Handbook

02

Department ofMechanical Engineering

2006-2007 GraduateStudent Handbook

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Table of Contents

PREFACE ................................................................................................ iiI. DIRECTORY ........................................................................................... 1

Mechanical Engineering Department Administration ............................ 1Mechanical Engineering Department Divisional Offices ....................... 2Mechanical Engineering Department Graduate Faculty ....................... 3Graduate School Offices ............................................................................. 4

II. REGISTRATION .................................................................................... 5III. DEGREE PROGRAMS.......................................................................... 8

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering - Plan A ......................... 9Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering - Plan B ....................... 10Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering ................................. 11

IV. GRADUATE FACULTY ADVISER ..................................................... 12V. FINANCIAL SUPPORT........................................................................ 13

VI. APPROVAL PROCESS STEPS IN DEGREE STUDY ...................... 17Master of Science Degree: Plan A .......................................................... 18Master of Science Degree: Plan B.......................................................... 21Doctor of Philosophy Degree ................................................................... 23

VII. PROGRAM OF STUDY ....................................................................... 27VIII. CORE PROGRAM CRITERIA ........................................................... 30

IX. THESIS CREDIT REGISTRATION ................................................... 31X. MASTER’S FINAL EXAMINATION .................................................. 31

XI. DOCTORAL PRELIM EXAM PROCEDURES................................. 32XII. CHANGE OF STATUS ......................................................................... 42

XIII. ANNUAL REVIEWS OF GRADUATE STUDENTS.......................... 43XIV. MAIL, MAILBOXES, BUILDING KEYS............................................ 43XV. STUDENT SHOP .................................................................................. 43

XVI. COMPUTING FACILITIES ................................................................. 44Appendix A: Thesis Binding Information ............................................................... 45Appendix B: Mathematics / Numerical Methods Course List ............................. 46Sample Degree Program Form ............................................................................... 48

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PREFACE

Graduate study in Mechanical / Industrial Engineering at the University of Minnesota is a stimulatingand professionally rewarding experience. This publication supplements information provided in both theUniversity of Minnesota-Graduate School Catalog (available at the Graduate School in 309 Johnston Hall,or online at: http://www.grad.umn.edu/catalog/index.html). You are responsible for all information containedhere and in the catalog that is pertinent to your graduate study and to your specific field.

When appropriate, the Student Information and Advising Office (1120 Mech Eng) will send informationto you at your email address, your campus mailbox, if you have one, or your home address. Therefore, it isimportant that you notify the payroll staff in 101ME of any address changes as soon as possible.

Faculty and staff of the Mechanical Engineering Department wish you a rewarding experience in yourgraduate study, and we look forward to working with you during your enrollment here. For additional assistance,consult any of the following:

Mr. John K. Gardner Dr. Uwe KortshagenStudent Advising and Information Office Director of Graduate StudiesMechanical Engineering Department Mechanical Engineering Department1120 Mech Eng 2101 C Mech EngUniversity of Minnesota University of Minnesota111 Church St. S.E. 111 Church St. S.E.Minneapolis, MN 55455 Minneapolis, MN 55455(612)625-2009 (612) [email protected] [email protected]

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to itsprograms, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age,marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

In adhering to this policy, the University abides by the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota StatuteCh. 363; by the Federal Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. 2000e; by the requirements of Title IX of the EducationAmendments of 1972; by Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; by the Americans WithDisabilities Act of 1990; by Executive Order 11246, as amended; by 38 U.S.C. 20221, the Vietnam EraVeterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1972, as amended; and by other applicable statutes and regulationsrelating to equality of opportunity.

Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to:

Deborah S. Petersen-Perlman, DirectorUMD Office of Equal Opportunity255 Darland Administration Building1049 University DriveDuluth, MN 55812-2496(218) 726-6849

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MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITIES POLICY

Mutual Responsibilities in Graduate Education at the University of MinnesotaApproved by the Graduate School Executive Committee 5/28/97

PreambleA major purpose of graduate education at the University of Minnesota is to instill in each student an

understanding of and capacity for scholarship, independent judgment, academic rigor, and intellectual honesty.Graduate education is an opportunity for the student to develop into a professional scholar. Graduate researchand teaching assistantships offer an “apprenticeship” experience in the academic profession as well as financialsupport. It is the joint responsibility of faculty and graduate students to work together to foster these endsthrough relationships that encourage freedom of inquiry, demonstrate personal and professional integrity, andfoster mutual respect. This shared responsibility with faculty extends to all of the endeavors of graduate students,as students, employees, and members of the larger academic community.

