Mechanical Engineering

Department Facilities

Graduate Programs

Professor Amin Salehi-Khojin, Chair

Professors: Adel Alaeddini, Ali Beșkök, Ali Dogru, Xin-Lin Gao, Yildirim Hürmüzlü, MinJun Kim, José L. Lage, M. Volkan Otugen, Peter E. Raad, Amin Salehi-Khojin, Saeed Salehi, Wei Tong, Donghai Wang
Clinical Professors: Seth Orsborn, James R. Webb
Associate Professors: Xu Nie, Edmond Richer, David A. Willis
Clinical Associate Professor: Elena V. Borzova
Assistant Professor: Hamidreza Karbasian, Rong Kou
Professor of Practice: Steven L. Lerner
Adjunct Faculty: Phillip Andrew, Bogdan Antohe, Eric B. Cluff, Christopher Colaw, Douglas Coldwell, Levent Kaan, Mohammad Kashki, FanRong Kong, Michael Meaders, David J. Nowacki, Ardas Sabuncuyan, Andrew Weaver

General Information

Department Facilities

The mission of the Lyle School of Engineering laboratories is to support high-quality practical research and technological innovations.

The Biological Actuation, Sensing and Transport Laboratory research program can be broadly categorized into three core subject areas: micro/nanorobotics, single cell/single molecule biophysics, and transport phenomena. Although each core program consists of a distinct project, the research team emphasizes their synergistic nature―advances in one core are expected to drive the development of the others. The unifying component of all the cores is “biologically inspired nano/micro engineering.”

The Biomedical Instrumentation and Robotics Laboratory research activities promote strong interdisciplinary collaboration between several branches of engineering and biomedical sciences. These activities touch upon fundamentals in analytical dynamics, nonlinear control of mechanical systems, computer-aided design and virtual prototyping, applied mathematics, data acquisition, signal processing and high-performance actuators.

The Bio-Microfluidics Laboratory is where researchers design, build and test Lab-on-a-Chip devices for biomedical, environmental monitoring, and food/water safety applications. The laboratory also performs numerical simulations of mass momentum and energy transport in micro and nano-scales, using continuum-based and atomistic methods.

The Impact Mechanics Laboratory research focus areas include: experimental solid mechanics, impact mechanics, dynamic behavior of materials and structures, novel Kolsky bar- based high-strain rate characterization techniques, dynamic fracture and failure of brittle materials, soft materials and tissues, vehicle and body armors, non-destructive damage characterization in heterogeneous materials, and X-ray computed micro-tomography.

The Porous Media Systems Laboratory focuses on the design of morphing heat exchangers, heat transfer enhancement and transport in porous media.

The Laser Micromachining Laboratory studies thermal-based laser micro- and nano-processing, with an emphasis on heat transfer, phase change, and fluid flow occurring during these processes. Specific research areas include short pulse laser ablation and micromachining including explosive phase change, vaporization, and Marangoni flows; applications of laser micromachining to electronic and photonic device fabrication; laser-assisted fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces, microfluidics, and biomedical devices; fabrication of nanoparticles using pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL); laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT); and time-resolved studies of short-pulse laser-material interactions.

The Experimental and Computational Mechanics of Materials Laboratory research areas include solid mechanics and materials engineering with a focus on the combined experimental characterization, as well as computational analysis of mechanical properties, stress/strain, and microstructure of engineering and biological materials and their applications in advancing manufacturing and materials processing technologies, engineering design analyses, and biomedical sciences and engineering.

The Solid and Structural Mechanics Laboratory research activities include multi-scale materials modeling, micro- and nano-mechanics, higher-order continuum theories, traumatic brain injury prevention, biomechanics, mechanics of soft materials, 3-D printed materials, indentation/contact mechanics, impact mechanics, damage and fracture mechanics, nanocomposites, cellular and porous materials, textile and ballistic materials, modeling of manufacturing processes.

The RESILIENT Laboratory (Research in Energy Sustainability and Innovative Low-Impact Environmental Technologies) is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge research in energy sustainability while integrating innovative technologies for both renewable and fossil fuel energy systems. Our mission is to create and implement solutions that support a sustainable energy future by reducing environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, enhancing energy dominance and optimizing fossil fuel extraction and utilization. The RESILIENT Lab is also committed to educational initiatives, preparing the next generation of energy professionals through multidisciplinary research, hands-on training, and industry collaboration.

The Artificial Intelligence for Design Laboratory (AI4D) investigates advances in engineering design through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and scientific computing. The lab focuses on complex challenges in fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, and fluid-structure interactions (FSI). By employing advanced AI techniques, AI4D addresses key issues in renewable energy, transportation, biomedical devices, and air mobility. Research includes developing novel algorithms to improve simulation efficiency, designing deep learning models for fluid dynamics analysis, and creating mathematical models to optimize designs based on observed data. AI4D also innovates bio-inspired designs and implements large-scale optimization techniques.

Structural Energy Materials and Systems Laboratory (SEMS) investigates how the structure of materials—spanning atomic, microscopic, and macroscopic scales—affects their performance in energy storage and conversion. This includes studying how material structure influences energy efficiency, charge-discharge cycles, energy density, and the overall lifespan of energy devices.

