Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics BSME

Major: Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 190.0
Co-op Options: Three Co-op (Five years); One Co-op (Four years)
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 14.1901
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 17-2141

About the Program

The role of the mechanical engineer in today’s society is rapidly changing. Advances in manufacturing, transportation, infrastructure systems, materials, communications and high-performance computing have introduced new demands, opportunities and challenges for mechanical engineers. What was once an individual endeavor has now become a team activity. Today’s industries require that mechanical engineers possess diverse interdisciplinary skills, a global viewpoint, entrepreneurial and managerial abilities and an understanding of the forces governing the marketplace.

Traditionally, mechanical engineers have been associated with industries like automotive, transportation and power generation, and with activities involving the design, analysis, and manufacturing of products useful to society. While today such activities are still dominated by mechanical engineers, the spectrum of opportunities for these professionals has expanded tremendously. For example, mechanical engineers are involved in the design and analysis of biomedical instrumentation, electronic components, smart structures and advanced materials; they are involved in sophisticated studies of human motion, control of satellites, and the development of more efficient energy-transfer techniques.

Drexel’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics (MEM) prides itself on providing its students with a comprehensive program of courses, laboratories, design projects, and co-op experiences. The MEM curriculum is designed to balance technical breadth (provided by a set of fundamental required core courses) with technical depth (provided by optional concentrations that emphasize particular fields within the profession). Thus, the MEM program not only prepares its graduates to become successful mechanical engineers needed in industry and government, but also provides an excellent springboard to pursue graduate studies in medical sciences, law, business, information technology, and any other disciplines where technological and analytical skills play an important role.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics of Drexel University is to transfer and acquire knowledge through: (a) the education of engineers for leadership in industry, business, academia, and government; and (b) the establishment of internationally recognized research programs. This mission is accomplished by the delivery of an outstanding curriculum by the participation of our students in one of the nation’s most prestigious co-operative educational programs and by the scholarly activities of the faculty.

Program Educational Objectives

  • Our graduates will be successful in careers that deal with the design, simulation, and analysis of engineering systems, experimentation and testing, manufacturing, technical services, and research.
  • Our graduates will enter and complete academic and professional programs in engineering, business, management, law and medicine.
  • Our graduates will communicate effectively with peers and be successful working with and leading multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
  • Our graduates will recognize the global, legal, societal and ethical contexts of their work.
  • Our graduates will advance in their careers; for example, assuming increasing levels of responsibility and acquiring professional licensure. 

Student Outcomes

The Department’s student outcomes reflect the skills and abilities that the curriculum is designed to provide to students by the time they graduate. These are:

  • An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics
  • An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors
  • An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  • An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts
  • An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives
  • An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  • An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed using appropriate learning strategies

Additional Information

The Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

For additional information about this major, visit the Mechanical Engineering program page or contact the MEM Department.