High quality graduate education depends on the professional and ethical conduct of the participants.Faculty and graduate students have complementary responsibilities in the maintenance of academic standardsand the creation of high quality graduate programs. Excellence in graduate education is achieved when bothfaculty and students are highly motivated, possess the academic and professional backgrounds necessary toperform at the highest level, and are sincere in their desire to see each other succeed.

The following principles illustrate what students should expect from their programs and what programsshould expect from their students, to help achieve this excellence.

Principle 1: INFORMATION ABOUT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.

The Graduate School and graduate programs are responsible for providing students and prospectivestudents with access to information about their graduate program, areas of specialization, degree requirements,and average time to completion of degrees. Graduate programs are responsible for providing access toinformation about graduate student financial support in the program, such as the prospects for fellowships,assistantships or other financial support and the proportion of students receiving financial support. In addition,graduate programs should provide students and applicants with information about career experiences of graduatesof the program. All such information should be presented in a format that does not violate the privacy ofindividual students. Programs are encouraged to provide relevant information in their handbooks, websites orother readily accessible formats.

Students are responsible for keeping themselves informed about current policies of their program andthe Graduate School that affect graduate students. Students and alumni also have a responsibility to respond toprogram inquiries about their career development.

Principle 2: COMMUNICATION ABOUT ACADEMIC STATUS.

The Graduate School and graduate programs are responsible for providing students with informationabout their individual academic status: who in the Graduate School and in their graduate program is responsiblefor communicating to them about admission issues and progress through the degree program, how thecommunication will take place, and the possibility for appeal to a third party for assistance in resolving disputedissues.

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Students are responsible for communicating with the Graduate School and their graduate program aboutchanges in their circumstances that affect their status and progress toward the degree.

Principle 3: RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS.

Individual faculty as research directors are responsible for providing students with appropriate recognitionfor their contributions at conferences, in professional publications, or in applications for patents. It is the facultymember’s responsibility to clarify the principles for determining authorship and recognition at the beginning ofany project.

Students are responsible for discussing their expectations regarding acknowledgment of researchcontributions or intellectual property rights with the appropriate person(s) in the research team, preferablyearly in the project.

Principle 4: UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE.

Departments and graduate programs are responsible for defining specific opportunities for studentparticipation on committees as they deem appropriate. The University recognizes that graduate students makeimportant contributions to governance and decision making at the program, department, college, GraduateSchool and University level; specific roles for participation are defined at each level by the relevant governingbodies. For example, University Senate policy requires student membership on faculty search committees.

Students are responsible for participating in University governance and decision making that enrich thecampus community.

Principle 5: RESPECTFUL EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS.

University faculty and staff are responsible for assuring that graduate students are able to conduct theirwork, as students or students/employees, in a manner consistent with professional conduct and integrity, freeof intimidation or coercion. Students who are employees also have the protection of all University employmentpolicies and laws. Graduate programs are responsible for providing clear communication to students about thepossibility for appeal to a third party for assistance in resolving disputed issues.

Students are responsible for reporting unprofessional conduct to the appropriate body or person, asdefined in the academic or employment grievance policy; they should be able to do so without fear of reprisal.Students are responsible for acting in a respectful and fair manner toward other students, faculty, or staff in theconduct of their academic work or work they may do in connection with an assistantship.

Principle 6: CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT.

The University (through its departments, research projects or other employing units) is responsible forproviding to prospective graduate assistants a written offer of financial support before a response to the offeris required. Such communication must indicate their salary and the terms and conditions of their appointment,including the general nature of the work they will be performing, duration of employment, and whether and howthis employment is tied to their academic progress. The details of specific teaching or research assignmentsmay need to await later written clarification.

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Students are responsible for accepting the conditions of employment only if they believe they arequalified and able to complete the tasks assigned. Students have a responsibility for communicating in writingany changes in their circumstances that affect their ability to fulfill the terms and conditions of their employment.

Principle 7: SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT.

Supervisors are responsible for providing a safe working environment for graduate students, and fordeveloping and publicizing safety policies and training programs to achieve that goal.

Graduate students are responsible for helping to maintain a safe working environment, for adhering tosafety policies, for participating in training programs and for reporting safety violations to the proper authority.

OTHER UNIVERSITY DOCUMENTS may provide information and guidance relevant to the graduateeducation experience.

