Mechanical Engineering

Introduction

Mechanical Engineering is one of the largest technical professions with a history of significant and continuous contributions to industrial development since the dawn of human civilization. The History of Technology is replete with stories of successful applications of mechanical engineering ideas and concepts which have lead to increased prosperity of nations and eventual rise in the overall living standards of their citizens. Mechanical engineers also play a vital role in maintaining the technology leadership to insure the survival and growth of industrialized societies. In order to prepare our students for the challenges awaiting them in the real world, the Mechanical Engineering Department at WVU Tech offers a practice-oriented education with strong emphasis on hands-on experience at all levels of its Bachelor of Science curriculum. The curriculum is structured to develop the skills necessary to succeed in a field that is both challenging and rewarding. The program includes sequential courses in several areas, such as English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Humanities, Computer Science and General Engineering Science as well as the foundation courses in mechanical engineering such as Thermodynamics, Machine Design, Heat Transfer, Mechanical Vibrations, Control Systems and Materials Science. These are considered essential for a sound Mechanical Engineering program by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the national organization that accredits engineering programs in the United States. Technical electives are offered in the two stems: energy and mechanical systems, enabling students to pursue advanced studies in their areas of interest. Engineers, in general, are builders and therefore need to develop strong analytical and design skills. The Mechanical Engineering curriculum at WVU Tech is structured so that meaningful design experience is included in several of the required and elective courses. M.E. students develop these skills systematically by successfully completing a series of sequential courses such as Statics, Dynamics, Strength of Materials, Kinematics and Dynamics of Machinery, Design of Machine Elements and ME Systems Design I and II. Open-ended problems and multiple-solution design concepts are incorporated across the curriculum involving design assignments in thermal and mechanical systems. This process starts with Strength of Materials in their sophomore year and culminates with the capstone design courses (ME Systems Design I and II) during their senior year. The capstone design courses provide the students with an opportunity to apply previously acquired knowledge in areas that include science, technology, humanities, communications, ethics, and economics. The Mechanical Engineering faculty also recognize the dynamic nature of modern technology in which changes are inevitable and need exists for our graduates to be well-prepared to meet these challenges. The Mechanical Engineering curriculum is, therefore, under constant review and appropriate modifications in the curriculum are introduced continuously in response to the changing needs of the industry and the job market.

Departmental Mission

The mission of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Tech is to produce high quality mechanical engineers with the best possible education and training that would enable them to become competent members of the profession able to handle the most challenging jobs. The M.E. department will strive to fulfill this mission by maintaining high academic quality of its curriculum and continued ABET accreditation.

Departmental Goals

In order to succeed in the mission stated above, the M.E. faculty are committed to the following goals:

Provide an atmosphere of dedicated teaching and support services to the students with the best possible classroom instructions, counseling, academic planning, career guidance and personal attention to facilitate growth and success in academic and professional work.
Provide quality learning tools and academic environment that would produce technically competent mechanical engineers who are able to meet the needs of employers from government, industry and business.
Encourage and nurture students’ interest in engineering as a profession.
Help students develop self-motivation, good work habits, personal discipline and skills needed to be a professionally successful member of the society.

Educational Objectives

Consistent with the mission and the goals stated above and with input from the constituents of the M.E. program, the following Educational Objectives have been adopted by the faculty of the ME department.
Graduates of the WVU Tech Mechanical Engineering program:

are successful in the practice of mechanical engineering
can advance to positions of technical and/or managerial leadership
are successful in graduate studies, if they choose to pursue advanced education
are able to obtain professional registration, if they choose to, after appropriate professional experience.
are dedicated to life-long learning in their professional career

Program outcomes

Consistent with the mission of WVU Tech and in compliance with the ABET criteria, the Mechanical Engineering program at WVU Tech emphasizes the development of a well- rounded engineer with a strong background in mathematics, sciences, engineering analysis and design. Graduates of this program will be able to practice engineering as professionals or pursue graduate education and advanced studies. Upon graduation, they will be able to demonstrate

knowledge of mathematics, sciences and fundamentals of engineering necessary for a successful career in engineering practice
the ability to identify, formulate, analyze problems and develop solutions based on standard engineering norms and practices
the ability to apply their analytical skills and creativity to investigate the adequacy of a design and to make design improvements where necessary
the ability to conduct mechanical measurements; collect, evaluate and present experimental results; design and build experiments to investigate engineering phenomena including the analysis and interpretation of data
knowledge of and the ability to use the computer, standard software and computing tools appropriate to their work
knowledge of safety practices in experimental work
knowledge of environmental requirements and constraints on engineering practice
knowledge and ability to design a mechanical system, component, or process to meet desired needs
the ability to function as a productive member of multi-disciplinary teams
knowledge of professional and ethical codes of conduct and responsibilities
the ability to effectively communicate in oral and written forms
knowledge of the impact of engineering solutions in a global and Societal context as a result of having a broad education
the ability to recognize the need for and engage in life-long learning
the ability to demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues
the ability to work professionally in thermal and mechanical systems areas including the design and realization of such systems.

Assessment

The Mechanical Engineering program has an assessment process in place which includes: students’ class work and portfolios such as design projects; student evaluations; results of FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) examination; exit surveys of graduating seniors; alumni surveys; employer surveys; advisory board surveys, and placement data of graduates. The feedback results are discussed in the year-end faculty meetings and evaluated by the M.E. faculty to update the curriculum and to make the changes found necessary to enhance the quality of the program. This process ‘closes the loop,’ thus insuring continuous improvement of the program.