Degree Requirements 

General Education/Liberal Studies Requirements
CIVC 101Introduction to Civic Engagement1.0
COM 310 [WI] Technical Communication3.0
COOP 101Career Management and Professional Development *1.0
ENGL 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
or ENGL 113 English Composition III
PHIL 315Engineering Ethics3.0
UNIV E101The Drexel Experience1.0
General Education Requirements **12.0
Mathematics Requirements ***4.0-10.0
Algebra, Functions, and Trigonometry
and Calculus I
OR
Calculus and Functions I
and Calculus and Functions II
OR
Calculus I
MATH 122Calculus II4.0
MATH 200Multivariate Calculus4.0
MATH 201Linear Algebra4.0
MATH 210Differential Equations4.0
Physics Requirements ***4.0-8.0
Preparation for Engineering Studies
and Fundamentals of Physics I
OR
Fundamentals of Physics I
PHYS 102Fundamentals of Physics II4.0
PHYS 201Fundamentals of Physics III4.0
Chemistry Requirements 3.5-7.5
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I
OR
General Chemistry I
CHEM 102General Chemistry II4.5
Engineering Design Requirements
ENGR 111Introduction to Engineering Design & Data Analysis3.0
ENGR 113First-Year Engineering Design3.0
ENGR 131Introductory Programming for Engineers3.0
or ENGR 132 Programming for Engineers
Engineering Economics Requirements
CIVE 240Engineering Economic Analysis3.0
Materials Requirements
MATE 220Fundamentals of Materials4.0
Mechanical Requirements
MEM 201Foundations of Computer Aided Design3.0
MEM 202Statics3.0
MEM 210Introduction to Thermodynamics3.0
MEM 220Fluid Mechanics I4.0
MEM 230Mechanics of Materials I4.0
MEM 238Dynamics4.0
MEM 255Introduction to Controls4.0
MEM 260Thinking Like a Mechanical Engineer3.0
MEM 261Introduction to Mechatronics for Mechanical Engineers3.0
MEM 310Thermodynamic Analysis I4.0
MEM 311Thermal Fluid Science Laboratory2.0
MEM 321Fluid Mechanics II4.0
MEM 330Mechanics of Materials II4.0
MEM 331Experimental Mechanics I2.0
MEM 333Mechanical Behavior of Materials3.0
MEM 345Heat Transfer4.0
MEM 351Dynamic Systems Laboratory I2.0
MEM 355Performance Enhancement of Dynamic Systems4.0
MEM 360Numerical Methods in Mechanical Engineering Design3.0
MEM 361Engineering Reliability3.0
MEM 423Mechanics of Vibration4.0
MEM 431Machine Design I3.0
MEM 435Introduction to Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing4.0
MEM 491 [WI] Senior Design Project I3.0
MEM 492 [WI] Senior Design Project II3.0
MEM 493 [WI] Senior Design Project III3.0
MEM Open Electives (Any two MEM courses 300 level or higher.)6.0-8.0
COE Electives (Any College of Engineering courses, including MEM courses, 300 level or higher.)3.0-4.0
Math Elective (Any one of MATH 291, MATH 300, MATH 321, MATH 322, or MATH 323)3.0-4.0
Free Electives6.0-8.0
Total Credits190.0-210.0
*

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major.

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

**

General Education Requirements.

***

MATH and PHYS sequences are determined by the student's Calculus Placement Exam score and the completion of any summer online preparatory courses available based on that score.

Some students may need a one-credit concurrent practicum course depending on their calculus exam score and summer preparatory review participation.

CHEM sequence is determined by the student's Chemistry Placement Exam score and the completion of a summer online preparatory course available based on that score.

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.

Sample Plan of Study

4 year, 1 co-op, Spring-Summer

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CHEM 101*3.5CHEM 1024.5CIVC 1011.0VACATION
MATH 121**4.0MATH 1224.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0ENGR 1133.0 
ENGR 1113.0ENGR 131 or 1323.0MATH 2004.0 
UNIV E1011.0PHYS 101**4.0PHYS 1024.0 
 14.5 18.5 15 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
MATH 2014.0MATH 2104.0CIVE 2403.0COOP 101***1.0
MATE 2204.0MEM 2013.0MEM 2304.0MEM 2204.0
MEM 2023.0MEM 2103.0MEM 2554.0MEM 3304.0
MEM 2603.0MEM 2384.0MEM 3104.0MEM 3312.0
PHYS 2014.0MEM 2613.0MEM 3603.0MEM 3554.0
 18 17 18 15
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 3103.0MEM 3333.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
MEM 3112.0MEM 3454.0  
MEM 3214.0MEM 3512.0  
MEM 4354.0MEM 4234.0  
PHIL 3153.0College of Engineering elective (300+ or higher)3.0  
 16 16 0 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
MEM 3613.0MEM 4923.0MEM 4933.0 
MEM 4313.0Math Elective (Any one of MATH 291, MATH 300, MATH 321, MATH 322, or MATH 323)3.0MEM Elective (300+ higher)3.0 
MEM 4913.0General Education Electives6.0General Education elective3.0 
MEM elective (300+ or higher)3.0Free Elective3.0Free electives3.0 
General Education elective3.0   
 15 15 12 
Total Credits 190
*

CHEM sequence is determined by the student's Chemistry Placement Exam score and the completion of a summer online preparatory course available based on that score.

**

MATH and PHYS sequences are determined by the student's Calculus Placement Exam score and the completion of any summer online preparatory courses available based on that score.

***

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

 See degree requirements.