• Board of Regents, Code of Conduct, adopted 7/12/96.[www.regents.umn.edu/policies/academic/Conduct.pdf]

• Board of Regents, Academic Freedom and Responsibility, adopted 9/8/95[www.regents.umn.edu/policies/academic/AcademicFreedom.pdf]

• Graduate Assistant Office, Handbook for Graduate Assistants[www.umn.edu/OHR/GAO/]

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Graduate School Commitment to Diversity

The Graduate School embraces the University of Minnesota’s position that promoting and supportingdiversity among the student body is central to the academic mission of the University. We define diversity toencompass many characteristics including economic disadvantage, special talents, evidence of leadership qualities,race or ethnicity, a strong work record, and disability. A diverse student body enriches graduate education byproviding a multiplicity of views and perspectives that enhance research, teaching, and the development of newknowledge. A diverse mix of students promotes respect for, and opportunities to learn from, others with thebroad range of backgrounds and experiences that constitute modern society. Higher education trains the nextgeneration of leaders of academia and society in general, and such opportunities for leadership should beaccessible to all members of society. The Graduate School and its constituent graduate programs are thereforecommitted to providing equal access to educational opportunities through recruitment, admission, and supportprograms that promote diversity, foster successful academic experiences, and cultivate the leaders of the nextgeneration.

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I. DIRECTORY

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION

Department Head Executive AssistantDr. Peter McMurry Ms. Karon Mooney1100 C Mech Eng 1100 D Mech Eng624-2817 626-2289

Director of Graduate Studies Assistant Academic AdvisorDr. Uwe Kortshagen Mr. John K. Gardner2101 C Mech Eng 1120 Mech Eng625-4028 625-2009

Department Associate Head Student Support Services AssociateDr. James Ramsey Ms. Jeanne Sitzmann1100 A Mech Eng 1120 Mech Eng625-8390 625-5842

Department Administrative DirectorMs. Barbara Pucel1100 B Mech Eng625-9315

Senior Accountant (general accounting)Ms. Natalie Dillon1100 D Mech Eng625-6645

Senior Office Supervisor (payroll) Executive Accounts Specialist (payroll)Ms. Mia Rampi-Lambertz Ms. Carrie Toward101 Mech Eng 101 Mech Eng624-3355 624-3355

Principal Accounts Specialist (purchase orders and accounts payable)Ms. Molly Ward1103 Mech Eng625-4099

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MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT DIVISIONAL OFFICES

Design and Manufacturing Division SecretaryDr. Susan C. Mantell, Division Chair Jennifer Andre3101 D Mech Eng 3101 Mech Eng 625-1324 626-8111

Environmental Engineering Division SecretaryDr. Thomas H. Kuehn, Division Chair Jennifer Andre3101 C Mech Eng 3101 Mech Eng625-4520 626-8111

Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer Division SecretaryDr. Paul Strykowski, Division Chair Patricia O. Meyer237 Mech Eng 240 Mech Eng626-2008 625-6517

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION

Director of Graduate Studies Assistant Academic AdvisorDr. Diwakar Gupta Mr. John K. Gardner207 Mech Eng 1120 Mech Eng625-1810 625-2009

Industrial Engineering Division SecretaryDr. Saifallah Benjaafar, Program Director Danell Hronski2104 Mech Eng 2101 Mech Eng626-7239 625-6808

