S4221 Engineering Gateway; (949) 824-8451
Said E. Elghobashi, Department Chair
Faculty
James E. Bobrow: Robotics, applied nonlinear control, optimization methods
Haris J. Catrakis: Turbulence, mixing, and fluid dynamics at high Reynolds numbers; generation and control of turbulent mixing flows; optical beam propagation through turbulence
Donald Dabdub: Mathematical modeling of air pollution dynamics, parallel computations in environmental sciences
Derek Dunn-Rankin: Combustion, optical particle sizing, particle aero-dynamics, laser diagnostics and spectroscopy
Donald K. Edwards: Heat and mass transfer
Said E. Elghobashi: Direct numerical simulation of turbulent, chemically reacting and dispersed two-phase flows
Carl A. Friehe: Fluid mechanics, turbulence, micrometeorology, instrumentation
Faryar Jabbari: Robust and nonlinear control theory, adaptive parameter identification
Joyce H. Keyak: Orthopaedic surgery
John C. LaRue: Fluid mechanics, micro-electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS), turbulence, heat transfer, instrumentation
Enrique J. Lavernia: Solidification processing of metals, powder metallurgy, intermetallics
Robert H. Liebeck: Advanced aircraft design
Feng Liu: Computational fluid dynamics, aeroelasticity, turbomachines, propulsion
J. Michael McCarthy: Kinematic synthesis of spatial mechanisms and robots, rehabilitation engineering
Kenneth D. Mease: Flight guidance and control, nonlinear systems
Melissa E. Orme: Droplet dynamics, fluid mechanics of materials synthesis, netform manufacturing
Dimitri Papamoschou: Compressible mixing and turbulence, supersonic jet noise reduction, diagnostics for compressible flow, acoustics in moving media
Roger H. Rangel: Fluid dynamics and heat transfer of multiphase systems including spray combustion, atomization, and metal spray solidification; applied mathematics and computational methods
David J. Reinkensmeyer: Robotics, mechatronics, biomedical engineering, rehabilitation, biomechanics, neural control of movement
G. Scott Samuelsen: Energy, propulsion, combustion and environmental conflict; turbulent transport in complex flows, spray physics, NOx and soot formation, laser diagnostics and experimental methods; application of engineering science to practical propulsion and stationary systems; environmental ethics
William E. Schmitendorf: Control theory and applications
Andrei M. Shkel: Design and advanced control of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS); precision micro-sensors and activators for telecommunication and information technologies; MEMS-based high-density data storage devices
Athanasios Sideris: Robust and optimal control theory and design, neural networks
William A. Sirignano: Combustion theory and computational methods, multiphase flows, turbulent reacting flows, flame spread
Harry Skinner: Bio-materials and design of implants, knee joint proprioception, gait analysis, finite element analysis for fracture prediction in bones
Edriss Titi: Partial differential equations, nonlinear analysis
Frederic Yui-Ming Wan: Applied mathematics
Lecturers
Erik A. Aagard: Computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing
Abdel-Naby M. Ahmed: Thermo/fluid systems
Maqsood A. Chaudhry: Computational methods
David J. Dimas: Finite element analysis and structural dynamics
Glen J. Kissel: Applied mechanics
Carsten Mehring: Thermo/fluid systems
Eric L. Petersen: Thermo/fluid systems
Mechanical engineers design, manufacture, and control machines ranging from robots to aircraft and spacecraft, design engines and power plants that drive these machines, analyze the environmental impact associated with power generation, and strive to promote environmental quality. To achieve their goals, mechanical engineers use mathematics, physics, and chemistry together with engineering science and technology in areas such as fluid mechanics, heat transfer, dynamics, controls, and atmospheric science. Mechanical Engineering students at UCI learn the problem-solving, modeling, and testing skills required to contribute to advances in modern technology.
Mechanical Engineering undergraduates complete required courses that provide engineering fundamentals and technical electives that allow students to study particular areas of interest. Specializations are available in: Aerospace Engineering, Combustion/Propulsion, Environmental Engineering, Heat Transfer/Fluid Mechanics, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Systems. Independent research opportunities allow students to pursue other avenues for focusing their studies.
Since mechanical engineering covers a wide spectrum of subjects, many students use the undergraduate curriculum as preparation for further studies in engineering or in areas such as medicine, law, and management.