4 year, 1 co-op, Fall-Winter

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CHEM 101*3.5CHEM 1024.5MATH 2004.0VACATION
MATH 121**4.0MATH 1224.0PHYS 1024.0 
ENGL 1013.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0CIVC 1011.0 
ENGR 1113.0ENGR 131 or 1323.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
UNIV E1011.0PHYS 101**4.0ENGR 1133.0 
 14.5 18.5 15 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
MATH 2014.0COOP 101***1.0MEM 2304.0MEM 2204.0
PHYS 2014.0MATH 2104.0MEM 2554.0MEM 3304.0
MATE 2204.0MEM 2013.0MEM 3104.0MEM 3312.0
MEM 2023.0MEM 2103.0MEM 3603.0MEM 3554.0
MEM 2603.0MEM 2384.0CIVE 2403.0 
 MEM 2613.0  
 18 18 18 14
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCEMEM 3112.0MEM 3454.0
  MEM 3214.0MEM 3512.0
  MEM 4354.0MEM 4234.0
  PHIL 3153.0MEM 3333.0
  COM 3103.0MEM or College of Engineering Elective (300+ or higher)3.0
 0 0 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
MEM 4913.0MEM 4913.0MEM 4933.0 
MEM 3613.0MATH Elective (Any one of MATH 291, MATH 300, MATH 321, MATH 322, or MATH 323)3.0MEM Elective (300+ or higher)3.0 
MEM 4313.0General Education Elective6.0General Education Elective3.0 
MEM Elective (300+ or higher)3.0Free Elective3.0Free Elective3.0 
General Education Elective3.0   
 15 15 12 
Total Credits 190
*

CHEM sequence is determined by the student's Chemistry Placement Exam score and the completion of a summer online preparatory course available based on that score.

**

MATH and PHYS sequences are determined by the student's Calculus Placement Exam score and the completion of any summer online preparatory courses available based on that score.

***

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

 See degree requirements.

5 year, 3 co-op, Spring-Summer

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CHEM 101*3.5CHEM 1024.5CIVC 1011.0VACATION
MATH 121**4.0MATH 1224.0COOP 101***1.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
ENGR 1113.0ENGR 131 or 1323.0ENGR 1133.0 
UNIV E1011.0PHYS 101**4.0MATH 2004.0 
  PHYS 1024.0 
 14.5 18.5 16 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
MATH 2014.0MATH 2104.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
MATE 2204.0MEM 2013.0  
MEM 2023.0MEM 2103.0  
MEM 2603.0MEM 2384.0  
PHYS 2014.0MEM 2613.0  
 18 17 0 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CIVE 2403.0MEM 2204.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
MEM 2304.0MEM 3304.0  
MEM 2554.0MEM 3312.0  
MEM 3104.0MEM 3554.0  
MEM 3603.0   
 18 14 0 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 3103.0MEM 3454.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
MEM 3112.0MEM 3512.0  
MEM 3214.0MEM 3333.0  
MEM 4354.0MEM 4234.0  
PHIL 3153.0College of Engineering elective (300+ or higher)3.0  
 16 16 0 0
Fifth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
MEM 3613.0MEM 4923.0MEM 4933.0 
MEM 4313.0Math Elective (Any one of MATH 291, MATH 300, MATH 321, MATH 322, or MATH 323)3.0MEM Elective (300+ or higher)3.0 
MEM 4913.0General Education Elective6.0Free elective3.0 
MEM Elective (300+ or higher)3.0Free Elective3.0General Education Elective3.0 
General Education Elective3.0   
 15 15 12 
Total Credits 190
*

CHEM sequence is determined by the student's Chemistry Placement Exam score and the completion of a summer online preparatory course available based on that score.

**

MATH and PHYS sequences are determined by the student's Calculus Placement Exam score and the completion of any summer online preparatory courses available based on that score.

***

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

 See degree requirements.