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MECHANICAL ENGINEERING GRADUATE FACULTY

Professors Office Telephone Email

Aksan, Alptekin .................. 241 .................... 626-6618 .................................................. [email protected], Jennifer* .......... 325D .................... 626-7309 .................................................. [email protected],Roger* ........................... 376A SAFL.............. 627-4584 .................................................. [email protected],Victor* ................... 7-106 BSBE ............ 626-5572 .................................................. [email protected], Joan E.* .Hennepin County Medical Center . n/a .................................................. [email protected], Saifallah ......... 2104 .................. 626-7239 .................................................. [email protected], Mrinal* ............. 202 BioAgEng ...... 625-5234 .................................................. [email protected], John C. .............. 200 .................. 625-5513 .................................................. [email protected] Jr,P. L.* ............... 455 B .................... 651-426-2672 ................................................. [email protected], Thomas R. ........... 305 .................. 625-0308 .................................................. [email protected], Tianhong .................... 303 ................... 318-243-0308 .................................................. [email protected], Jane H. ........... 3101 E ................... 626-9850 .................................................. [email protected], Max ..................... 211 .................. 625-2304 .................................................. [email protected], Traian ................ 244 ..................... 625-3797 .................................................. [email protected], William K. .......... 2101 B .................... 625-0099 .................................................. [email protected], Arthur G.. ........... 315 .................. 625-8580 .................................................. [email protected], Edward A.* .............. 465 ....................... 625-0532 .................................................. [email protected], Sean C. ............... 245 .................. 624-5741 .................................................. [email protected], Steven L. .......... 2101 E .................... 625-5315 .................................................. [email protected], Richard J. ....... 232 .................. 625-5552 .................................................. [email protected], Caroline C. .......... 2110 .................. 626-8391 .................................................. [email protected], Joachim .......... 2101 F .................... 625-4538 .................................................. [email protected], Allison .............. 209 .................... 626-4451 .................................................. [email protected], Paul* .............. MMC 107 Mayo...... 624-7912 .................................................. [email protected], Warren E.* ...... 229 .................... 625-7527 .................................................. [email protected], Heinrich-Otto* ........... 4-174 EE/CS .......... n/a .................................................. [email protected], Ramdev* .. Army HPC Research Center... 626-7745 .................................................. [email protected], David B. .......... 455 A .................. 625-1808 .................................................. [email protected], Barney E. ....... 325 B .................. 625-0703 .................................................. [email protected], Uwe R. ........ 2101 C .................... 625-4028 .................................................. [email protected], Thomas H. ........... 3101 C .................... 625-4520 .................................................. [email protected], Francis A. .......... 121 .................... 625-3807 .................................................. [email protected], Jack L.* ................. 372 Chld. Rehab. ..... 626-5021 .................................................. [email protected], Perry H. ...................... 309 .................. 626-7815 .................................................. [email protected], Benjamin Y.H.* .......... 3101 B .................... 625-6574 .................................................. [email protected], Michael* .......... L105 .................... 625-0447 .................................................. [email protected], Susan C. ............ 3101 D .................. 625-1324 .................................................. [email protected], Virgil A. .............. 3104 .................. 625-3441 .................................................. [email protected], Peter H. ........... 1100 C .................... 624-2817 .................................................. [email protected], Katsuhiko ............. 307 .................. 625-9374 .................................................. [email protected], Emil* ................... 2101 D ................ 625-6012 .................................................. [email protected], David Y.H. ................ 3101 F .................... 625-2537 .................................................. [email protected], Rajesh ............. 203 .................. 626-7961 .................................................. [email protected], Subbiah ...... 215 .................. 625-4017 .................................................. [email protected], Sidharan* ........ 206 Kaufert L ........ 624-8797 .................................................. [email protected], James W. ........... 1100 A ................ 625-8390 .................................................. [email protected], Jeffrey* .................. 237 Smith .............. 625-2363 .................................................. [email protected], Craig* ................ L-111 .................... 625-0323 .................................................. [email protected], Terrence W. ......... 235 .................. 625-5831 .................................................. [email protected], Fotis* ......... 4691 SAFL............... 624-2022 .................................................. [email protected], Ephraim M. ...... 238 .................. 625-5502 .................................................. [email protected], Patrick J. ................ 105 .................. 625-2315 .................................................. [email protected], Kim A. ............... 311 .................. 625-6528 .................................................. [email protected], Paul J. .......... 237 .................. 626-2008 .................................................. [email protected], Kumar K. .......... 325E .................. 625-1821 .................................................. [email protected], Robert* ............ 7-112 BSBE ........... 625-6868 .................................................. [email protected], Vaughan R.* .............. 122 CivE .............. 625-0764 .................................................. [email protected], Nicholas* ................ L107 ................... 625-6446 .................................................. [email protected]

* Denotes affiliate senior, or affiliate member of grad. faculty.

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GRADUATE SCHOOL OFFICES

Contact Office TelephoneProspective students................................................................. 309 Johnston..................625-3014Previously registered students ............................................... 316 Johnston..................626-3490Interim Dean Victor Bloomfield................................................. 321 Johnston..................624-2909Graduate Scholarships, Grants-in-Aid, Fellowships............. 314 Johnsotn..................625-7579Student Services......................................................................... 316 Johnston..................625-3490Change of Status - Readmit / Change of Major or Degree... 309 Johnston..................626-8060Student Degree Programs / Graduate Files............................. 316 Johnston..................625-5833Supervisor, Etty DeVeaux Westergaard................................... 316 Johnston..................625-0068Doctoral Preliminary Oral Exam Scheduling............................ 316 Johnston..................625-4019Doctoral Final Exam Scheduling............................................... 316 Johnston..................625-0168Graduation Doctoral................................................................... 316 Johnston..................625-0168Graduation Masters.................................................................... 316 Johnston..................625-4019Student Progress, Petitions, Registration............................... 316 Johnston..................625-0068

www.grad.umn.edu

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II. REGISTRATION

Registration Steps - all new students

_____ 1. Check in with the Mechanical Engineering Department.

Student Advising & Information Office - 1120 M.E.

_____ 2. Consult with Director of Graduate Studies or appropriate faculty member to establishfirst semester’s courses.

_____ 3. All new international students - check in with the International Student &Scholar Services Office, 190 Hubert H. Humphrey Center, West Bank.

