ME-0296, students must submit a  thesis prospectus  that outlines the area of work, thesis goals, proposed approach and a review of relevant past work in the literature before the end of the first semester in which the student enrolls in ME-0296, typically the third semester of full-time study. An example of a recent MS thesis prospectus can be found in the Mechanical Engineering office.

The examining committee for MS candidates completing theses should be composed of three (3) members.

• Thesis advisor (committee chair)
• One technical expert outside of the ME department
• A third member of the committee, often another faculty member in the ME department

The committee chair is normally a full-time, tenure-track faculty member. One committee member must be from outside the ME department. Thesis normally counts as 9 credits towards the MS degree requirements. However, a student, with the approval of his/her thesis advisor, has the option to complete a 6-credit thesis by submitting a petition form to the Department. This petition must be signed by the student and the thesis advisor and will become part of the student's academic record. With a 6-credit thesis, a student must complete an extra graduate-level course (for a total of 8 courses) to fulfill the 30-credit requirement for graduation. This option is not typically available to those intending to pursue a Ph.D. degree. 

Thesis Completion

The MS thesis is completed upon:

• A successful oral defense (open to the community)
• Submittal of an approved thesis to the Office of Graduate Studies

The student should consult the  Graduate Student Handbook  for specific dates and deadlines for this process in the graduation semester.

Thesis Proposal

Note: This article is partially based on the 2017-2018 MechE Graduate Student Guide (PDF) . Please check the latest guide for the most-up to date formatting requirements.

Criteria for Success

A strong thesis proposal…

• Motivates your project and introduces your audience to the state-of-the-art for the problem you’re working on.
• Explains the limitations in the current methods through literature review and/or original analysis. This should also explain why the limitations matter and why they’re the right ones to focus on.
• Clearly explains your technical approach to make specific improvements to some part of the field.
• Uses original analysis and literature to support the feasibility of the approach.
• Describes what is original about your work.
• Provides a practical outline for completing this research : a degree timeline laying out quantifiable hypotheses, experimental/numerical/theoretical techniques, and metrics for evaluation .

Structure Diagram

Meche-specific structure requirements.

Your thesis proposal should be limited to 6 pages including figures and references.

In addition, you need a cover page that (only) includes:

• tentative title of the thesis
• brief abstract
• committee chair and/or advisor should be indicated
• include their official titles, departmental affiliations, and email addresses

The purpose of your thesis proposal is to introduce your research plan to your thesis committee. You want the committee members to come away understanding what your research will accomplish, why it is needed ( motivation ), how you will do it ( feasibility & approach ), and most importantly, why it is worthy of a PhD ( significance ).

You intend to solve a real and important problem, and you are willing to dedicate years of your life to it, so use your proposal to get the committee excited about your research!

Analyze your audience

Unlike many of the papers and presentations you will write during graduate school, only a select few people will read your thesis proposal. This group will always include your PhD committee and your research advisor, and may include other interested MechE faculty or scientists and engineers at your funding source.

Therefore, you will typically have a good understanding of your audience before it is written. This can allow you to tailor your message to the technical level of your specific audience. If you aren’t sure what your audience could reasonably be expected to know, be conservative! Regardless, your audience is always looking to answer the questions: “ what is this research, how will you perform it, and why does it matter?”

While the small audience may make you less interested in committing time to your proposal, the exercise of motivating and justifying your work plan will be critical to your PhD.

Follow the standard structure for research proposals

While some variation is acceptable, don’t stray too far from the following structure. See also the Structure Diagram above.

• Introduction . Provide only the necessary information to motivate your research, and show how it fits into the broader field. What is the problem you are trying to solve? By the end of the introduction, your audience should understand the basics of what you will do and why you will do it.
• Background/Methodology . Describe the current state of the art and related research fields in sufficient technical detail. The goal is provide just enough detail to give the reader a sound understanding of the limitations and the need for new work. Do not go into detail that does not directly help in understanding your You are not trying to make your reader understand everything about the topic or demonstrate how much you know.
• Objectives . Although not strictly necessary, this section lets you summarize concrete goals of your work, and can help to serve as a checklist for yourself as you move through the process. This is best for projects that tackle many interrelated problems. Think of this as a list of concrete (quantifiable) goals that you want to accomplish.
• Proposed Work. Explain how your work will solve the problems that you have identified. How will you address the objectives above? Provide just enough technical specificity to leave the reader with a firm grasp of what you will do.
• Provide a set of time-structured goals and deliverables. While this is not strictly necessary, your committee will want a timeline when you meet with them, so it can help to start planning now. You want to graduate, so make sure that you have a plan to do so!
• This is a standard section listing references in an appropriate format (MLA, APA, etc.)

Consider the logical sequence of your sections. After the introduction, your audience should be intrigued by a key problem, and intrigued that you know how to solve it. Through the background, they learn that this problem is more difficult than they originally realized. Finally, in the proposed work they learn that your proposal addresses the additional complexity introduced in the background, and they have confidence that you can actually solve the problem.

Summarize the current research field

You need to have a strong grasp of the broader research community. How can you contribute, if you don’t know what is done and what needs to be done?

The point here is not to educate your audience, but rather to provide them with the tools needed to understand your proposal. A common mistake is to explain all of the research that you did to understand your topic and to demonstrate that you really know your field. This will bore your audience, who either already knows this information or does not see why they should care. It’s more important to show where current gaps are. Cut anything that doesn’t answer the what and why of what people are doing. Your depth of knowledge will come through in your thoughtful proposal.

Justify the significance of your work

Answer the question: “What happens if your work is successful?” Again, you are trying to convince your readers either to give you funding or to work with you for three (or more) years. Convince them that your project is worth it.

Your research doesn’t have to revolutionize your field, but you need to explain concretely how it will move your field forward. For example, “Successful development of the proposed model will enable high-fidelity simulation of boiling” is a specific and convincing motivation, compared to, “The field of boiling modeling must be transformed in order to advance research.”

Justify your research plan

Identify the steps needed to overcome your identified problem/limitation. Though your PhD will evolve over time, the tasks and timeline that you identify in your proposal will continue to help determine the trajectory of your research. A good plan now can save a lot of work a few years down the road.

A strong research plan answers three key questions:

• g., “In order to engineer material properties using mesoscopic defects, it is necessary to characterize the defects, measure how they affect material response, and identify techniques to reproducibly create the defects at specific sites within a material.”
• g., “In my PhD, I will focus on developing high-speed dynamic imaging techniques to characterize transient defect states in metallic nanowires. I will then use these techniques to measure the properties of nanowires fabricated with three different processes known to produce different defect structures.”
• How will you evaluate success in each step? These metrics should be concrete and measurable! Putting the thought into metrics now will make it easier for your committee (and yourself) to check a box and say ‘you can graduate.’

Each of these questions should be supported by details that reflect the current state of the art. Technical justification is critical to establish credibility for your plan. Reference the material that you introduced in the background section. You should even use your research plan to tailor your background section so that your committee knows just enough to believe what you’re claiming in your plan.

Based on the tasks and metrics in your plan, establish specific reflection points when you’ll revisit the scope of your project and evaluate if changes are needed.

Include alternative approaches

You won’t be able to predict all of the challenges you will encounter, but planning alternative approaches early on for major methods or decision points will prepare you to make better game-time decisions when you come up against obstacles. e.g.,

I will develop multi-pulse, femtosecond illumination for high speed imaging following Someone et al. Based on the results they have shown, I expect to be able to observe defect dynamics with micron spatial resolution and microsecond temporal resolution. If these resolutions are not achievable in the nanowire systems, I will explore static measurement techniques based on the work of SomeoneElse et al.

Resources and Annotated Examples

Annotated example 1.

This is a recent MechE thesis proposal, written in the style of an IEEE paper. 1,022 KB

UKnowledge > College of Engineering > Mechanical Engineering > Theses & Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical Engineering

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

The Determination of Darcy Permeabilities and Slip Parameters in Porous Thermal Protection Media via Pressure-Driven Steady Flows at Varying Levels of Thermal Decomposition , John Ryan O'Nan

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Utilization of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Towards Investigating the Structure of the Atmospheric Surface Layer , Loiy Al-Ghussain

MECHANICAL ENERGY HARVESTER FOR POWERING RFID SYSTEMS COMPONENTS: MODELING, ANALYSIS, OPTIMIZATION AND DESIGN , Alireza Babaei

Impact of spallation and internal radiation on fibrous ablative materials , Raghava Sai Chaitanya Davuluri

ANISOTROPIC MATERIAL BEHAVIOR OF 3D PRINTED FIBER COMPOSITES , Jordan Garcia

Stratospheric Glider Measurements of Atmospheric Parameters , Anisa Haghighi

Attrition Study of Copper-Supplemented Iron-Based Oxygen Carrier for Chemical Looping Combustion , Neng Huang

MACHINE LEARNING FOR ADVANCING AUTOMATION AND QUALITY CONTROL IN ROBOTIC WELDING , Joseph Kershaw

A computational fluid dynamic analysis of oxyacetylene combustion flow for use in material response boundary conditions , Craig Meade

MULTISCALE MODELING OF CARDIAC GROWTH AND BAROREFLEX CONTROL , Hossein Sharifi

Precision Meteorological Prediction Employing A Data-Driven, Adaptive, Real-Time (DART) Approach , Sujit Sinha

Parallel Real Time RRT*: An RRT* Based Path Planning Process , David Yackzan

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

IN-SITU CHARACTERIZATION OF SURFACE QUALITY IN γ-TiAl AEROSPACE ALLOY MACHINING , David Adeniji

NUMERICAL AND SCALING STUDY ON APPLICATION OF INKJET TECHNOLOGY TO AUTOMOTIVE COATING , Masoud Arabghahestani Dr.