5 year, 3 co-op, Fall-Winter

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CHEM 101*3.5CHEM 1024.5MATH 2004.0Vacation
MATH 121**4.0COOP 101***1.0PHYS 1024.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0MATH 1224.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
ENGR 1113.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0ENGR 1133.0 
UNIV E1011.0ENGR 131 or 1323.0CIVC 1011.0 
 PHYS 101**4.0  
 14.5 19.5 15 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCEMATH 2014.0MATH 2104.0
  PHYS 2014.0MEM 2013.0
  MATE 2204.0MEM 2103.0
  MEM 2023.0MEM 2384.0
  MEM 2603.0MEM 2613.0
 0 0 18 17
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCEMEM 2304.0MEM 2204.0
  MEM 2554.0MEM 3304.0
  MEM 3104.0MEM 3312.0
  MEM 3603.0MEM 3554.0
  CIVE 2403.0 
 0 0 18 14
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCEMEM 3112.0MEM 4234.0
  MEM 4354.0MEM 3454.0
  MEM 3214.0MEM 3512.0
  COM 3103.0MEM 3333.0
  PHIL 3153.0MEM or College of Engineering Elective (300+ or higher)3.0
 0 0 16 16
Fifth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
MEM 4913.0MEM 4923.0MEM 4933.0 
MEM 3613.0MATH Elective (Any one of MATH 291, MATH 300, MATH 321, MATH 322, or MATH 323)3.0MEM Elective (300+ or higher)3.0 
MEM 4313.0General Education Elective6.0General Education Elective3.0 
MEM Elective (300+ or higher)3.0Free Elective3.0Free Elective3.0 
General Education Elective3.0   
 15 15 12 
Total Credits 190
*

CHEM sequence is determined by the student's Chemistry Placement Exam score and the completion of a summer online preparatory course available based on that score.

**

MATH and PHYS sequences are determined by the student's Calculus Placement Exam score and the completion of any summer online preparatory courses available based on that score.

***

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

 See degree requirements.

Co-op/Career Opportunities

Mechanical engineers are employed in a growing number of areas, including aerospace, automotive, biomechanics, computer systems, electronic entertainment, energy, environmental, health care, manufacturing, nuclear technology, and utilities.

Most mechanical engineering graduates begin full-time employment immediately upon graduation. However, there are a number of graduates who go on to pursue master’s and/or doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering. The graduate schools that Drexel’s mechanical engineers have attended include Harvard, UC Berkeley, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Visit the Drexel Steinbright Career Development Center for more detailed information on co-op and post-graduate opportunities.

Facilities

Instructional Laboratories

Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics (MEM) supports instructional laboratories to provide hands-on experience with engineering measurements and to augment classroom instruction in the areas of mechanics, systems and controls, thermal fluid sciences and design and manufacturing along with a college-supported machine shop to aid senior design.

Specialized Laboratories

BIOMEMS Lab and Lab-on-a-Chip

Develops miniature devices for biological and medical applications using microfabrication and microfluidics technologies. Our research projects are highly multidisciplinary in 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.

Computer-aided Design Lab (CAD)

Provides access to software such as AutoCAD, ANSYS, Abagus, CREO, and SOLIDWORKS either in the 42 workstation lab which is available by card access 24/7, or over any network connection using our CITRIX server. Computations are performed on a virtual pc running at the server, and students can use any smart device for input and display.

Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Group Laboratory (TAMG)

Through experimental, analytical, and computational investigations, TAMG develops insights into the 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 formation of laws that can model the response to prescribed loading conditions.

Electrochemical Energy Systems Laboratory (ECSL)

Addresses the research and development needs of emerging alternative energy technologies. ECSL specializes in the design, diagnostics, and characterization of next-generation electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems; particularly fuel cell and battery technology. Current areas of research include polymer electrolyte fuel cells for stationary, portable, and transportation areas of next-generation flow battery technology for intermittent energy storage, load leveling and smart-grid applications. ECSL uses a comprehensive approach, including advanced diagnostics, system design, materials characterization, and computational modeling of electrochemical energy systems.

Multiscale Thermofluidics Lab

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 membrances.

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 process, with various applications in tissue science and engineering, regenerative medicine, disease pathogeneses and drug testing studies, biochips and biosensors, cell printing, patterning and assembly, and organ printing.

The Program for Biofabrication at Drexel 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, biometric design of tissue scaffold, additive manufacturing of tissue scaffolds, cell printing and organ printing.

The facilities at the Biofabrication Laboratory include:

  • state-of-the-art computer-aided design/engineering/manufacturing (CAD/CAE/CAM) software, medical image processing and 3D reconstruction software, and in-house developed heterogeneous modeling and homogenization software
  • proprietary multi-nozzle cell deposition system for direct cell writing and construction of tissue precursors and micro-organs
  • proprietary precision extruding deposition system for fabrication of 3D bipolymer tissue scaffolds
  • commercial available 3DP free-form fabrication system for bio-physical modeling
  • plasma instrument for surface treatment and surface functionalization
  • MTS universal testing system
  • laboratory for cell and tissue culture study

Complex Fluids and Multiphase Transport Lab

Conducts both experimental and modeling studies on heat/mass transfer and multi-phase flows, as well as transport phenomena in additive manufacturing and energy systems. Current projects range from basic studies in interfacial transport in directed-assembly of functional materials and nanostructure-enhanced two-phase heat transfer to design of innovative dry cooling power plants and electrochemical energy storage systems.