_____ 4. Register - follow the registration procedures on One Stop: http://www.onestop.umn.edu/registrar/registration/index.html

_____ 5. Obtain student I.D. card.

U-Card Office - G22 Coffman Memorial Union

Registration Steps - current / previous students

Register at 202 Fraser Hall or on-line through the Student Access System (onestop.umn.edu),according to the registration queue published in the Class Schedule. Class Schedules are availablethrough theWeb via: http://www.onestop.umn.edu/registrar/registration/courses.html

Registration Notes

• Students are charged a late fee if they register after classes begin and may register after the first weekof the semester only with special permission. See the Class Schedule for further details.

• You must take all courses placed in the ‘major’ category on your program of study (Degree ProgramForm) on an A/F base, with the exception of departmental seminars and the Plan B class. You mustalso take the Mathematics/Numerical methods class on an A/F bases. You are expected to take thegreat majority of non-major courses A/F. If you request to include a non-major course on an S/Nbase, you must clear it with your adviser and the Director of Graduate Studies. At that time, it isdesirable that you bring a copy of your program of study to identify the strength of your entire program.

• For the University calendar and registration information, refer to the University’s semester Class Scheduleor the Summer Session Bulletin.

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• The Graduate School Catalog details Graduate School regulations, requirements, and procedures;lists some available financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships; and provides program and coursedescriptions. This may be picked up at the Graduate School in 309 Johnston Hall or viewed online at:http://www.catalogs.umn.edu/grad/index.html.

• You must register every Fall and Spring term in the Graduate School in order to maintain activegraduate status. If you have not registered in the Graduate School, you must apply for readmissionand must register before you can resume work on a master’s or doctoral thesis or on master’s Plan Bpapers, take written or oral examinations, or file for graduation. The Department reserves the right toreject a readmission application based on enrollment load and the quality of academic history.

• The University requires that graduate students holding appointments as teaching assistants, researchassistants, and administrative fellows must register for at least 6 credits during each term which he orshe holds an appointment of greater than12.5%. (This does not apply to summer terms if you wereregistered the preceding spring quarter.) If you have to satisfy other criteria for full-time status (i.e.,some student loan deferrals may require 7-credit registration) you should check with that individualentity.

FULL-TIME PART-TIME

Graduate Student 6 or more credits Less than 6 credits

Research / Teaching Assistant - still working on coursework 6 or more credits Less than 6 credits

Advanced Student Standing - M.S. (coursework/thesis cr. completed) At least 1 credit of N/A

ME 8333

- Ph.D. (w/24 Thesis Credits) At least 1 credit of N/AME 8444

More Registration Notes - M.S. Students

Master's students who have completed all of their course credits (including thesis credits, if pursuing a Plan A)may register for a special one credit option and still be counted as a full-time student. This registration willsatisfy the full-time requirement for federal student loan deferrals as well as fulfill the assistantship registrationrequirement. In order to receive permission to register for this 1-credit course (ME 8333, FTE: Master's), astudent must fill out the Application for Full-time Status With One Credit form from the Student Advising &Information Office - 1120 M.E., and have it signed by their adviser. They must also submit a Request forAdvanced Master's Tracking Flag form to the Graduate School to grant eligibility for this option.

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More Registration Notes - Ph.D. Students

• Doctoral students must register for 24 doctoral thesis credits (ME / IE 8888) at the University ofMinnesota beginning the semester after they have passed the preliminary oral examination.

• The requirement of 24 doctoral thesis credits cannot be reduced by transfer of master’s thesis credits,or thesis credits taken at another institution.

• You are permitted to register for thesis credits during the current semester if you pass the preliminaryoral examination and if the signed report form is delivered to 316 Johnston Hall no later than 1 p.m. onthe last day of registration for that semester. While this deadline will permit you time to register beforethe Registration Center closes that day, we strongly urge you not to wait until the last minute to bringthe signed report to the Graduate School.

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III. DEGREE PROGRAMS

Two degree programs are offered:

• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.M.E.)• Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (Ph.D.)

As you seek an adviser, please discuss joint aspirations regarding your study plans. If you are aresearch-oriented student, carefully consider which plan will be most appropriate toward further study. Dothis in close consultation with potential faculty advisers or with the faculty person who has consented to adviseyou.

Master of science degrees have an option of Plan A or Plan B. Consult the Graduate School Cata-log to review these plans.

Full-time graduate students in the mechanical engineering department (those on fellowship or assistant-ship support) are expected to complete their master’s degree in two years and to complete their doctoraldegree in five years (beyond the B.S. degree). Part-time students working outside or students with heavy T.A.assignments may require more time.

Advisers will develop a program of study with their students to insure timely completion of the gradu-ate degree.

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MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - PLAN A(M.S.M.E.)