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF ROUGHNESS AND BLOWING EFFECTS OVER ABLATOR-LIKE SURFACES , Colby Borchetta

Energy and Economic Modeling of Stillage Dewatering Processes in Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries , William Brennan

Peridynamic Material Correspondence Models: Bond-Associated and Higher-Order Formulations , WaiLam Chan

A Decoupled Engineering Methodology for Accurate Prediction of Ablative Surface Boundary Conditions in Thermal Protection Systems , Justin Cooper

QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR TOTAL LIFECYCLE RISK LIKELIHOOD AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DESIGN DECISION MAKING , Christian Enyoghasi

Numerical Investigation of an Oxyacetylene Torch With Regards to an Ablative Material , Luke Fortner

Formation Control with Collision Avoidance for Fixed-Wing Unmanned Air Vehicles With Speed Constraints , Christopher Heintz

Radiative Conductivity Estimation Using Direct Approach For Fibrous Materials , Mohammad Khaleel

Modeling Human Control Behavior in Command-following Tasks , Sajad Koushkbaghi

Formation Control with Bounded Controls and Collision Avoidance: Theory and Application to Quadrotor Unmanned Air Vehicles , Zachary S. Lippay

Small-Satellite Attitude Control Using Sinusoidal Actuator Motion: Experiments on the International Space Station , K. Ryan Lush

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• Senior Thesis

For an A.B. degree, a research thesis is strongly encouraged but not required; a thesis is necessary to be considered for High or Highest Honors. Additionally, a thesis will be particularly useful for students interested in pursuing graduate engineering research. 

In the S.B. degree programs, every student completes a design thesis as part of the required senior capstone design course (ES 100hf). During the year-long course students design and prototype a solution to an engineering problem of their own choice.

The guide below provides an overview of the requirement for an A.B. thesis in Mechanical Engineering:

• Engineering A.B. Thesis Guide

Some recent thesis examples across all of SEAS can be found on the Harvard DASH (Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard) repository .

Mechanical Engineering Senior thesis examples:

• Prototyped a mug to keep tea the perfect drinking temperature using a novel wax substrate for thermal control

Engineering A.B. Thesis Extensions and Late Submissions

Thesis extensions will only be granted in extraordinary circumstances, such as hospitalization or grave family emergency. An extension may only be granted by the DUS (who may consult with thesis advisor, resident dean, and readers). For joint concentrators, the other concentration should also support the extension. To request an extension, please email your ADUS or DUS, ideally several business days in advance. Please note that any extension must be able to fall within our normal grading, feedback, and degree recommendation deadline, so extensions of more than a few days are usually impossible.

Late submissions of thesis work will not be accepted. A thesis is required for joint concentrators, and a late submission will prevent a student from fulfilling this requirement. Please plan ahead and submit your thesis by the required deadline.

Senior Thesis Submission Information for A.B. Programs

Senior A.B. theses are submitted to SEAS and made accessible via the Harvard University Archives and optionally via  DASH  (Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard), Harvard's open-access repository for scholarly work.

In addition to submitting to the department and thesis advisors & readers, each SEAS senior thesis writer will use an online submission system to submit an electronic copy of their senior thesis to SEAS; this electronic copy will be kept at SEAS as a non-circulating backup. Please note that the thesis won't be published until close to or after the degree date. During this submission process, the student will also have the option to make the electronic copy publicly available via DASH.  Basic document information (e.g., author name, thesis title, degree date, abstract) will also be collected via the submission system; this document information will be available in  HOLLIS , the Harvard Library catalog, and DASH (though the thesis itself will be available in DASH only if the student opts to allow this). Students can also make code or data for senior thesis work available. They can do this by posting the data to the Harvard  Dataverse  or including the code as a supplementary file in the DASH repository when submitting their thesis in the SEAS online submission system.

Whether or not a student opts to make the thesis available through DASH, SEAS will provide an electronic record copy of the thesis to the Harvard University Archives. The Archives may make this record copy of the thesis accessible to researchers in the Archives reading room via a secure workstation or by providing a paper copy for use only in the reading room.  Per University policy , for a period of five years after the acceptance of a thesis, the Archives will require an author’s written permission before permitting researchers to create or request a copy of any thesis in whole or in part. Students who wish to place additional restrictions on the record copy in the Archives must contact the Archives  directly, independent of the online submission system. 

Students interested in commercializing ideas in their theses may wish to consult Dr. Fawwaz Habbal , Senior Lecturer on Applied Physics, about patent protection. See Harvard's policy for information about ownership of software written as part of academic work.

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The Best Mechanical Engineering Dissertation Topics and Titles

Published by Carmen Troy at January 5th, 2023 , Revised On May 17, 2024

Introduction 

Engineering is a vast subject that encompasses different branches for a student to choose from. Mechanical engineering is one of these branches , and one thing that trips students in the practical field is dissertation . Writing a mechanical engineering dissertation from scratch is a difficult task due to the complexities involved, but the job is still not impossible.

To write an excellent dissertation, you first need a stellar research topic. Are you looking to select the best mechanical engineering dissertation topic for your dissertation? To help you get started with brainstorming for mechanical engineering dissertation topics, we have developed a list of the latest topics that can be used for writing your mechanical engineering dissertation.

These topics have been developed by PhD-qualified writers on our team, so you can trust them to use these topics for drafting your own dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting a brief research proposal from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an introduction to the topic, research question, aim and objectives, literature review, and the proposed methodology of research to be conducted. Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation example to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the step-by-step guide on how to write your own dissertation here.

Latest Mechanical Engineering Research Topics

Topic 1: an investigation into the applications of iot in autonomous and connected vehicles.

Research Aim: The research aims to investigate the applications of IoT in autonomous and connected vehicles

Objectives:

• To analyse the applications of IoT in mechanical engineering
• To evaluate the communication technologies in autonomous and connected vehicles.
• To investigate how IoT facilitates the interaction of smart devices in autonomous and connected vehicles

Topic 2: Evaluation of the impact of combustion of alternative liquid fuels on the internal combustion engines of automobiles

Research Aim: The research aims to evaluate the impact of the combustion of alternative liquid fuels on the internal combustion engines of automobiles

• To analyse the types of alternative liquid fuels for vehicles and their implications
• To investigate the benchmarking of alternative liquid fuels based on the principles of combustion performance.
• To evaluate the impact of combustion of alternative liquid fuels on the internal combustion engines of automobiles with conventional engines

Topic 3: An evaluation of the design and control effectiveness of production engineering on rapid prototyping and intelligent manufacturing

Research Aim: The research aims to evaluate the design and control effectiveness of production engineering on rapid prototyping and intelligent manufacturing

• To analyse the principles of design and control effectiveness of production engineering.
• To determine the principles of rapid prototyping and intelligent manufacturing for ensuring quality and performance effectiveness
• To evaluate the impact of production engineering on the design and control effectiveness of rapid prototyping and intelligent manufacturing.

Topic 4: Investigating the impact of industrial quality control on the quality, reliability and maintenance in industrial manufacturing

Research Aim: The research aims to investigate the impact of industrial quality control on the quality, reliability and maintenance in industrial manufacturing

• To analyse the concept and international standards associated with industrial quality control.
• To determine the strategies for maintaining quality, reliability and maintenance in manufacturing.
• To investigate the impact of industrial quality control on the quality, reliability and maintenance in industrial manufacturing.

Topic 5: Analysis of the impact of AI on intelligent control and precision of mechanical manufacturing

Research Aim: The research aims to analyse the impact of AI on intelligent control and precision of mechanical manufacturing

• To analyse the applications of AI in mechanical manufacturing
• To evaluate the methods of intelligent control and precision of the manufacturing
• To investigate the impact of AI on intelligent control and precision of mechanical manufacturing for ensuring quality and reliability

COVID-19 Mechanical Engineering Research Topics

Investigate the impacts of coronavirus on mechanical engineering and mechanical engineers..

Research Aim: This research will focus on identifying the impacts of Coronavirus on mechanical engineering and mechanical engineers, along with its possible solutions.

Research to study the contribution of mechanical engineers to combat a COVID-19 pandemic

Research Aim: This study will identify the contributions of mechanical engineers to combat the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the challenges faced by them and their outcomes. How far did their contributions help combat the Coronavirus pandemic?

Research to know about the transformation of industries after the pandemic.

Research Aim: The study aims to investigate the transformation of industries after the pandemic. The study will answer questions such as, how manufacturing industries will transform after COVID-19. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

Damage caused by Coronavirus to supply chain of manufacturing industries

Research Aim: The focus of the study will be on identifying the damage caused to the supply chain of manufacturing industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. What measures are taken to recover the loss and to ensure the continuity of business?

Research to identify the contribution of mechanical engineers in running the business through remote working.

Research Aim: This study will identify whether remote working is an effective way to recover the loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic? What are its advantages and disadvantages? What steps should be taken to overcome the challenges faced by remote workers?

Dissertation Topics in Mechanical Engineering Design and Systems Optimization

Topic 1: mini powdered metal design and fabrication for mini development of waste aluminium cannes and fabrication.

Research Aim: The research will focus on producing and manufacturing copula furnaces and aluminium atomisers with available materials to manufacture aluminium powder metal.0.4 kg of refined coke will be chosen to measure content and energy balance and calculate the design values used to produce the drawings.