Aerospace Engineering deals with all aspects of aircraft and spacecraft design and operation, thus requiring the creative use of many different disciplines. Aerospace engineers work on the forefront of technological advances and are likely to be leaders in scientific discoveries.
The undergraduate curriculum in Aerospace Engineering includes courses in subsonic and supersonic aerodynamics, propulsion, controls and performance, light-weight structures, and advanced materials. In the senior capstone course, students work in teams on the preliminary design of a commercial jet transport.
Career opportunities for Aerospace Engineering graduates are in the broad range of aerospace industries, including manufacturers of aircraft, spacecraft, engines, and aircraft/spacecraft components; makers of aircraft/spacecraft simulators; and government research laboratories.
Areas of graduate study and research are the thermal and fluid sciences, combustion and propulsion, mechanical systems and robotics, environmental engineering, and aerospace engineering. Application areas in mechanical engineering include combustion, heat engines, refrigeration, and robotics. Application areas in aerospace engineering include propulsion, aerodynamic design, and guidance and control.
The undergraduate Aerospace Engineering curriculum includes a core of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Engineering courses in fundamental areas constitute much of the remaining curriculum.
High School Students: See page 163.
Transfer Students. Preference will be given to junior-level applicants with the highest grades overall, and who have satisfactorily completed the following required courses: one year of calculus, one year of engineering physics (with laboratory), one course in general chemistry (with laboratory), and two additional approved courses for the major.
Students are encouraged to complete as many of the lower-division degree requirements as possible prior to transfer. Students who enroll at UCI in need of completing lower-division course work may find that it will take longer than two years to complete their degrees. For further information, contact The Henry Samueli School of Engineering at (949) 824-4334.
University Requirements: See pages 54-59.
School Requirements: See page 164.
Major Requirements:
Mathematics and Basic Science Courses: Mathematics 2A-B, 2D, 2J, 3D, and 2E; Chemistry 1A-B and 1LA-LB; Physics 7A-B-D-E and 7LA-LB-LD, 52A.
Engineering Topics Courses: Students must complete a minimum of 24 units of engineering design.
Core Courses: Engineering E54, ECE70A, MAE10, MAE30, MAE80, MAE91, MAE106, MAE108, MAE112, MAE120, MAE130A, MAE130B, MAE135, MAE136, MAE140, MAE146, MAE150, MAE157, MAE158, MAE159, MAE170, and MAE175.
Engineering Elective Courses: Students select, with the approval of a faculty advisor, a minimum of 4 units of engineering electives, incorporating at least 1 unit of design.
At most an aggregate total of 4 units of 199 or H199 courses may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
(The nominal Aerospace Engineering program will require 193 units of courses to satisfy all university and major requirements. Because each student comes to UCI with a different level of preparation, the actual number of units will vary.)
Design unit values are indicated at the end of each course description. The faculty advisors and the Undergraduate Student Affairs Office can provide necessary guidance for satisfying the design requirements. Selection of elective courses must be approved by the student's faculty advisor and the departmental undergraduate advisor.
Sample Program of Study -- Aerospace Engineering
| FALL | WINTER | SPRING |
| Freshman | ||
| Mathematics 2A | Mathematics 2B | Mathematics 2D |
| Physics 7A, 7LA | Physics 7B, 7LB | Physics 7D, 7LD |
| MAE10 | Chemistry 1A, 1LA | Chemistry 1B, 1LB |
| Breadth | Breadth | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Mathematics 2J | Mathematics 3D | Mathematics 2E |
| Physics 7E, 52A | MAE80 | MAE91 |
| MAE30 | E54 | Breadth |
| ECE70A/ECE72 | Breadth | |
| Junior | ||
| MAE130A | MAE106 | MAE120 |
| MAE140 | MAE130B | MAE146 |
| Breadth | MAE150 | MAE157 |
| Breadth | Breadth | MAE170 |
| Senior | ||
| MAE108 | MAE112 | MAE159 |
| MAE135 | MAE158 | MAE175 |
| MAE136 | Technical Elective | Breadth |
| Breadth | Breadth | Breadth |
The sample program of study chart shown is typical for the major in Aerospace Engineering. This program is based upon a set of prerequisites, beginning with adequate preparation in high school mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Students who are not adequately prepared, or who wish to make changes in the sequence for other reasons, must have their programs approved by their faculty advisor. Aerospace Engineering majors must consult at least once every year with the academic counselors in the Student Affairs Office and with their faculty advisor.