14 Major(ME)

Credits

6 Non-MajorCredits

10 thesiscredits

(ME 8777)

1 SeminarCredit

May be a major ornon-major seminar; ifmajor, count in 'major'credits: if non-major,

count in 'other program'credits

1 Mathematics /Numerical

Methods Course

(from the approved listof courses,

Appendix B)

30 totalcredits

Including:

+ +

=

Plan A master’s degree provides you the opportunity to execute research on a topic selected inconsultation with your adviser. You gain an understanding of research techniques by applying relevanttechnologies to an engineering problem which extends understanding of an aspect of the field. Thequality of your performance in this degree path is based heavily upon your success in thesis research.

Research Ethicsand Professional Conduct

0 credits.

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MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - PLAN B(M.S.M.E.)

14 Major(ME)

Credits

6 Non-MajorCredits

10 remainingcredits

(major ornon-major)

1 SeminarCredit

May be a major ornon-major seminar; ifmajor, count in 'major'credits: if non-major,



Methods Course

(from the approved listof courses,

Appendix B)

30 totalcoursecredits

(minimum)Including:

+ +

=

Plan B master’s degree accents course work, requiring a minimum of 10 course credits beyond the Plan Arequirement and has no thesis. Course study is augmented by a Plan B project (See page 22 item #9).


0 credits.

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DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING(PH.D. M.E.)

The Doctor of Philosophy degree program develops advanced research competence. Close affiliation betweenyou and your adviser is pivotal in this program, and close rapport is important at all stages. Faculty may wishto observe your approach to open-ended research at an early stage before consenting to serve as your adviser.If so, you can accomplish this in a range of ways: the Plan A thesis at the master’s level, a preliminary researchassignment, and/or course problems of an open-ended nature, to name a few.

Major(ME)

Credits

A minimum of12 Non-Major

Credits

24 thesiscredits

(ME 8888)

44 totalcoursecredits

(minimum)

Including:

=

24 thesiscredits

(ME 8888)+

2 SeminarCredits

May be major ornon-major seminars; ifmajor, count in 'major'credits: if non-major,



Methods Course(from the approved list

of courses,Appendix B)

+ +


0 credits.

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IV. GRADUATE FACULTY ADVISER

Selection of an adviser is your responsibility. Your acceptance into the graduate program of theDepartment occurred because you have shown promise to satisfactorily execute graduate study. Hence youare expected to procure an adviser by demonstrating clear objectives, diligence, and a cooperative spirit.

The new graduate student orientation, held the week before class starts in the fall, will for manystudents provide the first opportunity to become acquainted with faculty and their research interests. Youcan become better acquainted with potential advisors by making appointments to meet with specific faculty,and you are encouraged to do so. You may also wish to take courses from a potential adviser to learn moreabout his or her research and technical interests before reaching a formal advising agreement. Also browsethe Department website for specific research activities at: www.me.umn.edu.

It is essential that you gain an adviser no later than the end of your second term of full-timeenrollment.

Some students commit to an adviser upon, or shortly after, arrival here. Part-time graduate studentsmay take somewhat longer than two terms to gain an adviser. However, they may not delay this processbeyond approximately 1/4 - 1/3 of their study program.

Your adviser serves as your advocate to the faculty. For both master’s and doctor of philosophydegrees, you develop your program of study through consultation with your adviser. Your adviser guidesdissertation research and orchestrates qualifying examination procedures to meet degree objectives. For suchimportant reasons, gaining an adviser early in the course of study is essential.

If you make the mistake of not getting a faculty adviser until late in your course of study, you can expectto encounter progressive difficulty in gaining one and in gaining faculty commitment to a formal program ofstudy.

You may change your graduate adviser during the course of study. It is undesirable to do this as yourprogram matures and should only be done judiciously and with discretion. Consult with both a potential newadviser and with your earlier one if you anticipate this step. If you need additional consultation about this,consult the Director of Graduate Studies.

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V. FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Financial support opportunities available to students include:• Fellowships• Research Assistantships• Teaching Assistantships• Graduate Work-Study Program

Graduate assistantships are financial aid academic appointments reserved for graduate students. Thisdepartment offers appointments for teaching assistant and research assistant positions. If you accept an offerof financial aid, you are entering into a contract, which cannot be terminated unless both parties consent, inwriting, to terminate the contract. Refer to the Registration Notes section to avail yourself of the registrationrequirements for students who are receiving financial assistance. If you receive an appointment or fellowship,be sure to view the Graduate Student Employment Website at: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/gao/. Stipendrates are set by the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Faculty each spring for the following fiscal year. Ph.D.candidates will receive an increase in their stipend once they pass their preliminary oral examination andcomplete 24 credits of thesis registration. The stipend is increased by 10%, or up to the maximum rate theUniversity may set, whichever is lower.

