Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D.

Program Description

me.ucmerced.edu
Program Chair: YangQuan Chen, ychen53@ucmerced.edu
Admissions Chair: Mehmet Baykara, mehmet.baykara@ucmerced.edu

The Mechanical Engineering (ME) graduate program engages in individualized, research-based areas of study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. The ME faculty members strive to provide students with a comprehensive research experience based on cutting-edge analytical, numerical and experimental tools available in the field.  Mechanical Engineering includes a broad spectrum of research activities that are based on well-defined scientific principles. Judicious application of the fundamental principles of mechanics allows specialized Mechanical Engineers to impact virtually all fields of science and technology. The goal of the ME program at UC Merced is to provide its graduate students with a solid foundation in mechanical sciences and a strong, comprehensive exposure to modern research techniques.

The current research strengths of ME faculty include:

• Design, manufacturing and optimization
• Dynamics, mechanics and controls for biomechanical applications
• Electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices
• Electrokinetic and multiphase heat transport in porous media
• Energy conversion and thermal systems
• Engineering systems and machines for agriculture
• Hydrogen, fuel cells, and electrolysis
• Mechatronics for sustainability
• Unmanned systems
• Agricultural automation
• Nanoscale mechanics
• Nanoscale surface science and engineering
• Plasma science and engineering
• Scientific data-drones and unmanned systems
• Solar power and renewable energy
• Friction, wear and lubrication
• Vibrations and noise control
• Water and energy technologies

Ph.D. Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering:

1. Are able to identify significant research questions in mechanical engineering, and contextualize their research in the current literature of the field.
2. Are able to apply their knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to solve a problem, and to design and implement a suitable solution.
3. Are able to design and conduct experiments and/or simulations of mechanical systems, and to analyze and evaluate.
4. Have lifelong learning skills; are able to acquire and use new engineering techniques, skills, and tools for research and development in mechanical engineering, and to develop new methods and discover new knowledge.
5. Exhibit high professional standards in research, demonstrating objectivity, ethical conduct, and integrity.
6. Are able to communicate effectively through oral, visual, and written means, with a broad range of technical audiences.