Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mechanical Engineering is designed to prepare students for top-tier research and other professional roles in a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field. Students work and learn from cutting-edge research by renowned faculty and through state-of-the-art labs and facilities on campus. Topics include advanced friction studies, mechanics, biomechanics, thermal and fluid experimental reactive and non-reactive processes, imaging and non-destructive analysis, and unconventional gas recovery and processing.

Program Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mechanical Engineering program has identified three program goals:

• Provide students with the opportunity to strengthen the knowledge in one or more fields of study in mechanical engineering
• Provide students with opportunities that enhance technical backgrounds for pursuing professional careers involving technical innovations, research and development as a way to improve the nation's strategic engineering, manufacturing, and environmental technologies
• Provide students with the opportunity to understand how engineering solutions impact a global and societal context and how they participate in partnerships with industries and other external constituencies

Research

The doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering offers six fields of study aligned with the School's core expertise:

1. Mechanical Systems and Design: Dynamics, vibrations, mechanical systems control, computational modeling and simulations.
2. Advanced Manufacturing: Additive manufacturing of metals, rigid, and soft polymers for building complex components layer by layer, enabling both strong and flexible designs for engineering applications.
3. Energy and Fluid/Thermal Systems: Fluid mechanics, thermal science, thermal systems design, combustion, transportation power systems, mass and heat transfer, computational modeling and simulations.
4. Material and Chemical Systems: Thermo-mechanical materials processing, composite materials, ceramics, tribology, micro and nano-technology, catalysis, chemical and biochemical processes, energy conversion systems, computational modeling and simulations.
5. Biomechanics: Explores how living cells detect and react to mechanical forces, a process called mechanotransduction, which plays a crucial role in both disease and development.
6. Aerospace Engineering: Investigation of dynamics, controls, guidance, navigation, and estimation of flying objects to ensure their safe integration into airspace.

Graduation Timeline

The average time to complete the Ph.D. is about four years, though this varies by student. Key steps include:

• Admission to the program
• Completion of core and concentration coursework
• Formation of a Candidacy Exam Committee
• Successful completion of the written and oral candidacy exams
• Formation of a Ph.D. Dissertation Committee
• Approval of the dissertation proposal
• Successful oral defense of the dissertation

Careers

Earning a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering opens up a wide range of career opportunities, such as positions at various Fortune 500 companies. You can also find work in higher education, government, and nonprofit organizations. Other employment opportunities include:

• Research and Development Engineer
• Product Development Engineer
• Academia (professor): Teaching and Research
• Research Scientist and Program Manager for a government agency
• Patent Examiner
• Technical Expert

Student Organizations

• The American Society of Mechanical Engineers-SIU Chapter
• Concrete Canoe Design Team
• Engineers Without Borders
• SAE Saluki Baja
• SIU Robotics
• SIU Rover Design
• SIU Formula SAE
• SIUC Steel Bridge Team
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
• Aerospace Club
• The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals SIU
• Society of Women Engineers
• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Condition Engineers (ASHRAE)

Laboratories

The school has several laboratories and computer facilities housed in a modern Engineering Complex to assist with the highest level of research. Some of the available labs include:

• Advanced Battery Research Lab
• Advanced Ceramics Processing Lab/Hot Press
• Advanced Manufacturing and Design Lab
• Drone Research Lab
• Energy Research Lab
• High Resolution Imaging Lab
• iNDE (Intelligent Nondestructive Evaluations) Lab
• Intelligent Measurements Lab
• Materials Investigation and Design Lab
• Mechanical Measurements Lab
• Mechanogenomics Lab
• Multiphase Flows & Complex Fluids Research Lab
• Rail NDE Lab
• Structure and Electronic Materials Processing and Characterization Lab
• Thermal Sciences Lab
• Thermophysical Properties Lab
• Unconventional Energy Flow Lab

Southern Illinois University

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Overview:

Southern Illinois University (SIU) is a public research university located in Carbondale, Illinois. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online and off-campus options. SIU is known for its commitment to access and opportunity, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

SIU offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities. Students can participate in outdoor adventures, explore the university's 3,000 acres of hills and forests, and engage in various recreational activities. The university also boasts a strong athletic program, with the Salukis competing in NCAA Division I athletics.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

SIU offers in-state tuition rates to all students, regardless of their residency.

Small Class Sizes:

The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and smaller class sizes.

Diverse Academic Programs:

SIU offers over 200 majors, minors, and specializations, providing students with a wide range of academic options.

Research Opportunities:

SIU is a research-intensive university, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research projects.

Strong Alumni Network:

SIU has a large and active alumni network, offering support and connections to students after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

SIU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Majors:

A variety of undergraduate majors are available, including engineering, business, education, and the arts.

Graduate Programs:

SIU offers a wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees in various fields.

Online Programs:

SIU offers a variety of online programs, allowing students to pursue their education from anywhere in the world.

Off-Campus Programs:

SIU offers off-campus programs at various locations, providing students with opportunities to study and learn in different environments.

Simmons Law School:

SIU's law school offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

School of Medicine:

SIU's medical school offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

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Other:

SIU is committed to providing a safe and inclusive campus environment for all students. The university offers a variety of resources and support services to help students succeed, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.