Fellowships

This booklet does not present the full range of fellowship opportunities available at the University ofMinnesota. Please consult one or more of the following for further information:

Fellowship Office of the Graduate School321 Johnston Hall625-7579

Dr. Rajesh Rajamani, ChairME Department Fellowship Committee203 Mech Eng626-7961

John K. GardnerStudent Information & Information Center1120 Mech Eng625-2009

Graduate fellowships are awards based on academic merit and are available to new and currentlyenrolled graduate students. Consult the Graduate School Catalog for more details. Fellowships are offeredon a competitive basis and require excellent academic records for consideration. Doctoral DissertationFellowships are also available for qualifying doctoral candidates.

Fellowship competitions follow strict timetables and guidelines, and students are advised to obtaininformation early in the fall semester. Typically, the Fellowship Committee offers fellowships early in the schoolyear following their deliberations. You can apprise yourself of these timetables from the above sources.

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Research Assistantships

Research assistantships are typically obtained from faculty members who hold research contracts andgrants. These appointments usually materialize through direct discussions with individual faculty where theresearch assignment, required expertise and expectations are addressed. Faculty may also offer researchappointments to students prior to their arrival on campus. Faculty providing support may expect to serve asyour academic adviser and can be expected to indicate over what time period a research assistantship will bemade. Periods vary, depending on the availability of grant funds and your progress. Maintain communicationwith faculty to update them on your needs and interests. Research assistantship assignments are made at anytime in the calendar year depending on funding and other factors.

Teaching Assistantships

Positions are available each academic semester for graduate students to assist in departmental courseinstruction. Students must register in the semesters they hold teaching assistantships (except during the summersession providing they were registered the preceding spring semester).

All students interested in teaching assistantships are advised to contact the responsible person in thedivision where their technical interests reside and in which they may concentrate their study. These are listedbelow:

Design and ManufacturingDr. Susan C. Mantell3101 C Mech. Eng.625-1324

Environmental EngineeringDr. Thomas H. Kuehn3101 C Mech. Eng.625-4520

Industrial EngineeringDr. Diwakar Gupta207 Mech. Eng.625-1810

Thermodynamics and Heat TransferDr. Paul Strykowski237 Mech. Eng.626-2008

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It is advisable to leave relevant personal data with these people to allow them to contact you as anappointment materializes.

Teaching appointments outside your division of interest and outside the Department itself are possible.Dr. James Ramsey, Associate Head, 1100 A Mech Eng, has a total perspective of Departmental needs; centraloffices of other departments are also sources of information.

TA offers will be made only to students who have documented adequate English skills. CurrentUniversity of Minnesota policy requires that all nonnative English speaking TAs or prospective TAs who are orwill be assigned to teaching, tutoring, or advising duties (including office hours) must:

1. Score at least 50 points out of 60 points on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) exam to receivea passing score and be eligible for assignment to teaching, tutoring, or advising duties. Studentswho pass the TSE are given a campus rating of “1” and are thus certified to carry out theresponsibilities of a Teaching Assistant (contact the Center for Teaching and Learning Services- CTLS - for further information on ratings).

Background notes: The TSE is a national test that was first introduced by the EducationalTesting Service in 1981; this test measures the ability of nonnative speakers to communicateorally in English.

or2. Take the SPEAK Test, an institutional version of the TSE, developed by the Educational

Testing Service and administered here on campus by CTLS.

If nonnative speakers of English do not pass the SPEAK Test or the TSE and they want toserve as Teaching Assistants, they must contact CTLS regarding their options.

Teaching assistantship appointments are usually made before the onset of each new academic term;the assignments are typically one semester in duration, but can be for one academic year. Teaching appointmentshold no guarantee for continuation unless stated in the Departmental offer.

Faculty recommend appointments to the Division Chairs. Once notified of a teaching assistantshipopportunity, it is your responsibility to complete paperwork that will allow the Department to process yourappointment. Contact the accounting office in 101 ME, to begin that process.

Academic progress and duration of study toward a degree are considered as appointment rosters aregenerated. The faculty person responsible for the course is consulted when appointment recommendations aredeveloped. Teaching assistantship assignments naturally require demonstrated expertise in the course subjectmatter to which assignment is made.

Teaching assistant responsibilities vary with course assignments They may involve grading, recitationlecture, laboratory, homework problem solution, office hour consultation, or a mix of these. The teachingassistant is not ultimately responsible for course grades; that is a faculty responsibility.

A very modest number of teaching appointments are available in the Extension Division and in thesummer programs. Consult division chairs or Dr. Ramsey for those opportunities.

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Appointment Scope

Whereas teaching assistantship appointments are typically of one semester duration, after which a newassignment can be made, it is possible to hold simultaneous teaching and research assistantships within anyacademic term. If simultaneous appointments are made, then each is typically a 25% appointment. Appoint-ments are occasionally combined at other than 25% levels to total 50% overall.

