DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
S4221 Engineering
Gateway; (949) 824-5406
Roger H. Rangel, Department Chair
Faculty
Satya N. Atluri: Continuum mechanics, computational mechanics, meshless methods, damage tolerance and structural integrity, computational nanoscience and technology
James E. Bobrow: Robotics, applied nonlinear control, optimization methods
Haris J. Catrakis: Turbulence and the dynamics of flows, flow optimization, flow regularization, fluid interfaces, vortex dynamics, multiscale flows, diffusive flows, variable-density flows, refractive flows, adaptive flows, evolutionary flows
Donald Dabdub: Mathematical modeling of urban and global air pollution, dynamics of atmospheric aerosols, secondary organic aerosols, impact of energy generation on air quality, chemical reactions at gas-liquid interfaces
Derek Dunn-Rankin: Combustion, optical particle sizing, particle aero-dynamics, laser diagnostics and spectroscopy
Donald K. Edwards (Emeritus): 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
John C. LaRue: Fluid mechanics, micro-electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS), turbulence, heat transfer, instrumentation
Feng Liu: Computational fluid dynamics and combustion, aeroelasticity, turbomachines, propulsion
Marc J. Madou: Fundamental aspects of micro/nano-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS), biosensors, nanofluidics, biomimetics
J. Michael McCarthy: Machine design and kinematic synthesis of spatial mechanisms and robots
Kenneth D. Mease: Flight guidance and control, nonlinear dynamical systems
Dimitri Papamoschou: Compressible mixing and turbulence, 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, fuel cells, hydrogen economy, 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 (Emeritus): Control theory and applications
Andrei M. Shkel: Design and advanced control of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS); precision micro-sensors and actuators for telecommunication and information technologies; MEMS-based health monitoring systems, disposable diagnostic devices, prosthetic implants
Athanasios Sideris: Robust and optimal control theory and design, neural networks, learning systems and algorithms
William A. Sirignano: Combustion theory and computational methods, multiphase flows, high-speed turbulent reacting flows, flame spread, microgravity combustion, miniature combustors, fluid dynamics, applied mathematics
Affiliated Faculty
Jacob Brouwer: Fundamental fuel cell thermodynamic and dynamic modeling; fuel cell experiments and model validation; high-temperature fuel cell gas turbine hybrid systems; fuel processing; renewable energy
Daniel D. Joseph: Fluid dynamics of miscible fluids, irrotational motions of viscous and viscoelastic liquids, cavitation induced by viscous stresses, flow induced microstructures in solid liquid flows, rheological and flow properties of polymer solutions seeded with silica nanoparticles
Joyce H. Keyak: Orthopaedic surgery
Abraham Lee: Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), microfluidics, catheter-based microsurgical devices, microactuators for medical and optical applications, microfabrication processes, directed nanoscale self-assembly for biomolecular transducers
Robert H. Liebeck: Advanced aircraft design
Vincent G. McDonell: Droplet transport; measurement, simulation, control, and analysis of liquid spray and gas fired combustion systems; alternative fuels
Farghalli A. Mohamed: Mechanical properties, creep, superplasticity, correlations between properties of materials and their microstructure, mechanical behavior at the nanoscale
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
Affiliated faculty are from the Schools of Physical Sciences and Medicine and The Henry Samueli School of Engineering.
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers two undergraduate B.S. degree programs: one in Mechanical Engineering and the other in Aerospace Engineering. M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering are also offered.
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, Energy Systems and Environmental Engineering, Flow Physics and Propulsion Systems, and Design of Mechanical Systems. Independent research opportunities allow students to pursue other avenues for focusing their studies.
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, spacecraft dynamics, 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.Undergraduate Major in Aerospace Engineering
Graduates of the program will have the professional and scientific education that allows them to be successful as career engineers and in the most demanding graduate programs. Specifically, they will (1) demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the analytical tools and physical models that provide the foundation of engineering science and allow the analysis, modeling, and problem solving in aerodynamic, structural, thermal, mechanical, control, and environmental processes; (2) use design principles, and synthesize and creatively combine such principles, with engineering science for successfully confronting current research and practical systems, and their sustainability, in aerospace engineering; (3) exhibit a systems view, critical thinking, and an ability to effectively communicate, work within teams, and assume leadership roles; (4) practice ethical responsibilities; and (5) innovate, keep current with respect to technological change, move beyond traditional aerospace engineering disciplinary boundaries, and improve their skills through a lifelong process of learning.
The undergraduate Aerospace Engineering curriculum includes a core of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Engineering courses in fundamental areas constitute much of the remaining curriculum.
ADMISSIONS
High School Students: See page 197.
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 calculus-based physics (mechanics, electricity, and magnetism 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.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
University Requirements: See pages 59-64.