The Electrochemical Energy Materials Innovation Laboratory (E2MIX) develops advanced materials for clean energy technologies, including batteries, fuel cells, and other electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies. Our research focuses on material development and energy device manufacture, driving innovations that enhance performance, efficiency, and sustainability in next-generation energy solutions.

The Nanomaterials and Energy Systems Laboratory (NESL) is dedicated to the research and development of cutting-edge energy storage and conversion systems. NESL’s research activities focus on the development of novel cathode and anode materials, as well as state-of-the-art solid-state electrolytes, that are tested in a plethora of battery systems such as Li-O2, Li-CO2, and Li/Na-ion. In parallel, significant effort is put on the capture and conversion of CO2 to value-added products and the electrosynthesis of chemicals (such as ammonia). NESL also specializes in the synthesis of high-entropy materials for extreme conditions (high temperature and pressure, corrosion) and the design of resilient materials with superior mechanical properties.”

The Systems Laboratory is engaged in research in robotics, biomechanics, and vibration suppression.

Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing (CDHAM). The Lyle School of Engineering Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing, also known as CDHAM, is poised to revolutionize current manufacturing research technology paradigms with an unwavering commitment to adapt to emerging challenges, leverage cutting-edge technologies, and drive innovation that addresses real-world problems with real-world industrial partners. There are two main components of the CDHAM: “Digital” communicates a linkage to Industry 4.0+, advanced simulation and modeling, and utilization of Digital Twins, while “Human-Augmented” communicates a focus on human-machine teaming whereby artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and manufacturing technology excellence transform manufacturing processes as we know them. These approaches are at the forefront of a competitive digital landscape where the speed and agility of the engineering and manufacturing system enables those who succeed versus fail.

CDHAM empowers SMU to delve deeper into realms that redefine the traditional boundaries of manufacturing excellence and to explore new novel approaches that enhance factory safety, expedite production speed and agility, and elevate product quality. CDHAM is dedicated to forging a future where the synergy between human ingenuity and technological prowess not only amplifies productivity but also ensures the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Key highlights of the CDHAM offerings include:

Digital Modeling & Simulations: Employing advanced digital models and simulations to optimize manufacturing processes, minimize inefficiencies, and maximize output.
Augmented Reality Integration: Leveraging augmented reality to streamline operations, enhance workforce development, and facilitate real-time decision-making on the factory floor.
Robotics & Automation Advancements: Implementing state-of-the-art robotics and automation solutions to augment human capabilities, improve precision, and increase overall production efficiency.
Artificial Intelligence Applications: Harnessing the power of AI to enable predictive maintenance, optimize workflows, and drive continuous improvements in manufacturing operations.
Enhanced Focus on Factory Safety: Prioritizing safety measures through innovative technologies and methods to create secure adaptive working environments that protect both human capital and assets.
Acceleration of Speed and Quality: Spearheading initiatives aimed at accelerating production speeds without compromising the impeccable quality of manufactured goods.

The pioneering strides CDHAM aims to take necessitate a collaborative ecosystem comprised of internal collaborative growth from the traditional independent departments within SMU Lyle School of Engineering and also from industrial partnerships and engagements. CDHAM offers an innovative business membership model tailored to drive participation inclusivity across a variety of organizational needs while unlocking unparalleled opportunities for engagement and collaboration. These memberships offer exclusive access to CDHAM’s cutting-edge technologies, ensuring a front-row seat to witness and engage in the transformative potential of these advancements.

Graduate Programs

Mechanical engineering is a very diverse, dynamic and exciting field. Because of the wide-ranging technical background they attain, mechanical engineers have the highest potential for employment after graduation and the exceptional mobility that is needed for professional growth even during bear market conditions.

The Mechanical Engineering Department at SMU has a long tradition of offering a superb engineering education within an environment that fosters creativity and innovation. Small classes, a trademark of the program, not only allow for strong mentoring but also promote academic excellence through cooperation and teamwork. The department’s exceptionally qualified faculty members are continuously engaged in cutting-edge research projects, facilitating the attainment and transmission of knowledge to the students. Leading by example, through encouragement and dedication, the faculty is committed to the success of every student during their tenure at SMU and after graduation.

The SMU program prepares students to be creative by providing a solid background in fundamentals of science and engineering without compromising the practical aspects of mechanical engineering. Essential entrepreneurial know-how, interpersonal skills and an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning complement the educational experience of SMU students. The program also stimulates professional and social leadership.

Graduate Degrees. The Mechanical Engineering Department offers the following graduate degrees:

Programs

Doctoral

Master

Dual Degree

Mechanical Engineering/Business Administration, M.S./M.B.A.

Courses

Mechanical Engineering

All on-campus mechanical engineering graduate students are expected to enroll and participate each term in the graduate seminar course ME 7090. Special courses are courses reflecting specific areas of interest that have not been taught on a regular basis and may be offered if sufficient interest is shown.

Advanced Special Topics
Graduate Seminar	ME 7090
Master’s Thesis	ME 7(0,1,2,3,6)96
Seminar Series on Ethics in Engineering and Technology	ME 7190
Selected Problems	ME 7(1–4)9(4–5)
Advanced Topics II	ME 7384
Selected Topics	ME 7(1–9)9(0–3); 8(1–9)9(0–4)
Dissertation	ME 8(0,1,6,9)96
Special Courses	ME 8325, 8326, 8327

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