Topic 2: Interaction between the Fluid, Acoustic, and vibrations

Research Aim: This research aims to focus on the interaction between the Fluid, Acoustic, and vibrations

Topic 3: Combustion and Energy Systems.

Research Aim: This research aims to identify the relationship between Combustion and Energy Systems

Topic 4: Study on the Design and Manufacturing

Research Aim: This research will focus on the importance of design and manufacturing

Topic 5: Revolution in the Design Engineering

Research Aim: This research aims to highlight the advances in design engineering

Topic 6: Optimising HVAC Systems for Energy Efficiency

Research Aim: The study investigates different design configurations and operational strategies to optimise heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for energy efficiency while maintaining indoor comfort levels.

Topic 7: Impact of Building Design Parameters on Indoor Thermal Comfort

Research Aim: The research explores the impact of building design parameters, such as insulation, glazing, shading, and ventilation, on indoor thermal comfort and energy consumption.

Topic 8: An Empirical Analysis of Enhanced Security and Privacy Measures for Call Taxi Metres

Research Aim: The research explores the methods to enhance the security and privacy of call taxi meter systems. It explores encryption techniques for sensitive data transmission and authentication protocols for driver and passenger verification.

Topic 9: An Investigation of Optimising Manifold Design

Research Aim: The study investigates various designs for manifolds used in HBr/HCl charging systems. It focuses on factors such as material compatibility, pressure control, flow rates, and safety protocols. 

Topic 10: Implementation of a Plant Lean Transformation

Research Aim: The research examines the implementation process and outcomes of a Lean Transformation in a plant environment. It focuses on identifying the key factors contributing to successful adoption and sustained improvement in operational efficiency. 

Topic 11: Exploring Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of Torque Limiters

Research Aim: Exploring the use of FEA techniques to simulate the behaviour of torque limiters under various loading conditions. The research provides insights into stress distribution and deformation.

Dissertation Topics in Mechanical Engineering Innovations and Materials Analysis

Topic 1: an overview of the different research trends in the field of mechanical engineering..

Research Aim: This research aims to analyse the main topics of mechanical engineering explored by other researchers in the last decade and the research methods. The data used is accumulated from 2009 to 2019. The data used for this research is used from the “Applied Mechanics Review” magazine.

Topic 2: The Engineering Applications of Mechanical Metamaterials.

Research Aim: This research aims to analyse the different properties of various mechanical metamaterials and how they can be used in mechanical engineering. This research will also discuss the potential uses of these materials in other industries and future developments in this field.

Topic 3: The Mechanical Behaviour of Materials.

Research Aim: This research will look into the properties of selected materials for the formation of a product. The study will take the results of tests that have already been carried out on the materials. The materials will be categorised into two classes from the already prepared results, namely destructive and non-destructive. The further uses of the non-destructive materials will be discussed briefly.

Topic 4: Evaluating and Assessment of the Flammable and Mechanical Properties of Magnesium Oxide as a Material for SLS Process.

Research Aim: The research will evaluate the different properties of magnesium oxide (MgO) and its potential use as a raw material for the SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) process. The flammability and other mechanical properties will be analysed.

Topic 5: Analysing the Mechanical Characteristics of 3-D Printed Composites.

Research Aim: This research will study the various materials used in 3-D printing and their composition. This research will discuss the properties of different printing materials and compare the harms and benefits of using each material.

Topic 6: Evaluation of a Master Cylinder and Its Use.

Research Aim: This research will take an in-depth analysis of a master cylinder. The material used to create the cylinder, along with its properties, will be discussed. The use of the master cylinder in mechanical engineering will also be explained.

Topic 7: Manufacturing Pearlitic Rail Steel After Re-Modelling Its Mechanical Properties.

Research Aim: This research will look into the use of modified Pearlitic rail steel in railway transportation. Modifications of tensile strength, the supported weight, and impact toughness will be analysed. Results of previously applied tests will be used.

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service , which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

Electro-Mechanical Dissertation Topics

Topic 8: studying the electro-mechanical properties of multi-functional glass fibre/epoxy reinforced composites..

Research Aim: This research will study the properties of epoxy-reinforced glass fibres and their use in modern times. Features such as tensile strength and tensile resistance will be analysed using Topic 13: Studying the Mechanical and Durability different current strengths. Results from previous tests will be used to explain their properties.

Topic 9: Comparing The Elastic Modules of Different Materials at Different Strain Rates and Temperatures.

Research Aim: This research will compare and contrast a selected group of materials and look into their elastic modules. The modules used are the results taken from previously carried out experiments. This will explain why a particular material is used for a specific purpose.

Topic 10: Analysing The Change in The Porosity and Mechanical Properties of Concrete When Mixed With Coconut Sawdust.

Research Aim: This research will analyse the properties of concrete that are altered when mixed with coconut sawdust. Porosity and other mechanical properties will be evaluated using the results of previous experiments. The use of this type of concrete in the construction industry will also be discussed.

Topic 11: Evaluation of The Thermal Resistance of Select Materials in Mechanical Contact at Sub-Ambient Temperatures.

Research Aim: In this research, a close evaluation of the difference in thermal resistance of certain materials when they come in contact with a surface at sub-ambient temperature. The properties of the materials at the temperature will be noted. Results from previously carried out experiments will be used. The use of these materials will be discussed and explained, as well.

Topic 12: Analysing The Mechanical Properties of a Composite Sandwich by Using The Bending Test.

Research Aim: In this research, we will analyse the mechanical properties of the components of a composite sandwich through the use of the bending test. The results of the tests previously carried out will be used. The research will take an in-depth evaluation of the mechanical properties of the sandwich and explain the means that it is used in modern industries.

Mechanical Properties Dissertation Topics

Topic 13: studying the mechanical and durability properties of magnesium silicate hydrate binders in concrete..

Research Aim: In this research, we will evaluate the difference in durability and mechanical properties between regular concrete binders and magnesium silicate hydrate binders. The difference between the properties of both binders will indicate which binder is better for concrete. Features such as tensile strength and weight it can support are compared.

Topic 14: The Use of Submersible Pumping Systems.

Research Aim: This research will aim to analyse the use of a submersible pumping system in machine systems. The materials used to make the system, as well as the mechanical properties it possesses, will be discussed.

Topic 15: The Function of a Breather Device for Internal Combustion Engines.

Research Aim: In this research, the primary function of a breather device for an internal combustion engine is discussed. The placement of this device in the system, along with its importance, is explained. The effects on the internal combustion engine if the breather device is removed will also be observed.

Topic 16: To Study The Compression and Tension Behaviour of Hollow Polyester Monofilaments.

Research Aim: This research will focus on the study of selected mechanical properties of hollow polyester monofilaments. In this case, the compression and tension behaviour of the filaments is studied. These properties are considered in order to explore the future use of these filaments in the textile industry and other related industries.

Topic 17: Evaluating the Mechanical Properties of Carbon-Nanotube-Reinforced Cementous Materials.

Research Aim: This research will focus on selecting the proper carbon nanotube type, which will be able to improve the mechanical properties of cementitious materials. Changes in the length, diameter, and weight-based concentration of the nanotubes will be noted when analysing the difference in the mechanical properties. One character of the nanotubes will be of optimal value while the other two will be altered. Results of previous experiments will be used.

Topic 18: To Evaluate the Process of Parallel Compression in LNG Plants Using a Positive Displacement Compressor

Research Aim: This research aims to evaluate a system and method in which the capacity and efficiency of the process of liquefaction of natural gas can avoid bottlenecking in its refrigerant compressing system. The Advantages of the parallel compression system in the oil and gas industry will be discussed.

Topic 19: Applying Particulate Palm Kernel Shell Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Automobiles.

Research Aim: In this research, the differences made in applying palm kernel shell particulate to reinforced epoxy composites for the manufacturing of automobile parts will be examined. Properties such as impact toughness, wear resistance, flexural, tensile, and water resistance will be analysed carefully. The results of the previous tests will be used. The potential use of this material will also be discussed.

Topic 20: Changes Observed in The Mechanical Properties of Kevlar KM2-600 Due to Abrasions.

Research Aim: This research will focus on observing the changes in the mechanical properties of Kevlar KM2-600 in comparison to two different types of S glass tows (AGY S2 and Owens Corning Shield Strand S). Surface damage, along with fibre breakage, will be noted in all three fibres. The effects of the abrasions on all three fibres will be emphasised. The use of Kevlar KM2 and the other S glass tows will also be discussed, along with other potential applications.

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Industrial Application of Mechanical Engineering Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: the function of a fuel injector device..

Research Aim: This research focuses on the function of a fuel injector device and why this component is necessary for the system of an internal combustion engine. The importance of this device will be explained. The adverse effects on the entire system if the equipment is either faulty or completely removed will also be discussed.

Topic 2: To Solve Optimization Problems in a Mechanical Design by The Principles of Uncertainty.

Research Aim: This research will aim to formulate an optimization in a mechanical design under the influence of uncertainty. This will create an efficient tool that is based on the conditions of each optimisation under the risk. This will save time and allow the designer to obtain new information in regard to the stability of the performance of his design under uncertainties.

Topic 3: Analysing The Applications of Recycled Polycarbonate Particle Materials and Their Mechanical Properties.

