Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics MSME

Major: Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 45.0 
Co-op Option: Available for full-time, on-campus master's-level students
Classification of Instructional (CIP) code: 14.1901
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 17-2141

About the Program

The mechanical engineering field is rapidly changing due to ongoing advances in modern science and technology. Effective mechanical engineers must possess expertise in mechanical engineering core subjects, interdisciplinary skills, teamwork skills, as well as entrepreneurial and managerial abilities. The degree programs are designed so students can learn the state-of-the-art knowledge now, and have the foundation to acquire new knowledge as they develop in future. The courses often associate with one or more areas of specialization: design and manufacturing, mechanics, systems and control, and thermal and fluid sciences. 

The MS degree program is offered on both a full-time and a part-time basis. Graduate courses are often scheduled in the late afternoon and evening so full-time students and part-time students can take the same courses. Students have the option to participate in the Graduate Co-op program at the master’s level.

For more information please visit the MS in Mechanical Engineering webpage or the Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics (MEM) Department. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the graduate requirements for admission to Drexel University. Students holding a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering discipline other than mechanical engineering are advised to take several undergraduate courses as preparation for graduate studies. Though these courses are not counted toward the required credits for the degree, they also must be listed in the student's plan of study. Outstanding students with a GPA of at least 3.5 in their master’s program will be considered for admission to the program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics.

Degree Requirements 

The MS program has a two-fold mission: to prepare some students for continuation of their graduate studies and research toward a PhD degree, and to prepare other students for a career in industry upon graduation with the MS degree. The MS program has a non-thesis option and a thesis option. Students who plan to continue to the PhD degree are advised to select the thesis-option.

The MS program is structured so that students have the opportunity to specialize in areas of interest while also obtain the broadest engineering education possible. Of the required 45.0 credits (15 courses) MS students are required to complete two core-course sequences (two terms each) from two different core areas. Students can take eight technical elective courses of which up to four courses can be from outside the Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics Department if they are approved in the students' plan of study. MS students have opportunity to apply to the optional graduate Co-op program. Students in the MS program should consult with the department graduate adviser at the beginning of their program and must file a plan of study prior to the third quarter of study. Further details can be obtained from the department's Graduate Programs Manual. 

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All students take core courses in the department’s areas of specialization as part of a comprehensive and flexible program. Further details can be obtained from the department's Graduate Programs Manual.

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Consult the Thermal and Fluid Sciences area advisor for other options.

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Technical Electives
 

• Students can take all 9 electives from MEM graduate courses. At least 2 electives must be MEM Electives.
• Any MEM graduate course is eligible to serve as electives. This includes those core courses that you do not use as core courses but use as elective courses.  
• This also includes MEM I699 Independent Study and Research, and MEM 898 Master’s Thesis.
• If students do not want to take all 9 elective technical courses from MEM, they may take a maximum of 7 non-MEM courses.
• Each non-MEM course to be used as technical elective needs be approved by listing it on the Plan of Study (GR-1 form) and the Graduate Advisor signing the form to approve it.
• To ensure you will receive the MSME degree, please consult with the Graduate Advisor before taking non-MEM graduate courses.
• Graduate courses at the 600- level from these four College of Engineering Departments (CAE, CBE, ECE and MSE) are automatically approved to serve as non-MEM technical elective courses.  
• Students may register for MEM I699 Independent Study and Research (3.0 credits per term) to serve as electives, up to 9.0 credits.
• Students on the thesis-option typically register for MEM 898 Master’s Thesis for 3 terms, and they count as 3 elective courses.

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Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. To prepare for the 6-month co-op experience, students will complete: COOP 500. The total credits required for this degree with the co-op experience is 46.0

Students not participating in the co-op experience will need 45.0 credits to graduate.

Sample Plan of Study 

Thesis Option

Non-Thesis Option

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Students enrolled in the non-thesis master's program take electives in place of MEM 898.

Graduate CO-OP Option

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Students enrolled in the non-thesis master's program take electives in place of MEM 898.

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CO-OP is an option for this degree for full-time on campus students. To prepare for the 6-month co-op experience, students will complete: COOP 500. The total credits required for this degree with the co-op experience is 46.