School Requirements: See page 197.
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 ENGR54, ENGR150, EECS70A, MAE10, MAE30, MAE80, MAE91, MAE106, MAE108, MAE112, MAE120, MAE130A, MAE130B, MAE135, MAE136, MAE140, MAE146, 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.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
Sample Program of Study — Aerospace Engineering
FALL
Freshman
Mathematics
2A
Physics 7A, 7LA
MAE10
Breadth
WINTER
Mathematics
2B
Physics 7B, 7LB
Chemistry 1A, 1LA
Breadth
SPRING
Mathematics
2D
Physics 7D, 7LD
Chemistry 1B, 1LB
FALL
Sophomore
Mathematics
2J
Physics 7E, 52A
MAE30
WINTER
Mathematics
3D
MAE80
ENGR54
EECS70A
SPRING
Mathematics
2E
MAE91
Breadth
Breadth
FALL
Junior
MAE130A
MAE140
ENGR150
Breadth
WINTER
MAE130B
MAE146
Breadth
Breadth
SPRING
MAE106
MAE120
MAE135
Breadth
FALL
Senior
MAE108
MAE136
MAE170
Breadth
WINTER
MAE112
MAE157
MAE158
Breadth
SPRING
MAE159
MAE175
Breadth
Technical
Elective
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.
Undergraduate Major in Mechanical Engineering
Program Educational Objectives: Graduates of the program will have the professional and scientific education that allows them to be successful as career engineers and in the most demanding graduate programs. Specifically, they will (1) demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the analytical tools and physical models that provide the foundation of engineering science and allow the analysis, modeling, and problem solving in fluid, solid, thermal, mechanical, control, and environmental processes; (2) use design principles, and synthesize and creatively combine such principles, with engineering science for successfully confronting current research and practical systems, and their sustainability, in mechanical engineering; (3) exhibit a systems view, critical thinking, and an ability to effectively communicate, work within teams, and assume leadership roles; (4) practice ethical responsibilities; and (5) innovate, keep current with respect to technological change, move beyond traditional mechanical engineering disciplinary boundaries, and improve their skills through a lifelong process of learning.
The undergraduate Mechanical Engineering curriculum includes a foundation of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Engineering core 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; a senior capstone design experience culminates the curriculum.
ADMISSIONS
High School Students: See page 197.
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 calculus-based physics (mechanics, electricity, and magnetism 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.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
University Requirements: See pages 59-64.
School Requirements: See page 197.
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 ENGR54, ENGR150, EECS70A, MAE10, MAE30, MAE52, MAE80, MAE91, MAE106, MAE107, MAE108 or MAE180, MAE115, MAE120, MAE130A, MAE130B, MAE140, MAE145, MAE147, MAE151, MAE156 or MAE157, MAE170, and a minimum of 3 units of MAE189.
Engineering Elective Courses: Students select, with the approval of a faculty advisor, a minimum of 8 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, MAE108, and two courses selected from Engineering MAE112, MAE135, MAE136, MAE158, MAE159, and MAE175.
Specialization in Energy Systems and Environmental Engineering: Completion of a Senior Design Project in this area and one course selected from Engineering MAE110 or MAE117, and one course selected from MAE162, MAE164, CEE112, CEE162, CEE168, CEE173, or CBEMS110.
Specialization in Flow Physics and Propulsion Systems: Completion of a Senior Design Project in this area and two courses selected from: Engineering MAE110, MAE112, MAE131, MAE135, MAE164, MAE185.
Specialization in Design of Mechanical Systems: Completion of a Senior Design Project in this area and two courses selected from: Engineering MAE152, MAE171, MAE172, MAE180, MAE183, MAE188.
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.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
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
Freshman
Mathematics
2A
Physics 7A, 7LA
MAE10
Breadth
WINTER
Mathematics
2B
Physics 7B, 7LB
Chemistry 1A, 1LA
Breadth
SPRING
Mathematics
2D
Physics 7D, 7LD
Chemistry 1B, 1LB
FALL
Sophomore
Mathematics
2J
Physics 7E, 52A
MAE30
Breadth
WINTER
Mathematics
3D
MAE80
ENGR54
EECS70A
SPRING
Mathematics
2E
MAE52
MAE91
Breadth
FALL
Junior
MAE130A
MAE140
ENGR150
Breadth
WINTER
MAE130B
MAE147
MAE156
or 157
Breadth
SPRING
MAE106
MAE120
MAE145
Breadth
FALL
Senior
MAE107
MAE115
MAE170
Breadth
WINTER
MAE151
MAE180
Technical
Elective
Breadth
SPRING
Technical
Elective
MAE189
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 MAE189. Students should use MAE108 as a Mechanical Engineering Core Course.