Laboratory for Biological Systems Analysis

Applies system level engineering techniques to biological systems with emphasis on:

  • The development of bio-robotic models as tools for investigating hypotheses about biological systems
  • The use of system identification techniques to evaluate the functional performance of physiological systems under natural behavioral conditions
  • The design of systems that are derived from nature and use novel techniques, such as electro-active polymers, to achieve superior performance and function

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.

Biomechanics Laboratory
Emphasis in this laboratory is placed on experimental modelling studies of the mechanical properties of human joints, characterization of the mechanical properties of biological materials, studies of human movements, and design and development of joint replacements with particular emphasis on total ankle replacement. Facilities include a 3-D kinematic measuring system, Tensile testing machine, joint flexibility testers, and microcomputers for data acquisition and processing.

Combustion and Fuels Chemistry Laboratory
Investigate chemical and physical factors that control and, hence, can be used to tailor combustion processes for engineering applications. Facilities include continuous spectroscopic reaction monitoring systems, static reactors, combustion bombs, flat flame burner systems, flow reactors, and complete analytical and monitoring instrumentation.

Research is conducted in the areas of (1) low temperature hydrocarbon oxidation, (2) cool flames, (3) auto-ignition, (4) flame instabilities, (5) flame structure, (6) flame ignition, and (7) flame extinction (quelching). New ways to improve fuel efficiency in practical combustors and recover waste energy in the transportation sector are also being explored.

Composite Mechanics Laboratory
Emphasis in this laboratory is placed on the characterization of performance of composite materials. Current interest includes damage mechanisms, failure processes, and time-dependent behavior in resin-, metal-, and ceramic-matrix composites. Major equipment includes servo-hydraulic and electromechanical Instron testing machines, strain/displacement monitoring systems, environmental chambers, microcomputers for data acquisition and processing, composites fabrication facility, interferometric displacement gauge, X-radiography, and acoustic emission systems.

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

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

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.

Program Level Outcomes

  • Identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  • Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors
  • Communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  • Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts
  • Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives
  • Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  • Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Mechanical Engineering Faculty