Research Aim: This research will evaluate the mechanical properties of different polycarbonate materials and their potential to be recycled. The materials that can be recycled are then further examined for potential use as 3-dimensional printing materials. The temperature of the printer’s nozzle, along with the nozzle velocity matrix from previous experiments, is used to evaluate the tensile strength of the printed material. Other potential uses of these materials are also discussed.

Topic 4: The Process of Locating a Lightning Strike on a Wind Turbine.

Research Aim: This research will provide a detailed explanation of the process of detecting a lightning strike on a wind turbine. The measurement of the magnitude of the lightning strike, along with recognising the affected area will be explained. The proper method employed to rectify the damage that occurred by the strike will also be discussed.

Topic 5: Importance of a Heat Recovery Component in an Internal Combustion Engine for an Exhaust Gas System.

Research Aim: The research will take an in-depth evaluation of the different mechanics of a heat recovery component in an exhaust gas system. The functions of the different parts of the heat recovery component will be explained along with the importance of the entire element itself. The adverse effect of a faulty defective heat recovery component will also be explained.

“Feel free to contact us if you require custom dissertation topics and titles for your dissertation. ResearchProspect Ltd is a UK registered academic writing company which can provide you with highly qualified writers to assist you in the process of the formation of your dissertation. For more information about the type of services we offer.“

Related: Civil Engineering Dissertation

Important Notes:

As a student of mechanical engineering looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment on existing mechanical engineering theories – i.e., to add value and interest to the topic of your research.

The field of mechanical engineering is vast and interrelated to so many other academic disciplines like  civil engineering ,  construction ,  law , and even  healthcare . That is why it is imperative to create a mechanical engineering dissertation topic that is particular, sound and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic; it is the basis of your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong: your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in  writing your dissertation as you may end up in a cycle of rejection at the very initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

Keeping our advice in mind while developing a research topic will allow you to pick one of the best mechanical engineering dissertation topics that not only fulfill your requirement of writing a research paper but also add to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalizing your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature in order to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and can also be practically implemented. Take a look at some of our sample mechanical engineering dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure Your Mechanical Engineering Dissertation

A well-structured   dissertation can help students   to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgments
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems to be addressed. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review :  This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature available on the chosen research topic in light of research questions to be addressed. The purpose is to highlight and discuss the relative weaknesses and strengths of the selected research area whilst identifying any research gaps. Break down of the topic and key terms can have a positive impact on your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology: The  data collection  and  analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes  research design, research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and  data analysis strategy .
• Findings and Analysis: The findings of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include  graphs , charts, and   tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion and  Conclusion: The researcher presents his interpretation of results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section of the paper is to draw a linkage between the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regard to the implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References:  This should be completed in accordance with your University’s requirements
• Bibliography
• Appendices: Any additional information, diagrams, graphs that were used to  complete the  dissertation  but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

About ResearchProspect Ltd

ResearchProspect is a  UK-based academic writing service that provides help with  Dissertation Proposal  Writing,  PhD proposal writing ,  Dissertation Writing ,  Dissertation Editing, and Improvement .

Our team of writers is highly qualified. They are experts in their respective fields. They have been working in the industry for a long, thus are aware of the issues as well as the trends of the industry they are working in.

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How to find dissertation topics about mechanical engineering.

To discover mechanical engineering dissertation topics:

• Research recent advancements.
• Explore industry challenges.
• Consider sustainability or automation.
• Review academic journals.
• Consult with professors.
• Opt for a niche aligning with your passion and career aims.

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Identifying and assessing risks in various life situations is the focus of risk management dissertation topics. The majority of them are natural, but there are also artificial ones. In addition to mitigating the effects of various types of risks

Students will undoubtedly experience anxiety when working on their dissertations on educational management. It is a fact that a topic like this necessitates in-depth study, and the paper.

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Top 150 Mechanical Engineering Research Topics [Updated]

Mechanical engineering is an intriguing discipline that holds significant sway in shaping our world. With a focus on crafting inventive machinery and fostering sustainable energy initiatives, mechanical engineers stand as pioneers in driving technological progress. However, to make meaningful contributions to the field, researchers must carefully choose their topics of study. In this blog, we’ll delve into various mechanical engineering research topics, ranging from fundamental principles to emerging trends and interdisciplinary applications.

How to Select Mechanical Engineering Research Topics?

Table of Contents

Selecting the right mechanical engineering research topics is crucial for driving impactful innovation and addressing pressing challenges. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the best research topics:

• Identify Your Interests: Start by considering your passions and areas of expertise within mechanical engineering. What topics excite you the most? Choosing a subject that aligns with your interests will keep you motivated throughout the research process.
• Assess Current Trends: Stay updated on the latest developments and trends in mechanical engineering. Look for emerging technologies, pressing industry challenges, and areas with significant research gaps. These trends can guide you towards relevant and timely research topics.
• Conduct Literature Review: Dive into existing literature and research papers within your field of interest. Identify gaps in knowledge, unanswered questions, or areas that warrant further investigation. Building upon existing research can lead to more impactful contributions to the field.
• Consider Practical Applications: Evaluate the practical implications of potential research topics. How will your research address real-world problems or benefit society? Choosing topics with tangible applications can increase the relevance and impact of your research outcomes.
• Consult with Advisors and Peers: Seek guidance from experienced mentors, advisors, or peers in the field of mechanical engineering. Discuss your research interests and potential topics with them to gain valuable insights and feedback. Their expertise can help you refine your ideas and select the most promising topics.
• Define Research Objectives: Clearly define the objectives and scope of your research. What specific questions do you aim to answer or problems do you intend to solve? Establishing clear research goals will guide your topic selection process and keep your project focused.
• Consider Resources and Constraints: Take into account the resources, expertise, and time available for your research. Choose topics that are feasible within your constraints and align with your available resources. Balancing ambition with practicality is essential for successful research endeavors.
• Brainstorm and Narrow Down Options: Generate a list of potential research topics through brainstorming and exploration. Narrow down your options based on criteria such as relevance, feasibility, and alignment with your interests and goals. Choose the most promising topics that offer ample opportunities for exploration and discovery.
• Seek Feedback and Refinement: Once you’ve identified potential research topics, seek feedback from colleagues, advisors, or experts in the field. Refine your ideas based on their input and suggestions. Iteratively refining your topic selection process will lead to a more robust and well-defined research proposal.
• Stay Flexible and Open-Minded: Remain open to new ideas and opportunities as you progress through the research process. Be willing to adjust your research topic or direction based on new insights, challenges, or discoveries. Flexibility and adaptability are key qualities for successful research endeavors in mechanical engineering.

By following these steps and considering various factors, you can effectively select mechanical engineering research topics that align with your interests, goals, and the needs of the field.

Top 50 Mechanical Engineering Research Topics For Beginners

• Analysis of the efficiency of different heat exchanger designs.
• Optimization of airfoil shapes for enhanced aerodynamic performance.
• Investigation of renewable energy harvesting using piezoelectric materials.
• Development of smart materials for adaptive structures in aerospace applications.
• Study of vibration damping techniques for improving vehicle ride comfort.
• Design and optimization of suspension systems for off-road vehicles.
• Analysis of fluid flow characteristics in microchannels for cooling electronics.
• Evaluation of the performance of different brake systems in automotive vehicles.
• Development of lightweight materials for automotive and aerospace industries.
• Investigation of the effects of friction stir welding parameters on joint properties.
• Design and testing of a small-scale wind turbine for rural electrification.
• Study of the dynamics of flexible multibody systems in robotics.
• Development of a low-cost prosthetic limb using 3D printing technology.
• Analysis of heat transfer in electronic packaging for thermal management.
• Investigation of energy harvesting from vehicle suspension systems.
• Design and optimization of heat sinks for electronic cooling applications.
• Study of material degradation in composite structures under various loading conditions.
• Development of bio-inspired robotic mechanisms for locomotion.
• Investigation of the performance of regenerative braking systems in electric vehicles.
• Design and analysis of an autonomous agricultural robot for crop monitoring.
• Optimization of gas turbine blade profiles for improved efficiency.
• Study of the aerodynamics of animal-inspired flying robots (bio-drones).
• Development of advanced control algorithms for robotic manipulators.
• Analysis of wear mechanisms in mechanical components under different operating conditions.
• Investigation of the efficiency of solar water heating systems.
• Design and optimization of microfluidic devices for biomedical applications.
• Study of the effects of additive manufacturing parameters on part quality.
• Development of assistive devices for individuals with disabilities.
• Analysis of the performance of different types of bearings in rotating machinery.
• Investigation of the feasibility of using shape memory alloys in actuator systems.
• Design and optimization of a compact heat exchanger for space applications.
• Study of the effects of surface roughness on friction and wear in sliding contacts.
• Development of energy-efficient HVAC systems for buildings.
• Analysis of the performance of different types of fuel cells for power generation.
• Investigation of the feasibility of using biofuels in internal combustion engines.
• Design and testing of a micro-scale combustion engine for portable power generation.
• Study of the mechanics of soft materials for biomedical applications.
• Development of exoskeletons for rehabilitation and assistance in mobility.
• Analysis of the effects of vehicle aerodynamics on fuel consumption.
• Investigation of the potential of ocean wave energy harvesting technologies.
• Design and optimization of energy-efficient refrigeration systems.
• Study of the dynamics of flexible structures subjected to dynamic loads.
• Development of sensors and actuators for structural health monitoring.
• Analysis of the performance of different cooling techniques in electronics.
• Investigation of the potential of hydrogen fuel cells for automotive applications.
• Design and testing of a small-scale hydroelectric power generator.
• Study of the mechanics of cellular materials for impact absorption.
• Development of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for environmental monitoring.
• Analysis of the efficiency of different propulsion systems in space exploration.
• Investigation of the potential of micro-scale energy harvesting technologies for powering wireless sensors.

