Department of Mechanical Engineering
Department of
Mechanical Engineering
Overview
From rockets to robots, power plants to biomechanical parts, mechanical engineers put both energy and machines to work. Wherever there is motion or energy, mechanical engineers have played a role in the innovations that define modern life.
Mechanical engineering is a broad discipline, covering topics that include aerodynamics, medical devices, energy systems, system control, robotics, new product development, materials development, structural integrity, manufacturing, automotive systems, and space vehicle systems. The mechanical engineering department offers a solid foundation in mechanical engineering fundamentals with options for students to concentrate their studies in several specific areas of engineering.
Mechanical engineers work in many different industries and businesses as product developers, researchers, prototype designers, automotive engineers, aerospace engineers, management consultants, among many others. Because of their comprehensive training, mechanical engineers are often called upon to serve in senior leadership positions.
Well-equipped labs and facilities offer students the opportunity to build models and prototypes to demonstrate particular engineering design concepts. Experimentation and research are encouraged and there are opportunities for students to enrich their undergraduate and graduate experience by engaging in faculty-led research in areas such as sustainable energy systems, biomedical and assistive device technology, systems analysis, robotics, vibrations, and automotive and aerospace engineering.
Accreditation
The BS degree in mechanical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org. For Enrollment and Graduation Data, Program Educational Objectives, and Student Outcomes, please visit the college’s Accreditation page.
4
Undergraduate options in aerospace, automotive, bioengineering, and energy and the environment
5
Areas of research
1000+
Undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering students
Research
Led by Professor Ke Du, the Nanobiosensing, Nanomanufacturing, Nanomaterials (3N) Lab is an interdisciplinary research team dedicated to addressing global challenges including health care, manufacturing, and cleaner water by combining fundamental studies of biomolecules at single molecule level with novel nanostructured materials and automated microfluidic systems.
RIT's Gear Research Laboratory, in collaboration with researchers at the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) in Spain, is focused on the development of IGD - Integrated Gear Design - as the ultimate computer program for advanced gear design as well as analysis, optimization, and troubleshooting of gear drives.
The RIT Thermal Analysis and Microfluidics Lab has been driven by a keen desire to examine the fundamental phenomena related to microscale fluid mechanics and dynamics. Starting with detection of micron-sized bubbles under various flow conditions, and examination of interfacial phenomena in an evaporating meniscus, the lab has grown and expanded its research capacity to envelop a wide range of microfluidic applications. It has conducted some pioneering work on bubble visualization and theoretical model developments for flow boiling in minichannels and microchannels.
The Smart Manufacturing Research Group (SMRG) under the leadership of Dr. Rui Liu is dedicated to investigating the research problems related to the smart manufacturing on the fundamental level and expanding the research scope by exploring the new research topics and introducing the state-of-the art technologies. The SMRG works on a wide range of research topics, including machining simulation, tool condition monitoring, tribology, soft material cutting, and gear manufacturing.
The Discrete Microfluidics Laboratory (DMFL) studies the physics of microscale droplets. Physics at this scale is a little different because surface forces tend to dominate over body forces. In a single droplet, the interactions of the fluid, suspended particles, and any applied electric fields are highly coupled and complex. Our goal is to understand these interactions and to leverage the physics of microdroplets for innovative advancements in current technologies. Potential applications range from health care to energy to manufacturing and more. Our current research focuses include: colloidal deposition, energy harvesting, and lab-on-a-chip.
The Nano-Bio Interface Laboratory (NBIL) focuses on seamlessly integrating biological and artificial systems at the micro-/nanoscale. The NBIL investigates several aspects critical to the interface of nanotechnology and biology, including nanomanufacturing, nanomanipulation, technology-biology interactions, and biomedical applications. The NBIL aims to create cutting-edge nanobiotechnology, advance knowledge in nanoscience and biology, and train the next generation of scientists and engineers at the interface of nanotechnology and biology.
The focus of the Sustainable Energy Lab (SEL) is to model, test, and design sustainable energy options with a current focus on thermoelectric modules and systems for current and future power generation applications, and developing world appropriate technologies. SEL is committed to providing a range of experiential learning opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Latest News
-
June 28, 2021
![student swinging from a large arm contraption in a ninja warrior contest.]()
2 local ninjas give it their all on American Ninja Warrior
WHEC-TV features Quinn Nguyen, a mechanical engineering student, who competed on American Ninja Warrior.
-
June 11, 2021
![rocket liftoff from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.]()
RIT wins award to develop game design training platform as part of NASA’s Moon-to-Mars Mission
RIT faculty-researchers will develop a game-design training system that could help astronauts maintain balance, motor skills, and other cognitive functions while in space. NASA, in partnership with the National Space Grant Foundation, has selected six university teams, including RIT, to develop innovative design ideas that will help NASA advance and execute its Moon to Mars exploration objectives.
-
May 19, 2021
![environmental portrait of student Matthias Hausman.]()
Matthias Hausman honored with Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship
After graduating this year, Matthias Hausman, a mechanical engineering and international and global studies double major from Abington Township, Pa., will travel to Saxony, Germany, to teach English this September. As a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, he will be placed in a German classroom to provide assistance to a local English teacher.
Featured Profiles
Researching Propulsion at NASA
Bailey Reid
Bailey Reid completed a co-op as a propulsion academy research assistant at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
Tesla Co-op Student Has Self-Starter Attitude
Kristina Klishko
Kristina Klishko, a mechanical engineering major, shares how her co-op experience at Tesla influenced her career plans.
Student Resources
The Mechanical Engineering Department offers a variety of resources for our students that vary from academic support to handbooks and more. Visit our Student Resources page for more information.