Graduate Study in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering faculty have special interest and expertise in four thrust areas: continuum mechanics; power, propulsion, and environment; micro/nanomechanics; and systems and design.
Continuum mechanics faculty study the physics of fluids, physics and chemistry of solids, and structural mechanics. Areas of emphasis in fluid mechanics include incompressible and compressible turbulent flows, multiphase flows, chemically reacting and other nonequilibrium flows, aeroacoustics, aerooptics, and fluid-solid interaction. In the field of solid mechanics, research and course work emphasize theoretical and computational approaches which contribute to a basic understanding of and new insight into the properties and behavior of condensed matter. General areas of interest are large-strain and large-rotation inelastic solids, constitutive modeling, and fracture mechanics. Computational algorithms center on boundary element methods and the new class of meshless methods. Studies in structural mechanics involve the analysis and synthesis of low-mass structures, smart structures, and engineered materials, with emphasis on stiffness, stability, toughness, damage tolerance, longevity, optimal life-cycle costs and self-adaptivity.
Research in power, propulsion, and environment encompasses aerospace propulsion, combustion and thermophysics, fuel cell technologies, and atmospheric physics and impacts. In aerospace propulsion, particular emphasis is placed in the areas of turbomachinery, spray combustion, combustion instability, innovative engine cycles, and compressible turbulent mixing. The topic of combustion and thermophysics addresses the fundamental fluid-dynamical, heat-transfer, and chemical mechanisms governing combustion in diverse settings. Fuel cell research encompasses the development of fuel-cell technology, hybrid engines, and thermionic devices. Activities cover the thermodynamics of energy systems, the controls associated with advanced energy systems, and systems analyses. The area of atmospheric physics and impacts deals with the modeling and controlling of chemical pollution, particle dispersion, and noise emission caused by energy-generation and propulsion devices. Research on atmospheric turbulence addresses the energy exchanges between the Earth's land and ocean surfaces and the overlying atmosphere.
Micro/nanomechanics encompasses the thrusts of miniaturization engineering, mechatronics, and biotechnology. Miniaturization engineering is relevant to the development of small-scale mechanical, chemical and biological systems for applications in biotechnology, automotive, robotic, and alternative energy applications. It involves the establishment of scaling laws, manufacturing methods, materials options and modeling from the atom to the macro system. Mechatronic design is the integrated and optimal design of a mechanical system and its embedded control system. Main focus research is the design, modeling, and characterization of Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS). Particular emphasis is placed on analysis and design of algorithmic methods and physical systems that realize sensor-based motion planning. The thematic area of biotechnology involves the understanding, modeling, and application of fundamental phenomena in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and chemistry towards the development of bio-sensors and actuators.
Systems and design research is conducted in the areas of dynamic systems optimization and control, biomechanical engineering, robotics and machine learning, and design engineering. Advanced concepts in optimization and control are applied to the areas of biorobotics, flight guidance, learning systems, micro sensors and actuators, flexible structures, combustion, fuel cells, and fluid-optical interactions. Biomechanical engineering integrates physiology with engineering in order to develop innovative devices and algorithms for medical diagnosis and treatment. The focus of robotics and machine learning is the creation of machines with human-like intelligence capabilities for learning. Faculty in design engineering develop methodologies to address issues ranging from defining the size and shape of components needed for force and motion specifications, to characterizing performance in terms of design parameters, cost and complexity.
Aerospace engineering research efforts combine specialties from each of the four thrust areas toward the design, modeling, and operation of complex systems.
The Department offers the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE
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. The Plan of Study for both options must be developed on consultation with a Faculty Advisor and approved by the Department Graduate Advisor.
Plan I: Thesis Option
The thesis option requires completion of 36 units of study; the completion of an original research project with a Faculty Advisor, 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 24 units in graduate courses numbered MAE200-289, 9 units of MAE296, and 3 units of MAE298. With the approval of the Department Graduate Advisor, three courses in the MAE200-289 range may be replaced by technical or scientific graduate courses in other departments and up to one senior-level technical or scientific undergraduate course in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering or other departments.
Plan II: Comprehensive Examination Option
The comprehensive examination option requires completion of 36 units of study, 33 units of which must be from graduate courses numbered MAE200-289, and 3 units of which must be MAE298. With the approval of the Department Graduate Advisor, four courses in the MAE200-289 range may be replaced by technical or scientific graduate courses in other departments and up to two senior-level technical or scientific undergraduate courses in MAE or other departments. In addition, up to 6 units in the MAE200-289 range may be replaced by an equal number of units of MAE294, which includes execution and documentation of a research or design project.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE
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 in the third year (second year for students who entered with a master's degree) 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. Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program must take a full-time load (minimum of 12 units). The normal time for completion of the Ph.D. is five years (four years for students who entered with a master's degree). The maximum time permitted is seven years.
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.
