Mechanical Engineering Department

Introduction

Traditionally, mechanical engineers have been responsible for designing,developing, manufacturing, and testing energy-conversion systems. Their efforts have resulted in the creation of combustion engines (used in automobiles, trucks, locomotives, airplanes, factories, and utility power plants) and other forms of energy conversion equipment, such as heat pumps, air conditioners, machine tools, and appliances. Mechanical engineers face challenges in structural analysis, materials selection, manufacturing, and design. They build spacecraft and power systems, artificial limbs, and textile equipment. Some mechanical engineers work in sales, product quality control, maintenance, patent law, or research and development. Whether employed in corporate headquarters or on an off-shore structure, mechanical engineers are solving important technological problems for society.

At Bucknell, mechanical engineering students first acquire a firm foundation in thermodynamics, heat transfer, kinematics, strength of materials, and fluid mechanics before they pursue specialized courses in gas turbines, thermal and environmental engineering, biomechanics, vibrations, fracture mechanics, manufacturing, computer-aided design, robotics, and control. Wind tunnels, lasers, heat transfer equipment, stress-sensing equipment, automotive engines, robots, rapid prototyping equipment and several computerized data collection and control systems are available to supplement regular classroom work.