The undergraduate Mechanical Engineering curriculum includes a core of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Engineering courses in fundamental areas fill much of the remaining curriculum; a few electives allow the undergraduate student to specialize somewhat or to pursue broader understanding.
High School Students: See page 163.
Transfer Students. Preference will be given to junior-level applicants with the highest grades overall, and who have satisfactorily completed the following required courses: one year of calculus, one year of engineering physics (with laboratory), one course in general chemistry (with laboratory), and two additional approved courses for the major.
Students are encouraged to complete as many of the lower-division degree requirements as possible prior to transfer. Students who enroll at UCI in need of completing lower-division course work may find that it will take longer than two years to complete their degrees. For further information, contact The Henry Samueli School of Engineering at (949) 824-4334.
University Requirements: See pages 54-59.
School Requirements: See page 164.
Major Requirements:
Mathematics and Basic Science Courses: Mathematics 2A-B, 2D, 2J, 3D, and 2E; Chemistry 1A-B and 1LA-LB; Physics 7A-B-D-E and 7LA-LB-LD, 52A.
Engineering Topics Courses: Students must complete a minimum of 24 units of engineering design.
Core Courses: Engineering E54, ECE70A, MAE10, MAE30, MAE52, MAE80, MAE91, MAE106, MAE107, MAE108 or MAE180, MAE115, MAE120, MAE130A, MAE130B, MAE140, MAE145, MAE147, MAE150, MAE151, MAE170, and MAE189A-B-C.
Engineering Elective Courses: Students select, with the approval of a faculty advisor, a minimum of 12 units of engineering topics courses. Students may select an area of specialization and complete the associated requirements, as shown below.
At most an aggregate total of 4 units of 199 or H199 courses may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
(The nominal Mechanical Engineering program will require 196 units of courses to satisfy all university and major requirements. Because each student comes to UCI with a different level of preparation, the actual number of units will vary.)
Specialization in Aerospace Engineering: Completion of a Senior Design Project in this area and three courses selected from Engineering MAE108, MAE112, MAE135, MAE136, MAE158, MAE159, and MAE175.
Specialization in Computers in Engineering Design: Completion of a Senior Design Project in this area and MAE152, MAE183, MAE185.
Specialization in Environmental Engineering: Completion of a Senior Design Project in this area and two courses selected from Engineering MAE110, MAE162, or MAE164, and one course selected from CEE173, CBEMS110, or Earth System Science 101A.
Specialization in Flow Physics: Completion of a Senior Design Project in this area and three courses selected from: Engineering MAE110, MAE131, MAE135, MAE185.
Specialization in Materials Science and Engineering: Completion of a Senior Design Project in this area and three courses selected from: Engineering MAE156, MAE157, CBEMS160, CBEMS165, CBEMS170, CBEMS175.
Specialization in Mechanical Systems: Completion of a Senior Design Project in this area and three courses selected from: Engineering MAE171, MAE172, MAE180, E110B.
Specialization in Propulsion Systems: Completion of a Senior Design Project in this area and three courses selected from Engineering MAE110, MAE112, MAE135, MAE164.
Design unit values are indicated at the end of each course description. The faculty advisors and the Student Affairs Office can provide necessary guidance for satisfying the design requirements. Selection of elective courses must be approved by the student's faculty advisor and the departmental undergraduate advisor.
The sample program of study chart shown is typical for the accredited major in Mechanical Engineering. Students should keep in mind that this program is based upon a rigid set of prerequisites, beginning with adequate preparation in high school mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Therefore, the course sequence should not be changed except for the most compelling reasons. Students who are not adequately prepared, or who wish to make changes in the sequence for other reasons, must have their programs approved by their faculty advisor. Mechanical Engineering majors must consult at least once every year with the academic counselors in the Student Affairs Office and with their faculty advisors.