Top 50 Mechanical Engineering Research Topics For Intermediate

• Optimization of heat exchanger designs for enhanced energy efficiency.
• Investigating the effects of surface roughness on fluid flow in microchannels.
• Development of lightweight materials for automotive applications.
• Modeling and simulation of combustion processes in internal combustion engines.
• Design and analysis of novel wind turbine blade configurations.
• Study of advanced control strategies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
• Analysis of wear and friction in mechanical components under varying operating conditions.
• Investigation of thermal management techniques for high-power electronic devices.
• Development of smart materials for shape memory alloys in actuator applications.
• Design and fabrication of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for biomedical applications.
• Optimization of additive manufacturing processes for metal 3D printing.
• Study of fluid-structure interaction in flexible marine structures.
• Analysis of fatigue behavior in composite materials for aerospace applications.
• Development of energy harvesting technologies for sustainable power generation.
• Investigation of bio-inspired robotics for locomotion in challenging environments.
• Study of human factors in the design of ergonomic workstations.
• Design and control of soft robots for delicate manipulation tasks.
• Development of advanced sensor technologies for condition monitoring in rotating machinery.
• Analysis of aerodynamic performance in hypersonic flight vehicles.
• Study of regenerative braking systems for electric vehicles.
• Optimization of cooling systems for high-performance computing (HPC) applications.
• Investigation of fluid dynamics in microfluidic devices for lab-on-a-chip applications.
• Design and optimization of passive and active vibration control systems.
• Analysis of heat transfer mechanisms in nanofluids for thermal management.
• Development of energy-efficient HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems.
• Study of biomimetic design principles for robotic grippers and manipulators.
• Investigation of hydrodynamic performance in marine propeller designs.
• Development of autonomous agricultural robots for precision farming.
• Analysis of wind-induced vibrations in tall buildings and bridges.
• Optimization of material properties for additive manufacturing of aerospace components.
• Study of renewable energy integration in smart grid systems.
• Investigation of fracture mechanics in brittle materials for structural integrity assessment.
• Development of wearable sensors for human motion tracking and biomechanical analysis.
• Analysis of combustion instability in gas turbine engines.
• Optimization of thermal insulation materials for building energy efficiency.
• Study of fluid-structure interaction in flexible wing designs for unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Investigation of heat transfer enhancement techniques in heat exchanger surfaces.
• Development of microscale actuators for micro-robotic systems.
• Analysis of energy storage technologies for grid-scale applications.
• Optimization of manufacturing processes for lightweight automotive structures.
• Study of tribological behavior in lubricated mechanical systems.
• Investigation of fault detection and diagnosis techniques for industrial machinery.
• Development of biodegradable materials for sustainable packaging applications.
• Analysis of heat transfer in porous media for thermal energy storage.
• Optimization of control strategies for robotic manipulation tasks in uncertain environments.
• Study of fluid dynamics in fuel cell systems for renewable energy conversion.
• Investigation of fatigue crack propagation in metallic alloys.
• Development of energy-efficient propulsion systems for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).
• Analysis of airflow patterns in natural ventilation systems for buildings.
• Optimization of material selection for additive manufacturing of biomedical implants.

Top 50 Mechanical Engineering Research Topics For Advanced

• Development of advanced materials for high-temperature applications
• Optimization of heat exchanger design using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• Control strategies for enhancing the performance of micro-scale heat transfer devices
• Multi-physics modeling and simulation of thermoelastic damping in MEMS/NEMS devices
• Design and analysis of next-generation turbofan engines for aircraft propulsion
• Investigation of advanced cooling techniques for electronic devices in harsh environments
• Development of novel nanomaterials for efficient energy conversion and storage
• Optimization of piezoelectric energy harvesting systems for powering wireless sensor networks
• Investigation of microscale heat transfer phenomena in advanced cooling technologies
• Design and optimization of advanced composite materials for aerospace applications
• Development of bio-inspired materials for impact-resistant structures
• Exploration of advanced manufacturing techniques for producing complex geometries in aerospace components
• Integration of artificial intelligence algorithms for predictive maintenance in rotating machinery
• Design and optimization of advanced robotics systems for industrial automation
• Investigation of friction and wear behavior in advanced lubricants for high-speed applications
• Development of smart materials for adaptive structures and morphing aircraft wings
• Exploration of advanced control strategies for active vibration damping in mechanical systems
• Design and analysis of advanced wind turbine blade designs for improved energy capture
• Investigation of thermal management solutions for electric vehicle batteries
• Development of advanced sensors for real-time monitoring of structural health in civil infrastructure
• Optimization of additive manufacturing processes for producing high-performance metallic components
• Investigation of advanced corrosion-resistant coatings for marine applications
• Design and analysis of advanced hydraulic systems for heavy-duty machinery
• Exploration of advanced filtration technologies for water purification and wastewater treatment
• Development of advanced prosthetic limbs with biomimetic functionalities
• Investigation of microscale fluid flow phenomena in lab-on-a-chip devices for medical diagnostics
• Optimization of heat transfer in microscale heat exchangers for cooling electronics
• Development of advanced energy-efficient HVAC systems for buildings
• Exploration of advanced propulsion systems for space exploration missions
• Investigation of advanced control algorithms for autonomous vehicles in complex environments
• Development of advanced surgical robots for minimally invasive procedures
• Optimization of advanced suspension systems for improving vehicle ride comfort and handling
• Investigation of advanced materials for 3D printing in aerospace manufacturing
• Development of advanced thermal barrier coatings for gas turbine engines
• Exploration of advanced wear-resistant coatings for cutting tools in machining applications
• Investigation of advanced nanofluids for enhanced heat transfer in cooling applications
• Development of advanced biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
• Exploration of advanced actuators for soft robotics applications
• Investigation of advanced energy storage systems for grid-scale applications
• Development of advanced rehabilitation devices for individuals with mobility impairments
• Exploration of advanced materials for earthquake-resistant building structures
• Investigation of advanced aerodynamic concepts for reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency in vehicles
• Development of advanced microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for biomedical applications
• Exploration of advanced control strategies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Investigation of advanced materials for lightweight armor systems
• Development of advanced prosthetic interfaces for improving user comfort and functionality
• Exploration of advanced algorithms for autonomous navigation of underwater vehicles
• Investigation of advanced sensors for detecting and monitoring air pollution
• Development of advanced energy harvesting systems for powering wireless sensor networks
• Exploration of advanced concepts for next-generation space propulsion systems.

Mechanical engineering research encompasses a wide range of topics, from fundamental principles to cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary applications. By choosing the right mechanical engineering research topics and addressing key challenges, researchers can contribute to advancements in various industries and address pressing global issues. As we look to the future, the possibilities for innovation and discovery in mechanical engineering are endless, offering exciting opportunities to shape a better world for generations to come.

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Master of Science Thesis Program

There are eight focus areas for mechanical engineering students enrolled in the Master of Science Thesis program. Each has a unique curriculum. Click the links below for curriculum information on each focus area.

• Air Quality Curriculum
• Biomedical Curriculum
• Design Curriculum  
• Energy and Environment Curriculum  
• Materials Curriculum
• Mechanics of Materials Curriculum
• Microsystems Curriculum
• Robotics and Control Curriculum  

MS Thesis Degree Requirements

MS Thesis students must complete the following requirements:

• Coursework: 30 graduate-level credit hours must be completed with a grade of C or higher in each course. All MS Thesis students must complete the following courses: MCEN 5020 Methods of Engineering Analysis 1 (3 credits), MCEN 5030 Introduction to Research (3 credits), MCEN 6959 MS Thesis (6 credits).  Note: At least 18 credits must be mechanical engineering credits, including the 6 required thesis hours. Up to 12 credit hours may be taken outside the Department, inclusive of any transfer credits applied towards the degree. Students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA to remain in good standing. 
• Thesis Advisor Selection: In order to enroll in the MS Thesis program, students must first secure a thesis advisor. Once an advisor has been found, students may be admitted into the MS Thesis program from the Professional MS or BAM programs. Upon finding a research advisor, MS Thesis students should complete the MS Thesis Research Expectations Form. This form should be completed no later than the end of the first semester of enrollment in the MS Thesis program. This form is also a required element of MCEN 5208 Introduction to Research. Note: MS Thesis students are eligible to work with CU research advisors outside the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering; in such cases, the MS Thesis Research Expectations Form must still be completed in its entirety.  MS Thesis students should also consult with their thesis and graduate advisors for course selection recommendations.
• MS Thesis Hours: 6 credits of MS thesis hours (MCEN 6959) must be completed, typically in the final two semesters of the program. Students are not able to register for MS thesis credits on their own and should submit a request for thesis hours through the Thesis/Dissertation Hours Enrollment Request Form.
• Research Development Requirement: A passing grade in MCEN 5208 Introduction to Research is required. This course is offered each fall semester and provides a strong foundation in a variety of topics related to research that will prove valuable both as a student and professional. Covered topics include ethics in research, literature review and grant writing, among others. This requirement should be completed during the first fall semester. 
• Written Thesis: The written thesis must comply with Graduate School rules and procedures in terms of format and submission and meet set deadlines . Students are required to submit the full written thesis electronically at the ProQuest website .
• Thesis Defense: Students must pass a thesis defense, which is a final examination on the thesis and related topics. In the defense, students are expected to explain their research clearly and concisely and to discuss how it relates to other research in the field. This is an opportunity for recognition of completed MS Thesis research. It is also an opportunity for discussion and formal evaluation of the thesis. The thesis defense may occur before or after the final electronic submission of the written thesis to the Graduate School but must take place prior to the end of the final semester.
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Thesis Projects (last update November 24, 2023)

The Honours Thesis research projects listed below are available only to McGill Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate students in the Honours program and registered for MECH 403-404 courses .