Facilities

Advanced Design and Manufacturing Laboratory
This laboratory provides research opportunities in design methodology, computer-aided design, analysis and manufacturing, and materials processing and manufacturing. Facilities include various computers and software, I-DEAS, Pro/E,ANSYS, MasterCAM, Mechanical DeskTop, SurfCAM, Euclid, Strim, ABQUS, and more.The machines include two Sanders Model Maker rapid prototyping machines, a BridgePort CNC Machining Center, a BOY 220 injection molding machine, an Electra high-temperature furnace for metal sintering, infiltration, and other heat treatment.

Biofabrication Laboratory
Utilizes cells or biologics as basic building blocks in which biological models, systems, devices and products are manufactured. Biofabrication techniques encompass a broad range of physical, chemical, biological, and/or engineering processes, with various applications in tissue science and engineering, regenerative medicine, disease parthenogenesis and drug testing studies, biochips and biosensors, cell printing, patterning and assembly, and organ printing.

The Biofabrication Lab at Drexel University integrates computer-aided tissue engineering, modern design and manufacturing, biomaterials and biology in modeling, design and biofabrication of tissue scaffolds, tissue constructs, micro-organ, tissue models. The ongoing research focuses on bio-tissue modeling, bio-blueprint modeling, scaffold informatics modeling, biomimetic design of tissue scaffold, additive manufacturing of tissue scaffolds, cell printing and organ printing.

Biological Systems Analysis Laboratory
The research in the Laboratory for Biological Systems Analysis involves the integration of biology with systems level engineering analysis and design, with an emphasis on: (1) the development of robotic systems that borrow from nature's designs and use novel technologies to achieve superior performance and function; and (2) the use of system identification techniques to evaluate the functional performance of animal physiological systems under natural, behavioral conditions. Facilities include rapid prototyping machines, compliant material manufacturing, mold making facilities, and a traditional machine shop and electronics workshop.

Biomechanics Laboratory
Emphasis in this laboratory is placed on understanding the mechanical properties of human joints, characterization of the mechanical properties of biological materials, studies of human movements, and design and development of artificial limbs. Facilities include a 3-D kinematic measuring system, Instron testing machine, and microcomputers for data acquisition and processing. Additional biomechanical laboratory facilities are available at Moss Rehab Hospital.

Combustion Diagnostics Laboratory
High-speed cameras, spectrometers, and laser systems are used to conduct research in low temperature hydrocarbon oxidation, cool flames, and plasma-assisted ignition and combustion. Research in optical diagnostic development is conducted in this lab with a specific focus on tools to measure small peroxy radicals.

Combustion, Fuel Chemistry, and Emissions Laboratory
Emphasis in this laboratory is placed on developing an understanding of both the chemical and physical factors that control and, hence, can be used to tailor combustion processes for engineering applications. Facilities include two single cylinder research engines, a pressurized flow reactor (PFR) facility, flat flame and slot burner systems, and complete analytical and monitoring instrumentation. The engine systems are used to study the effects of operating variables, fuel type, ambient conditions, and control devices on engine performance and emissions. The PFR facility is used for detailed kinetic studies of hydrocarbon pyrolysis and oxidation processes.

Complex Fluids and Multiphase Transport Laboratory
The research focus of this lab lies at the interface of thermal-fluid sciences, nano materials, and colloid and surface sciences. We apply these fundamental sciences to advance energy conversion and storage systems, to provide effective thermal management solutions, and to enable scalable additive nanomanufacturing. Facilities include materials printing systems, fluorescence microscope and imaging systems, complex fluid characterization, microfluidics and heat transfer testers, coating and solar cell testing devices, electrochemical characterization, and high performance computing facilities. 

Dynamic Multifunctional Materials Laboratory
The focus of theDynamic Multifuncational Materials Laboratory (DMML) is mechanics of materials; namely fracture and failure mechanisms under extreme conditions and their correlation to meso- and microstructural characteristics. Utilizing highly integrated experimental facilities such as a Kolsky (split-Hopkinson pressure bar), single-stage, and two stage light-gas gun, complex material behavior is deconstructed into dominant time and length scales associated with the energetics of damage evolution. In-situ laser and optical diagnostics such as caustics, interferometry techniques, schlieren visualization and virtual grid method, are used to investigate coupled field properties of multifunctional materials with the goal of not only analyzing and understanding behavior, but ultimately tailoring material properties for specific applications.

