In preparing young men and women for careers in continuously expanding areas of technological applications, Ohio University's mechanical engineering curriculum reflects today's demand for versatility. The major focus is on machine and energy technology, but a combination of courses in engineering, social science, humanities, and the arts builds educational foundations for varied responsibilities in our technical society.

Mechanical Engineers are at the heart of any technical society. They are responsible for the creation of almost every conceivable type of machine or energy system used for production of, transportation, and recreation. Automated manufacturing systems, electrical power plants, robots, solar energy systems, jet engines, high-speed trains, artificial hearts, and lightweight skis are examples of the creativity of the mechanical engineer. Mechanical engineers are active in many fields, including design, project management, research, technical consulting, sales engineering, test engineering, development, administration, and engineering education.

The logical approach to the solution of complex problems is a major focal point of the mechanical engineer's education. Usually, a good indication of a persons aptitude for engineering is an ability and enjoyment for solving practical problems in high school mathematics. Because it develops the capability for logical analysis, the mechanical engineering program serves as an excellent preparation for entry into other professions, such as law, city planning and medicine.

The mechanical engineering students are expected to be aware of social forces that exist in our society and to have a basic appreciation for our heritage of philosophy, literature, and the fine arts. Therefore a substantial portion of the program (24 quarter credits) is devoted to the humanities and social sciences, and the student is encouraged to take additional courses beyond the basic requirement.

The Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering and a Ph.D. in integrated engineering are also offered. Most graduate students continue to expand their basic knowledge through elective courses of personal interest, while focusing more specifically on research in such areas as robotics, computer-aided design, combustion, energy systems, and material processing.With unprecedented career opportunities awaiting them, Ohio University graduates with B.S. and M.S. degrees in mechanical engineering and Ph.D. degrees in integrated engineering can look forward to lives of great fulfillment. The department's faculty members are enthusiastic teachers and active researches.

Research programs currently are underway in CAD/CAM, robotics and mechanical systems, biomedical engineering, materials processing, combustion processes, transient external flow behavior, Stirling-cycle machines, air pollution control, and tribology

Materials processing projects are centered on synthesis and processing of composites, polymers, and metals; developing extrusion process s for semiconductors; analytical modeling of ring rolling; statistically designing experiments for material characterization; modeling of hot rolling of high-temperature materials; and developing finite-element UBET models for forming of materials. A web-based, intelligent material processing environment is being developed for training and research. The CAD/CAM research involves design analysis, manufacturing, and testing of dies and molds for the forming of metal, composites, and polymers. The robotics research supports NASA, Air Force and industrial missions. Development is underway in using haptics and virtual reality to facilitate undergraduate student learning.

A major project is being conducted to develop novel electrostatic precipitators to remove pollutants from exhaust gases using an engineered photosynthetic process in conjunction with Oak Ridge National Laboratories and Montana State University. An experimental project to determine high rate/lift aerodynamics on an unsteady airfoil recently was completed. The Biomedical Engineering group is conducting research on design and analysis of proteins for biomaterials & biotechnology, and 3D modeling and analysis of human body for implant design and safety.

In addition to sponsored research mentioned above, work is being conducted in modeling of Stirling-cycle machines, oscillating-flow transport phenomena, multiphase flow, condensation and corrosion, heat exchanges, development of expert systems for mechanical design, propulsion systems for future vehicles, modeling and analysis of nonlinear dynamic systems, and development of computer-based instructional modules for engineering education.

Faculty and students from the department are leaders in several college-wide student activities, including the Electric Bobcat Racing Team, Society of Automotive Engineers design projects and NASA GAPO student design competitions.