If you are interested in one of the thesis projects, please send an expression of interest to the contact email provided. Although we do our best to keep this list up-to-date, some projects may no longer be available.

If you are a professor who would like to add or remove a thesis project, please complete the honours project posting form . 

Projects for Winter 2024 and Fall 2024:

Thesis project 2023-1.

Title: Development of a method for recycling fibreglass composite wind turbines Supervisor : Prof. Larry Lessard The term(s) to begin:  Fall 2023 or Winter 2024 Brief description: There is growing concern about recycling of end-of-life composite materials. Waste fiber and other materials cannot be put into landfills so recycling methods must be developed. Used wind turbine blades can be recycled to recover the fibers and these fibers can be re-used to make materials for 3D printing. So this project aims to solve two simultaneous problems: that of growing amounts of waste and the need for stronger/more high tech materials for the growing 3D printing industry. The project involves experimental manufacturing based on composite materials theory. Contact e-mail : larry.lessard [at] mcgill.ca

Updated: May 2, 2023

Thesis Project 2023-2

Title: Multi-robot collaborative state estimation Supervisor : Prof. James Richard Forbes The term(s) to begin : Fall 2023, Winter 2024 Brief description : Autonomous vehicles, such as autonomous cars, trucks, and trains, must fuse various forms of sensor data together in order to ascertain their position, attitude, velocity, and angular velocity. Typical sensor data includes inertial measurement unit (IMU) data and some sort of position data, such as GPS data, or range data, such as optical camera, radar, or LIDAR data. In multi-robot systems, an individual robot can also utilize information from its neighbors by having the robots communicate their state estimates. However, the estimates of different robots are often correlated, and without properly modelling these cross-correlations, the performance of the estimator might be very poor. This project will then focus on modelling those cross-correlations for collaborative state estimation in multi-robot systems. The main task will involve the development and coding of a sigma point Kalman filter to enable multi-robot navigation; however, based on the student’s interests and background, alternatives to the sigma point Kalman filter could be considered. Students best fit for this project are those interested in using mathematical tools, such as linear algebra, numerical methods, probability theory, and numerical optimization, to solve problems found in robotics. Experience with Matlab and/or C programming is desired. Contact e-mail : james.richard.forbes [at] mcgill.ca

Thesis Project 2023-3

Title:  Robot navigation Supervisor : Prof. James Richard Forbes The term(s) to begin : Fall 2023, Winter 2024 Brief description :  Autonomous vehicles, such as autonomous cars, trucks, and trains, must fuse various forms of sensor data together in order to ascertain their position, attitude, velocity, and angular velocity. Typical sensor data includes inertial measurement unit (IMU) data and some sort of position data, such as GPS data, or range data, such as optical camera, radar, or LIDAR data. This project will focus on sensor fusion for robot navigation. The first task will be the development and coding of a matrix Lie group integrator, in the spirit of a Runge-Kutta integrator, but tailor to matrix Lie groups. The second task will be the development and coding of a cascaded sigma point Kalman filter to enable multi-agent navigation (i.e., navigation of many robots). Students best fit for this project are those interested in using mathematical tools, such as linear algebra, numerical methods, probability theory, and numerical optimization, to solve problems found in robotics. Experience with python and/or C++ programming is desired. Contact e-mail : james.richard.forbes [at] mcgill.ca

Posted: May 2, 2023

Thesis Project 2023-4

Title : Reconfigurable metamaterials for soft robotics Supervisor : Prof. Damiano Pasini The term(s) to begin : Fall 2023, Winter 2024 Brief description: Mechanical metamaterials are manmade materials, usually fashioned from repeating units, which are engineered to achieve extreme mechanical properties, often beyond those found in most natural materials. In this project, the student will use the lens of mechanics of materials to generate material concepts for soft robotics. Additive manufacturing techniques will be employed to fabricate prototypes and their performance will be examined through mechanical testing. Contact e-mail : damiano.pasini [at] mcgill.ca

Updated: May 9, 2023

Thesis Project 2023-5

Title : Nonlinear dynamics/vibrations of architected materials for aerospace applications Supervisor : Prof. Damiano Pasini and Prof. Mathias Legrand The term(s) to begin : Fall 2023, Winter 2024 Brief description: When launched in space, satellites need to endure an explosive upright boost that generates extremely large vibrations throughout their bodies. If uncontrolled, these vibrations end up spoiling the performance of their components with the risk of making them nonfunctional. In this project we study the nonlinear vibrations of a satellite component made of ultralight weight architected materials of unprecedented performance. The goal is to model its dynamic behaviour and understand the geometric factors that control its highly nonlinear response at the onset of a launch in space. The work involves a combination of theoretical and computational analysis. Contact e-mail : damiano.pasini [at] mcgill.ca

Thesis Project 2023-6

Title: Can you hear the shape of a robot? Supervisor : Prof. Audrey Sedal The term(s) to begin : Fall 2023, Winter 2024 Brief description : Unlike traditional robots, soft robots can take a variety of unusual 3D shapes. However, it is challenging to estimate the shape of a soft robot while it operates, which makes precise control difficult. Inspired by Mark Kac’s question, “Can one hear the shape of a drum?” Short answer: not all the time, due to the existence of isospectral manifolds. This project investigates fusion of acoustic sensing with other modes (e.g., cameras) to estimate the 3D shape of soft robots as they operate. You will build a variety of soft robot prototypes, develop sensing frameworks, and evaluate their performance. This project will involve fabrication, hardware development, programming, and a little bit of geometry.

Contact e-mail : audrey.sedal [at] mcgill.ca

Updated: May 22, 2023

Thesis Project 2023-7

Title : Development of a Digital Twin of a Mill Yard Supervisor : Prof. Inna Sharf The term(s) to begin : Winter 2024, Fall 2024 Brief description: Digital twin is an emerging technology that goes hand in hand with increasing automation of machines,processes and advances in IofT. Professor Sharf’s industrial collaborator, FPInnovations, is working on increasing autonomy and intelligence of log loading machines and transport vehicles operating in the mill yards. This will ultimately be followed by moving the operators from the seats in the machines into an office, i.e., where they can no longer directly observe their environment. Furthermore, other processes,  such as, measuring the size of piles, are already executed remotely, for example, with drones, and will soon be executed autonomously, thus producing information on the state of assets in the mill yard. Ultimately, it will be important to have a digital twin of the mill yard, which will provide digital and visual information on the state of the mill yard, in particular, location and size of log piles, the location and status of machines operating in it, incoming and outgoing log trucks, the status (e.g., traversability) of roads and other information. Professor Sharf is interested in beginning the development of such a digital twin. This will require identifying a suitable platform to house the twin, laying out the roadmap for building the twin in a sequence of phases sand developing the phase 0 of the digital twin. Contact e-mail : inna.sharf [at] mcgill.ca

Updated: November 23, 2023

Projects for 2018-2019 school year: may or may not be still available - you may use contact e-mails to find out.

Thesis project 2018-11.

Title:  Dynamics of photon-driven lightsails for interstellar flight Supervisor : Prof. Andrew Higgins The term(s) to begin :Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Fall 2019 Brief description : The use of lasers to propel sails via direct photon pressure has the potential to achieve very high velocity spaceflight, greatly exceeding traditional chemical and electric propulsion sources, and enables the serious consideration of interstellar flight.  However, the dynamics and stability of thin sails (lightsails) under intense laser illumination is an outstanding problem.  This project will examine the dynamics of very thin membranes both theoretically and experimentally.  The response of a lightsail to perturbation will be analyzed both analytically and via computer simulation. Use of gasdynamic loading techniques (shock tube) will enable the same driving load to be applied in the laboratory, but without the use of megawatt-class lasers.  Experimental diagnostic techniques (photonic doppler velocimetry, 3-D digital image correlation) will be developed to study the lightsail dynamics that will eventually be applied to a laser-driven sail proof-of-concept facility. Personnel sought:  Student should have a strong interest in advanced space exploration concepts, with general background in physical optics, numerical simulation, and experimental techniques. Skills involved:  Experience with photography and high-speed data acquisition would be helpful.  Completion of Mech 321 (Mechanics of Deformable Solids) and Mech 430 (Fluids 2) is required for the project. Contact e-mail : andrew.higgins [at] mcgill.ca

Posted: September 12, 2018

Thesis Project 2018-12

Title:  Dynamic soaring on a shock wave Supervisor : Prof. Andrew Higgins The term(s) to begin :Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Fall 2019 Brief description : Dynamic soaring is a technique exploited by birds and sailplanes to increase their flight speed by exploiting differences in airspeed of different masses of air.  This project will explore this approach by examining dynamic soaring of a hypersonic glider on a shock wave.  In essence, the technique consists of “bouncing” back and forth from either side of a shock wave via a high lift-to-drag turn, increasing the net velocity of the glider.  The ability to “surf” on a very strong blast wave (such as resulting from a thermonuclear blast or asteroid impact) from ground all the way to space will be explored. The use of the technique on shock waves that occur in interplanetary space (coronal mass ejections, etc.) that might enable spacecraft to be accelerated to very high velocities “for free” will also be explored. Personnel sought:  Student should have a strong interest in advanced space exploration concepts and flight dynamics, with general background in numerical simulation. Skills involved:  Completion of Mech 430 (Fluids 2) is required for the project. Contact e-mail : andrew.higgins [at] mcgill.ca