Sample Program of Study -- Mechanical Engineering
| FALL | WINTER | SPRING |
| Freshman | ||
| Mathematics 2A | Mathematics 2B | Mathematics 2D |
| Physics 7A, 7LA | Physics 7B, 7LB | Physics 7D, 7LD |
| MAE10 | Chemistry 1A, 1LA | Chemistry 1B, 1LB |
| Breadth | Breadth | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Mathematics 2J | Mathematics 3D | Mathematics 2E |
| Physics 7E, 52A | MAE80 | MAE52 |
| MAE30 | E54 | MAE91 |
| Breadth | ECE70A/ECE72 | Breadth |
| Junior | ||
| MAE115 | MAE106 | MAE120 |
| MAE130A | MAE130B | MAE170 |
| MAE140 | MAE150 | MAE145 |
| MAE147 | Breadth | Breadth |
| Senior | ||
| MAE189A | MAE189B | MAE189C |
| MAE151 | Technical Elective | MAE107 |
| MAE108 or MAE180 | Breadth | Technical Elective |
| Technical Elective | Breadth | Breadth |
| Breadth | Breadth | |
Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering Double Major
Students can double major in Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering by satisfying the degree requirements for both majors. Students may use MAE159 to satisfy either MAE189A, B, C or MAE151. Students should use MAE108 as a Mechanical Engineering Core Course.
The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering faculty have special interest and expertise in three thrust areas: systems and design, fluid and thermal sciences, and combustion and propulsion. Systems and design faculty are studying robust and nonlinear control, structural control, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), computer-aided design, and robotics--including mechanical design, biorobotics, motion optimization, and coordination of multiple robot systems. Thermal and fluid sciences encompasses multiphase heat transfer and fluid flow, convection, turbulent flows, atmospheric processes, supersonic shear flows, and aerooptics. Combustion and propulsion research efforts include studies of the processes of fuel-air mixing, turbulent transport, liquid sprays, and the formation of gaseous and solid pollutants in gas, liquid, and coal-fueled combustion systems, including gas turbines, boilers, incinerators, and rockets.
Aerospace engineering research efforts combine specialties from each of the three thrust areas as well as study in propulsion, aerodynamics, trajectory optimization and guidance, and control of flexible space structures.
Programs of study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering are offered.
Two plans are available to pursue study toward the M.S. degree: a thesis option and a comprehensive examination option. Opportunities are available for part-time study toward the M.S. degree.
Plan I: Thesis Option
The thesis option requires completion of 36 units of study; the completion of an original research project, the writing of the thesis describing it; and approval of the thesis by a thesis committee. This plan is available for those who wish to gain research experience or as preparation for study toward the doctoral degree. To complete the required 36 units, students must complete a minimum of 20 units in graduate courses numbered MAE200-289, and 16 units from unrestricted courses of which not more than eight units are in MAE296 and not more than five units are in other courses numbered MAE291-299. The courses planned for study must be approved by a faculty advisor and the graduate advisor.
Plan II: Comprehensive Examination Option
The comprehensive examination option requires completion of 36 units of study, 24 units of which must be from graduate courses numbered MAE200-289. With a faculty advisor approval, the remaining 12 units can include execution and documentation of a research or design project (which can count for up to seven of the 36 required units). The courses planned for study must be approved by a faculty advisor and by the graduate advisor.
The doctoral program in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is tailored to the individual needs and background of the student. The detailed program of study for each Ph.D. student is formulated in consultation with a faculty advisor who takes into consideration the objectives and preparation of the candidate.
Within this flexible framework the Department maintains specific guidelines that outline the milestones of a typical doctoral program. All doctoral students should consult the Departmental Ph.D. guidelines for program details, but there are several milestones to be passed: admission to the Ph.D. program by the faculty; completion of six non-research courses beyond M.S. degree requirements; passage of a preliminary examination or similar assessment of the student's background and potential for success in the doctoral program; course work; meeting departmental teaching requirements, which can be satisfied through service as a teaching assistant or equivalent; research preparation; formal advancement to candidacy through a qualifying examination conducted on behalf of the Irvine division of the Academic Senate; development of a research proposal; completion of a significant research investigation, and completion and defense of an acceptable dissertation. There is no foreign language requirement. The degree is granted upon the recommendation of the Doctoral Committee and the Dean of Graduate Studies. A program of part-time study is not available for the Ph.D. Doctoral programs must be completed in seven calendar years from the date of admission.
Before seeking admission, Ph.D. applicants are encouraged to communicate directly and in some detail with prospective faculty sponsors. The student's objectives and financial resources must coincide with a faculty sponsor's research interests and research support. Financial aid in the form of a teaching assistantship or fellowship may not cover the period of several years required to complete the program. During the balance of the period the student will be in close collaboration with the faculty research advisor.