Electrochemical Energy Systems Laboratory
The Electrochemical Energy Systems Laboratory (ECSL) is specializes in the design, diagnostics and characterization of next generation electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems. Current areas of research include flow-assisted supercapacitors, next generation flow battery technology and fuel cells for transportation, stationary and portable applications. ECSL utilizes a comprehensive approach, including: advanced diagnostics, system design, materials characterization, and computational modeling of electrochemical energy systems. The core mission of ECSL is to develop novel diagnostic and computational tools to understand critical issues in flow-assisted electrochemical systems and enable better system design. Due to the complex nature of these systems, our research is highly interdisciplinary and spans the interface of transport phenomena, materials characterization, electrochemistry and system engineering.

Heat Transfer Laboratory
The heat transfer laboratory is outfitted with an array of instrumentation and equipment for conducting single- and multi-phase heat transfer experiments in controlled environments. Present efforts are studying the heat and mass transfer processes in super-critical fluids and binary refrigerants.

Lab-on-a-Chip and BioMEMS Lab
Develops miniature devices for biological and medical applications using microfabrication and microfluidics technologies. Our research projects have highly multidisciplinary nature and thus require the integration of engineering, science, biology and medicine. Projects are conducted in close collaboration with biologists and medical doctors. Our research methodology includes design and fabrication of miniature devices, experimental characterization, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulation.

Microcomputer Controls Laboratory
This laboratory provides an environment conducive to appreciating aspects of systems and control through hands-on experiments. They range from data acquisition and processing to modeling of dynamical systems and implementing a variety of controllers to control systems, such as DC motors and the inverted pendulum. Active research is being conducted on control reconfiguration in the event of actuator failures in aircrafts.

Multiscale Thermofluidics Laboratory
Develops novel scalable nanomanufacturing techniques using biological templates to manipulate micro- and nano- scale thermal and fluidic phenomena. Current work includes enhancing phase-change heat transfer with super-wetting nanostructured coatings and transport and separation through nanoporous membranes.

Nyheim Plasma Institute
The Nyheim Plasma Institute (NPI) was formed in 2002 (originally the A.J. Drexel Plasma Institute) to stimulate and coordinate research projects related to plasma and other modern high-energy engineering techniques. Today the NPI is an active multidisciplinary organization involving 23 faculty members from 6 engineering departments working in close collaboration with the School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Precision Instrumentation and Metrology Laboratory
This laboratory is focused on activities related to precision measurement, computer-aided inspection, and precision instrument design. Facilities include 3D Coordinate Measuring Machine (Brown & Sharpe) with Micro Measurement and Reverse engineering software, Surface Profilometer, and Laser Displacement Measuring System.

Space Systems Laboratory
The objective of the Space Systems Laboratory (SSL) is to inspire future generations to advance aerospace engineering. It provides research opportunities in orbital mechanics, rendezvous and docking maneuvers, mission planning, and space environment. The lab provides facilities for activities in High Altitude Balloons, construction of air-vehicles and nano-satellites, 0-g flights, and STK simulation package for satellite flights and trajectories.

Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Group
Research in the Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Group (TAMG) focuses on using experimental, analytical and computational tools to understand deformation and failure of materials, components and structures in a broad range of time and length scales. To accomplish this goal, TAMG develops procedures that include mechanical behavior characterization coupled with non-destructive testing and modern computational tools. This information is used both for understanding the role of important material scales in the observed bulk behavior and for the formulation of constitutive laws that can model the response including damage initiation and progression according to prescribed loading conditions. Equipment and facilities used by TAMG include a range of mechanical testing equipment for testing in tension, compression, fatigue and fracture.

Vascular Kinetics Laboratory
The Vascular Kinetics Laboratory (VKL) uses engineering methods to understand how biomechanics and biochemistry interact in cardiovascular disease.  In particular, we study fluid flow and blood vessel stiffness impact cellular response to glucose, growth factors, and inflammation to lead to atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. We then apply these discoveries to novel biomaterials and therapies, with a particular focus on treating cardiovascular disease in under-served populations. This research is at the interface of engineering and medicine, with close collaborations with biologists and physicians and a strong emphasis on clinical applications.

Mechanical Engineering Faculty

Emeritus Faculty