Thesis Project 2018-13

Title:  Rapid transit within the solar system via directed energy: laser thermal vs. laser electric propulsion Supervisor : Prof. Andrew Higgins The term(s) to begin :Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Fall 2019 Brief description : Directed energy in the form of a ground or space-based laser providing power to a spacecraft is a disruptive technology that could enable a number of rapid-transit missions in the solar system and interstellar precursor missions.  This project will compare two different approaches for a spacecraft to utilize beamed laser power:  (1) laser thermal propulsion, wherein a laser is focused into a chamber to heat propellant that is expanded through a nozzle and (2) laser electric propulsion, wherein a laser  directed onto a photovoltaic array generates electricity to power electric propulsion (ion engine, etc.).  These two concepts will be compared for a number of missions of interest, as defined by NASA:  (1) Earth orbit to Mars orbit in no more than 45 days and (2) Traversing a distance of 125 AU in no more than ten years. Personnel sought:  Student should have a strong interest in advanced space exploration concepts, with general background in physical optics and numerical simulation. Skills involved:  Prior exposure to spacecraft mission design (e.g., experience with ‎Kerbal Space Program, etc.) would be helpful.  Completion of Mech 430 (Fluids 2) and Mech 346 (Heat Transfer) is required for the project. Contact e-mail : andrew.higgins [at] mcgill.ca

Thesis Project 2018-14

Title:  Impact of dust grain on lightsails for interstellar flight Supervisor : Prof. Andrew Higgins The term(s) to begin :Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Fall 2019 Brief description : Laser-driven lightsails are a promising technique for interstellar flight, however, sails will experience impacts of dust grains in the interplanetary and interstellar medium.  The impact of a sub-micron grain can deposit as much as 1 J of energy into the sail when travelling at speeds necessary for interstellar flight.  This project will examine the subsequent dynamics of the sail and the damage incurred.  This problem will be modelled both analytically and numerically, and experiments will be performed in the lab with gas gun-launched particles onto candidate thin-film materials. Personnel sought:  Student should have a strong interest in advanced space exploration concepts, with general background in materials and stress/strain, numerical simulation, and experimental techniques. Skills involved:  Experience with ANSYS would be very enabling for the project. Experience with photography and high-speed data acquisition would be helpful.  Completion of Mech 321 (Mechanics of Deformable Solids) is required for the project. Contact e-mail : andrew.higgins [at] mcgill.ca

Thesis Project 2018-15

Title:  Percolation model for detonation in a system of discrete energy sources Supervisor : Prof. Andrew Higgins The term(s) to begin :Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Fall 2019 Brief description : Detonation waves propagating in combustible gas mixtures exhibit very complex dynamics, with transverse and longitudinal shock waves that sweep across the front.  This project will attempt to model this process by treating detonation as an ensemble of interacting blast waves.  Approximate, analytic solutions of blast waves will be used to treat the problem.  Results will be interpreted with the assistance of percolation theory, a branch of statistical physics.  Results will also be compared to reactive Euler simulations using supercomputing resources. Skills required:  Strong coding skills (language of your choice) and awareness in advanced mathematics is of interest. Personnel sought:  Completion of Mech 430 (Fluids 2) is required for this project. Interest in nonlinear physics and pattern formation in nature would provide helpful motivation for this project. Exposure to concepts in statistical physics (Ad. Thermo) is also desirable. Contact e-mail : andrew.higgins [at] mcgill.ca

Thesis Project 2018-16

Title:  Pellet stream propulsion for interstellar flight Supervisor : Prof. Andrew Higgins The term(s) to begin :Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Fall 2019 Brief description : A promising approach to deep space propulsion that may enable interstellar flight is pellet stream propulsion, wherein high velocity pellets (with velocity exceeding that of the spacecraft) are used to impart momentum onto a spacecraft.  Such a pellet stream may be able to be collimated and focused over much greater distances than a laser beam, making it an attractive alternative to laser-driven directed energy.  This project will examine the ability of a charged particle to be steered and re-directed via a static magnetic field (e.g., quadrupole beam steering, etc.), both via computer simulation and experimental testing in the lab.  The ability to steer a small (mm to cm scale) pellet via magnetic field of rare earth magnets at speeds of ~1 km/s would be a significant validation of the concept. Personnel sought:  Student should have a strong interest in advanced space exploration concepts, with strong background in electromagnetism and physics. Interest in or familiarity with conventional, fundamental particle accelerators would be desirable. Skills involved:  Basic coding skills (language of your choice) and numerical simulation is required. Experience with basic electronics and microcontrollers (Arduino, etc.) and 3-D printing would be very helpful for the project. Contact e-mail : andrew.higgins [at] mcgill.ca

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Texas Tech Now

Engineering capstone project yields useful tool.

May 17, 2024

A piece of research equipment made by students will be used in the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering.

What started as a capstone project handed to a group of students in Texas Tech University 's Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering has yielded a useful tool for future research. 

Given the opportunity to select a project, the undergraduate students in the Department of Mechanical Engineering leaned into helping current and future graduate students by creating a tool that could be used in rocket research.  

The equipment built by the students is called a thrust stand, and if you're not exactly sure what that is, you're not alone. 

“Basically, a thrust stand is a mounted rocket motor,” explained Joseph Pantoya, one of the mechanical engineering students involved in the project. “It collects thrust and pressure data for a given rocket fuel. 

“What we can do is get fuels that the combustion lab makes, put them in our rocket motor and test them out in a controlled environment.”

The capstone course brought together a team of six students from diverse backgrounds to complete the final steps in their mechanical engineering degrees with their project supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

Grants from sources like DOE and DOD give professors the resources needed to supply students with a hands-on learning experience while also creating something of value for the wider world. 

In this case, the thrust stand will be used by both graduate and undergraduate students in the Combustion Lab , where testing of accelerants used in various types of rockets takes place daily. The capstone project will help researchers test solid fuel combustion and better understand how those fuels can be designed to advance hypersonic combustion for propulsion applications. 

“Being able to help students in the lab publish research papers one day with something we designed is really cool,” said Juan Aguirre, another of the students involved with the thrust stand project. 

The project required working with graduate students in the lab to understand and address their needs in the design phase. Meeting the needs of those students was a critical piece of the puzzle, but it wasn't the only piece. 

Moving from the theoretical aspects of design into the actual production phase, managing a budget and producing a useful final product were all hurdles the thrust stand team had to conquer.

“We had a lot of challenges,” team member Ajibek Karatalov said. “Most of the challenges were logistical. For example, one of the main parts was shipped from Japan, and it never made it. I don't know why. So, these kinds of challenges were sort of boundaries, but I'm glad that we overcame them as a team.”

Luckily for the students, there are plenty of resources and mentors to lean on. Mechanical engineering's machine shop, for instance, provided the expertise the students needed to work through many of the technical issues along with the sage advice that comes from working with professionals. 

“I think having the shop instructors, Roy Mullins and David Meyers , they kind of gave us a new perspective on the issues we were facing,” said Jeffery (Mitch) McHugh, another team member. “They had more of a rounded perspective because they've worked in the field. That really helped us and gave us a perspective of what people that we may be working with in the future will have to say.”

The team's design was on display at the Mechanical Engineering Expo, an event held on Texas Tech's campus where, along with other teams from the department, the work of the last year is shown off to the campus community.

Mullins and the staff at the machine shop work with a wide range of students daily, helping with things like welding and machining parts that wouldn't normally be done by engineers in the field, and he was impressed with the thrust stand team's competency. 

“They've been a pretty self-sufficient group, actually,” Mullins said. “We've had to answer the usual technical questions and assist them in some machining, but for the most part, with the end design they've done really well on their own.

“It was a very specific subject. It was a research project tied to research we do in the department, so that was kind of unique in and of itself. But what really struck us about this project was it was for a research project that ties immediately to a critical problem.”

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In the News

The MIT Bike Lab: A place for community, hands-on learning

Bianca Champenois SM ’22 learned to ride a bike when she was 5 years old. She can still hear her sister yelling “equal elbows!” as she pushed her off into the street. Although she started young, her love of bikes really materialized when she was in college.

Champenois studied mechanical engineering (MechE) at the University of California at Berkeley, but with a first-year schedule comprising mostly prerequisites, she found herself wanting more hands-on opportunities. She stumbled upon BicyCal, the university’s bike cooperative.

“I loved the club because it was a space where learning was encouraged, mistakes were forgiven, and vibes were excellent,” explains Champenois. “I loved how every single bike that came into the shop was slightly different, which meant that no two problems were the same.”

Through the co-op’s hands-on learning experience, the few long rides she took across some of California’s bridges like the Golden Gate, and the lively evening “Bike Parties” drafting behind friends, Champenois’s love for biking continued to grow. When she arrived at MIT for her master’s studies, she joined the cycling team.

Champenois, who is also passionate about climate action, enjoyed the sense of community the cycling team offered, but was looking for something that also allowed her to solve problems and work on bikes again.

