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Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
Our doctoral program offers a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. This course of study 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.
With a strong emphasis on research and advanced preparation, this degree will equip you with the ability to excel in a rapidly evolving field.
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 at SIUC offers six fields of study aligned with the School's core expertise:
- Mechanical Systems and Design: Dynamics, vibrations, mechanical systems control, computational modeling and simulations.
- 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.
- Energy and Fluid/Thermal Systems: Fluid mechanics, thermal science, thermal systems design, combustion, transportation power systems, mass and heat transfer, computational modeling and simulations.
- 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.
- 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.
- Aerospace Engineering: Investigation of dynamics, controls, guidance, navigation, and estimation of flying objects to ensure their safe integration into airspace.
Careers
Earning a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering opens up a wide range of career opportunities, such as positions at various Fortune 500 companies, including Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, General Motors, TESLA, Ford Motor Company, Cummins, Caterpillar, and Shell Oil, among others. 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
Contact Information
Rasit Koc,
Interim Director
Engineering E-27
1230 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-536-2396
kocr@siu.edu