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.
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Undergraduate options in aerospace, automotive, bioengineering, and energy and the environment
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Areas of research
1000+
Undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering students
Research
Advanced Gear Design and Simulation
Led by Dr. Alfonso Fuentes-Aznar, the research performed at RIT’s Gear Research Laboratory is focused on the study of new gear geometries and the development of new methodologies for advanced design, analysis, simulation, and troubleshooting of gear drives.
Clean Energy and Water
Led by Dr. Howard Tu, the Clean Energy and Water lab targets interdisciplinary problems coupling mechanics, electrochemistry, and materials in the field of energy storage and water desalination.
Droplet Based Microfluidics
The Discrete Microfluidics Laboratory studies the physics of small droplets. The goal is to understand fluid interactions and leverage the physics of microdroplets for innovative advancements in current technologies.
Smart Manufacturing
The Smart Manufacturing Research Group (SMRG), under the leadership of Dr. Rui Liu, is dedicated to investigating the research problems related to smart manufacturing on the fundamental level and expanding the research scope by exploring new research topics and introducing state-of-the art technologies.
Respiratory Technologies Lab
The Respiratory Technologies Lab (RTL) specializes in the mechanics of inhaled particles. Its current research focus is to understand the relationship between tobacco product characteristics, behavior, and health effect. The RTL studies e-cigarettes, waterpipe, cigarettes, and tobacco heated products.
Interfaces and AI-Powered Diagnosis
Dr. Isaac Perez-Raya conducts research on interfacial phenomena such as boiling heat transfer and applies artificial intelligence (AI) in modeling of intracranial blood flow and breast cancer. Other relevant fields of study include pollution monitoring and optimization problems.
X-Ray Diffraction, Atomic Force Microscopy, Quantitative Microscopy
The Advanced Materials Laboratory focuses on X-ray diffraction (both powder and high resolution), scanning probe microscopies, optical microscopy, microhardness testing, and specimen preparation by mechanical and electrochemical polishing.
Latest News
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November 13, 2024
![a young indian woman stands beside R I T president David Munson holding a plaque in front of a set of cement steps..]()
Ph.D. student finds joy in carbon composite 3D printing
Sai Sri Nidhi Munaganuru, from Hyderabad, India, anticipates completing her Ph.D. this summer from RIT’s mechanical and industrial engineering program. Her work extends the capability of carbon fiber technology through a new manufacturing approach that could eliminate high production costs, waste, and dependence on skilled labor.
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September 3, 2024
![Department Head of Mechanical Engineering at RIT, Byron Erath, leaning up against a tree and wearing a blue plaid sports coat.]()
Byron Erath joins RIT as mechanical engineering department head
Faculty-researcher brings expertise in using engineering principles to bio-inspired technology solutions
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July 3, 2024
![gloved hands use tweezers to remove an item from a case.]()
Engineering researchers receive NSF funding to develop computational tools to monitor ablation therapy on cardiac tissue
Researchers at RIT are developing non-invasive technology that will better assess cardiac tissue response to thermal energy, a common therapy approach for both cancer and cardiac arrhythmia treatments.
Featured Work and Profiles
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![Satish Kandlikar]()
Satish Kandlikar Recognized as a Top Researcher in his Field by Research.com
RIT mechanical engineering professor Satish Kandlikar has been ranked 31st in the U.S. and 54th globally by Research.com, recognizing his pioneering work in heat transfer and fuel cell technology.
Read More about Satish Kandlikar Recognized as a Top Researcher in his Field by Research.com -
![Several students sit aroound a table in the SHED makerspaces.]()
What's Being Made in the SHED
Making at RIT has hit a new level now that several makerspaces in the Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED) have opened. Learn what's being created.
Read More about What's Being Made in the SHED -
![From left to right, engineering faculty researchers Dongfang Liu, Xudong Zheng, and Qian Xue display the seal whisker specimen they are modeling their advanced sensor array on for improving underwater detection and recognition.]()
Naval Research Laboratory Grant Supports Researcher Work to Develop More Sophisticated Sensor Array
A three-year, $746,000 award from the Naval Research Laboratory funds a novel sensor system based on the superior design and detection range found on harbor seal whiskers.
Read More about Naval Research Laboratory Grant Supports Researcher Work to Develop More Sophisticated Sensor Array -
![Jacob Chesnes working on a compressor while Dr. Jason Kolodziej works with wires in the background.]()
Unlocking the Future of Compressor Maintenance with Condition Monitoring
This research focuses on improving the efficiency and accuracy of condition monitoring in reciprocating compressors, specifically targeting valve health using advanced data analysis and machine...
Read More about Unlocking the Future of Compressor Maintenance with Condition Monitoring -
![Davis Kipkania Kiboi wearing a lab coat and squeezing liquid out of a pipet onto a metal wheel.]()
Paving the Way for Sustainable Lubrication Solutions in Industry
This research develops sustainable, renewable lubricants to reduce friction, wear, and energy loss in industrial systems.
Read More about Paving the Way for Sustainable Lubrication Solutions in Industry -
![Xudong Zhang]()
Professor Leads Development of Seal-Inspired Underwater Sensors
RIT's Xudong Zhang and his team have received a grant to develop innovative underwater sensors modeled after seal whiskers to enhance detection and tracking capabilities.
Read More about Professor Leads Development of Seal-Inspired Underwater Sensors
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.