After discovering there wasn’t a comparable cooperative bike program at the Institute, Champenois was determined to start one herself. It wasn’t long before she secured club funding from The Coop’s Public Service Grant with the support of her peer, Haley Higginbotham ’21, who was also passionate about the cause. By the end of the year, the team had gained two more volunteers, civil and environmental engineering graduate student Matthew Goss and materials science and engineering grad student Gavin Winter, and the MIT Bike Lab was born.

"The idea is to empower people to learn how to fix their own bike so that they are motivated to use biking as a reliable transportation method," says Champenois. The volunteer mechanic has a vested interest in promoting sustainability and improving urban infrastructure.

Champenois is a graduate student in the joint Mechanical Engineering and Computational Science/Engineering program, and her research involves applying data science and machine learning to fluid dynamics, with a specific focus on ocean and climate modeling. The NSF Graduate Research Fellow is now building upon prior research focused on ocean acidification as part of her PhD thesis, while she is also involved in other projects within Professor Themis Sapsis’s Stochastic Analysis and Nonlinear Dynamics (SAND) Lab .

“I appreciate that my research strikes a balance between more applied environmental projects and more theoretical statistics and computational science,” she explains while referencing a recent research contribution to a project focused on improving global climate simulations.

Champenois’s academic research focus may be specific, but she stresses that the Bike Lab isn’t targeted to any particular interest and welcomes all who are eager to learn.

“If you're interested in solid mechanics, you can think about bike frames. If you're interested in material science, you can think about brake pads. If you're interested in fluids, you can think about hydraulic brakes,” she says. “I think there's something for everyone, and there's always something to learn.”                            

In the last year-and-a-half, the Bike Lab is estimated to have serviced over 150 bikes, and they’re only getting started. Champenois is ambitious about the Bike Lab’s future.

“I hope to teach classes, maybe throughout the semester or as a standalone IAP [Independent Activities Period] course. I am also really interested in the idea of managing a vending machine for parts,” states Champenois.

In the winter, the Bike Lab stores its tools in N52-318, but the club lacks the space needed to expand. “Without our own space, it is difficult for us to store parts, which means that people are required to bring their own parts if their repair requires a replacement,” explains Champenois.

While physical space isn’t required to build a sense of community, Champenois envisions the Bike Lab exuding the same sort of camaraderie as the Banana Lounge , another of one MIT’s student-run spaces, one day.

“I like to think of the Bike Lab as more than just a bike shop. It's also a place for community,” she says.

Champenois hopes to complete her degree in the next year or two and would like to become a professor someday. She is excited by a career in academia, but she says she could also see herself working on a climate or weather research team or joining an ocean technology startup.

Many have heard the expression that being a student at MIT is like “drinking from a firehose,” but that is one of the things Champenois will miss most when she leaves.

“I have had the opportunity to discover so many new hobbies and been able to learn so much through sponsored activities,” she recalls. “Most importantly, I'll miss the great people I have met. Everyone at MIT is so curious and hardworking in a way that is truly energizing.”

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This trailer powers itself: Purdue and Wabash collaborate on a trailer that recaptures its own energy - Mechanical Engineering - Purdue University

This trailer powers itself: Purdue and Wabash collaborate on a trailer that recaptures its own energy

The future of electrified transportation isn’t just consumer vehicles. Tractor-trailers carry nearly 72% of the country’s freight, so innovations on that scale have the potential to make huge strides for sustainability worldwide. That’s why Purdue University researchers have teamed up with Wabash , the largest trailer manufacturer in the country, to investigate an experimental trailer that recaptures its own electricity from vibrations, heat, and airflow.

“At Wabash, we like to say that we’re a visionary leader in the transportation industry,” said Brent Yeagy , president and chief executive officer of Wabash . “In this age of sustainability and finding new ways to reduce carbon in our environment, nothing could be more visionary than a trailer that uses composite matrix materials to create its own electricity.”

The donated trailer is part of a three-year collaborative research project between Wabash, which is headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, and Purdue University’s College of Engineering . The trailer was showcased at an open house event on April 30 at Purdue’s Herrick Labs , where the first experiments will take place.

“We’re investigating several ways to harvest electricity from a trailer’s normal operation,” said James Gibert , associate professor of mechanical engineering and one of the project’s principal investigators. “These modalities could be the vibration of the suspension system, aeroelastic vibrations of the composite panels, or harvesting the air used in the braking system.”

Gibert’s field of expertise is smart materials , especially in the realms of dynamics and vibration. His previous work has included embedding triboelectric generators into cardboard packaging, whose natural movement during the delivery process generated enough electricity to power sensors embedded in the boxes. Scaling up that process to something the size of a semi-trailer is the next logical step.

“The scale is much bigger than anything we’ve worked with before,” said Gibert. “But that’s a good thing. A semi-trailer has lots of mass, which means lots of opportunities for that mass to be utilized in ways it hasn’t before. Plus there’s an increasing regulatory push for these vehicles to be more energy-efficient. We are trying to get a step ahead of that, and think outside the box for what a novel energy-harvesting system could look like.”

Phase one of the project involves retrofitting the trailer with displacement sensors, accelerometers, anemometers, pressure gauges, and many other measurement tools. After Gibert and his team at Herrick Labs have turned the trailer into a mobile data acquisition system, Wabash personnel will take the truck onto the highways of Indiana for some short-haul and long-haul test drives. Once the Purdue team have collected data from the test drives, they will coalesce around the energy-harvesting methods that are most promising. In the final phase, Purdue and Wabash will collaborate on a deliverable product that can be scaled up and deployed to trailers around the world.

How much energy can you harvest from a trailer’s own vibrations? That’s tough to say before the experiments start. But Gibert says that reducing a tractor-trailer’s electrical load, even by a little bit, is a success. “By diversifying the load, we can reduce the size of the batteries required,” he said. “Lighter batteries means less weight, which leads to even more efficient operation. So it becomes a positive feedback loop.”

The other principal investigators from the Purdue side are Andres Arrieta , associate professor of mechanical engineering; Greg Shaver , director of Herrick Labs and professor of mechanical engineering; and John Evans , assistant professor of agricultural & biological engineering .

“Purdue is a natural choice for us to collaborate with,” said Yeagy, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Science and a Master of Science in Safety Engineering from Purdue University. “They’re located right across the river, and they are a leading engineering school. We couldn’t ask for a better partner to help bring these innovations to life.”

“Wabash has been a dream to work with,” said Gibert. “They’re actively engaged, they’re supportive, they’re flexible, and they’re immediate in giving their feedback. The best possible outcome for any engineer is having an impact on the world, and Wabash certainly shares that vision.”

“This is a game-changing event,” said Yeagy. “That trailer sitting in Herrick Labs means we’re hopefully on the verge of something we can deploy at scale. Partnering with a school like Purdue allows these types of visionary actions to come to life.”

Writers: Jared Pike, [email protected] , 765-496-0374  |  Dana Stelsel, [email protected] , 765-771-5766

Source: James Gibert, [email protected]

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Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

Summer 2024 research: mechanical engineering.

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Reference Code

ERDC-GSL-2024-0001

Description

The Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory solves problems and initiate scientific discovery through a multi-faceted approach that includes field and laboratory data collection and instrumentation development, computational science and data analytics. These techniques are used to develop innovative solutions in the following mission areas: force projection and maneuver support; force protection and weapons effects; civil works and infrastructure; operational support and technology transfer. GSL’s main research areas include airfields and pavements, concrete and materials, geotechnical engineering and geosciences, impact and explosion effects, mobility systems, structural engineering, structural mechanics, and survivability engineering.

What will I be doing?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will have the opportunity to participate in executing cutting-edge research in structural analysis and experimentation. The internship opportunity will include exposure to computational modeling of weapons effects on structures, analysis of the structural behavior of bridges, and technical communication.

Why should I apply?

This fellowship provides the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward.

Where will I be located? Vicksburg, Mississippi

What is the anticipated start date? June 3, 2024

Exact start date will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.

What is the appointment length?

This appointment is a full-time ten-week research appointment. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the benefits?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by ERDC-GSL. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement ( Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense .

Qualifications

Candidate must have recently completed or be actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records – For this opportunity, an official transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts .
• One recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. If you have questions, send an email to [email protected]. Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing. Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

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Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor’s Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Overall GPA: 3.50
• Academic Level(s): Post-Bachelor’s or Undergraduate Students.
• Engineering ( 27 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age

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Driven to Succeed: UConn Formula SAE Makes History with 4th Place Win

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by Olivia Drake – UConn College of Engineering

The annual competition, organized by SAE International, challenges students to conceive, design, fabricate, develop, and compete with high performance “formula” vehicles.

The UConn Formula SAE team is revved up after earning a record-breaking ranking. During a three-day competition at Michigan International Speedway May 8-11, UConn competed against 118 other national and international teams and placed 4th overall, the highest in UConn’s history.

The UConn Formula SAE team examines their vehicle during the competition at Michigan International Speedway. (Photo courtesy of Milton Levin)

UConn Formula SAE has 80 members, of which 67 attended the competition at the Michigan International Speedway. This was the most of any team present. (Photo courtesy of Milton Levin)

“The team was totally ecstatic,” explains UConn Formula SAE (FSAE) President and mechanical engineering major Abhiemanyu Sukumaran ’24 (ENG). “As they were announcing the overall places, we heard 8,7,6, etc. Then they called our name, and everyone started jumping and screaming for joy! We celebrated like we won the national championship. It was bliss to have broken the record for our highest placement ever.”

Read more on the UConn Today website .

Published: May 16, 2024

Categories: Department Achievements , Student Spotlights

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