Frontiers and Future Studies

Many fields of mechanical engineering are at the frontier of modern research, producing new technology that will better our lives. Some of these fields follow.

Renewable or Clean Energy

Clean Energy focuses on fuel cells, rechargeable batteries, electrochemical super-capacitors, solar energy with an emphasis on the development of new materials and advanced nuclear fuel cycles; efficient manufacturing processes; system integration and control; analysis, testing and design of components at both the microscale and system levels; and analysis of off-design and transient behavior.

Composites and materials

Composite materials are a combination of materials which provide different physical characteristics than either material independently. Composite material research within mechanical engineering typically focuses on designing stronger or more rigid materials while attempting to reduce weight, susceptibility to corrosion and other undesirable factors. Carbon fiber reinforced composites, for instance, have been used in such diverse applications as spacecrafts and fishing rods.

Advanced Manufacturing and CAD/CAM

Because of its importance to international competitiveness and the continued development of the economy, advanced manufacturing and materials processing is a focus of a significant national research effort. Manufacturing and materials processing include dimensions and disciplines that encompass all of the important areas of Mechanical Engineering.

Mechanical Systems Intelligence (MSI)

MSI is focused on the scientific development of intelligent machines in order to create a new wave of technology building on the success of the last wave associated with computers. The research seeks to merge robotics with other complex systems (e.g. aircraft, automotives, manufacturing and construction equipment, biomedical devices, etc.) to reduce human drudgery, and enhance the relationship between man and machine.