Joshua Agar, PhD (University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign). Assistant Professor. Machine learning methods for multifunctional material design and fabrication.
Jennifer Atchison, PhD (Drexel University). Associate Teaching Professor. Engineering Education, Functional Fabrics, and Nanofibers
Jonathan Awerbuch, DSc (Technion, Israel Institute of Technology). Professor. Mechanics of composites; fracture and fatigue; impact and wave propagation; structural dynamics.
Ania-Ariadna Baetica, PhD (California Institute of Technology). Assistant Professor. Control theory and systems biology for biotechnological and medial applications.
Nicholas P. Cernansky, PhD (University of California-Berkeley) Hess Chair Professor of Combustion. Professor Emeritus. Combustion chemistry and kinetics; combustion generated pollution; utilization of alternative and synthetic fuels.
Bor-Chin Chang, PhD (Rice University). Professor. Computer-aided design of multivariable control systems; robust and optimal control systems.
Wesley Chang, PhD (Princeton University). Assistant Professor. Electrochemical energy technologies.
Young I. Cho, PhD (University of Illinois-Chicago). Professor. Heat transfer; fluid mechanics; non-Newtonian flows; biofluid mechanics; rheology.
Juan De la Fuente-Valeez, PhD (Arizona State University). Assistant Teaching Professor. Mechatronics, control and automation.
Genevieve Dion, MFA (University of the Arts) Director, Center for Functional Fabrics. Professor. Industrial designer, wearable artist, new materials technology research.
Dimitrios Fafalis, PhD (Columbia University). Assistant Teaching Professor. Mathematical modeling of natural and synthetic materials; computational mechanics, biomedical engineering and biomechanics.
Bakhtier Farouk, PhD (University of Delaware) Billings Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Professor. Heat transfer; combustion; numerical methods; turbulence modeling; materials processing.
Alexander Fridman, DSc, PhD (Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology) Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, John A. Nyheim Endowed University Chair Professor, Director of the Drexel Plasma Institute. Professor. Plasma science and technology; pollutant mitigation; super-adiabatic combustion; nanotechnology and manufacturing.
Yury Gogotsi, DSc, PhD (National Academic of Sciences, Ukraine). Distinguished University & Charles T. and Ruth M. Bach Professor. affiliate faculty. Synthesis and surface modification of inorganic nanomaterials.
Li-Hsin Han, PhD (University of Texas at Austin). Assistant Professor. Polymeric, micro/nano-fabrication, biomaterial design, tissue engineering, rapid prototyping, free-form fabrication, polymer micro actuators, photonics
Andrei Jablokow, PhD (University of Wisconsin, Madison) Associate Department Head for Undergraduate Affairs, Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics. Associate Teaching Professor. Engineering education; kinematics; geometric modeling.
Euisun Kim, PhD (Georgia Institute of Technology). Associate Teaching Professor. Engineering education; robotic rehabilitation systems; bio-inspired designs.
E. Caglan Kumbur, PhD (Pennsylvania State University) Associate Department Head for Graduate Affairs. Associate Professor. Next generation energy technologies; fuel cell design and development.
Harry G. Kwatny, PhD (University of Pennsylvania) S. Herbert Raynes Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Professor Emeritus. Dynamic systems analysis; stochastic optimal control; control of electric power plants and systems.
Alan Lau, PhD (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Professor. Deformation and fracture of nano-devices and macroscopic structures; damage-tolerant structures and microstructures.
Roger Marino, PhD (Drexel University). Professor Emeritus. Engineering education; land development; product Development
Matthew McCarthy, PhD (Columbia University). Associate Professor. Micro- and nanoscale thermofluidic systems, bio-inspired cooling, smart materials and structures for self-regulated two-phase cooling, novel architectures for integrated energy conversion and storage.
David L. Miller, PhD (Louisiana State University). Professor. Gas-phase reaction kinetics; thermodynamics; biofuels.
Moses Noh, PhD (Georgia Institute of Technology). Associate Professor. MEMS; BioMEMS; lab-on-a-chip; microfabrication; microfluidics.
Jonathan E. Spanier, PhD (Columbia University) Department Head, Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics. Professor. Light-matter interactions in electronic materials, including ferroelectric semiconductors, complex oxide thin film science; laser spectroscopy, including Raman scattering.
Wei Sun, PhD (Drexel University) Albert Soffa Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Professor. Computer-aided tissue engineering; solid freeform fabrication; CAD/CAM; design and modeling of nanodevices.
Tein-Min Tan, PhD (Purdue University). Professor Emeritus. Mechanics of composites; computational mechanics and finite-elements methods; structural dynamics.
James Tangorra, PhD (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Professor. Analysis of human and (other) animal physiological systems; head-neck dynamics and control; balance, vision, and the vestibular system; animal swimming and flight; robotics; system identification; bio-inspired design.
Ajmal Yousuff, PhD (Purdue University). Associate Professor. Optimal control; flexible structures; model and control simplifications.
Jack G. Zhou, PhD (New Jersey Institute of Technology). Professor. CAD/CAM; computer integrated manufacturing systems; rapid prototyping; system dynamics and automatic control.

Emeritus Faculty

Leon Y. Bahar, PhD (Lehigh University). Professor Emeritus. Analytical methods in engineering, coupled thermoelasticity, interaction between analytical dynamics and control systems.
Michele Marcolongo, PhD, PE (University of Pennsylvania). Professor Emerita. Orthopedic biomaterials; acellular regenerative medicine, biomimetic proteoglycans; hydrogels.
Gordon D. Moskowitz, PhD (Princeton University). Professor Emeritus. Biomechanics, dynamics, design, applied mathematics.
Sorin Siegler, PhD (Drexel University). Professor. Orthopedic biomechanics; robotics; dynamics and control of human motion; applied mechanics.
Donald H. Thomas, PhD (Case Institute of Technology). Professor Emeritus. Biocontrol theory, biomechanics, fluidics and fluid control, vehicle dynamics, engineering design.
Albert S. Wang, PhD (University of Delaware). Professor Emeritus. Treatment of damage evolution processes in multi-phased high-temperature materials, including ceramics and ceramic-matrix composites.