Maximum appointments to teaching assistantship and/or research assistantship positions are 50%,except in unusual cases where graduate students who have qualified for doctoral candidacy may receive 75%appointments if a distinct service need exists.

Appointment Calendar

This department attempts to assign all teaching assistantships leaving ample lead time to permit stu-dents to receive their initial paychecks on schedule.

If yours is a last minute appointment, verify your first paycheck date with the accounting office, 101ME (624-3355). Also contact this office if you have recently been made an assistantship offer, to supply allrequired appointment information.

Tuition

Consult the Graduate School Catalog and the Graduate Assistant Website (http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/gao/) describing tuition policy in relation to course credits and assistantship appointments. Also refer tothe registration classification chart in the Registration Notes section.

The College Work-Study Program

Students who are U.S. Citizens or who hold a permanent resident status qualify for the Work-Studyprogram. Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Education, plus some state funds underwrite 70% ofqualifying student support; 30% is covered by a research grant or teaching base.

To qualify, you must complete a financial aid form (the ACT form), after which a “qualifying maximumsupport base” (including all sources of support) is identified. Parental support is excluded which allows morestudents to qualify.

As this is a Federal program, accounting and auditing are conducted. Misuse of funds can result in arequest for repayments.

Upon approval, a “certification” is issued, after which a payroll form can be issued. You must registerfor 3 credits (not including Independent Research, ME 8794) per term. Financial assistance assessment ismade for the entire academic year.

Contact the Work Study Office at 626-8608 (170 Donhowe Building) for more information.

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VI. APPROVAL PROCESS STEPS IN DEGREE STUDY

The Graduate School approves certain steps as you progress towards your degree, which are listedby degree on the following pages. As an overview, it is important for you to know the two principle academicunits involved in your mechanical or industrial engineering graduate education:

• Mechanical Engineering Department Graduate Faculty• Graduate School

Submit your degree program form plus any relevant petitions to the Graduate Advising Assistant, 1120Mech Eng, for faculty approval. You should plan to submit material with adequate lead time for approval(which may take up to 2 months).

The Graduate School approves all commitee assignments. You receive notification from the GraduateSchool regarding your committee assignments. Committee changes must be petitioned through the GraduateProgram Student Personnel Worker, 1120 Mech Eng.

Committee changes for exams that would occur during the summer vacation break are stronglydiscouraged. Try not to schedule an exam during this time period.

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MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE: PLAN AM.S.M.E. or M.S.I.E.

_____ 1. Obtain admission into the graduate program from baccalaureate program in engineering, science,or mathematics.

_____ 2. Check in with the Student Advising & Information Office, 1120 Mech Eng.

_____ 3. Read this handbook and the relevant sections of the Graduate School Catalog, if you havenot done so already.

_____ 4. Course study (see Section III. Degree Programs for detailed course requirements)

_____ 5. Choose an adviser soon after beginning your studies. An adviser should be chosen no laterthan the end of your first semester of full-time registration or the second semester of part-timeregistration.

_____ 6. Fill out degree program form (available in 1120 Mech Eng):

• due after one full-time academic term of recorded credits (10 credits)• attach faculty signature sheet• attach transcript (observe credit requirements)

Complete all blanks on the program: courses, major/minor-related field, instructor, term, credits, etc.Include thesis credit counts at the bottom of the sheet, but do not include them in the total creditcounts. (See the Sample Degree Program Form in the Appendix section .)

Obtain the approvals of your committee members, either through written correspondence oremail verification, with wording stating that they are willing to serve on your committee.Approvals should be forwarded to John Gardner, 1120 Mech Eng([email protected]).

_____ 7. Obtain degree program form approval from your adviser(s). If you are declaring a minor, youwill also need to obtain approval from the Director of Graduate Studies from your minor field.

_____ 8. Submit your degree program form, which includes your thesis title, plus any petitions you mightwant to submit, to John Gardner, 1120 Mech Eng, for approval by the Director of GraduateStudies. (Do not submit directly to the DGS.)

You should plan to submit this form with adequate lead time. It takes longer to approve thisform in the Department during the summer session than during other semesters. (The springsemester is the busiest term at the Graduate School.) If you do not file your program ontime, a hold may be placed on your registration.

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You will receive notification from the Graduate School when your degree program form andcommittee assignments are approved. If you want to change your degree program form, doso with a petition form, available in 1120 Mech Eng. Complete the form and return it to 1120Mech Eng for department approval.

The Graduate School assumes that when committee assignment recommendations are submittedto them, signed by the DGS, you have gained the consent of all named faculty to serve on yourcommittee. We cannot submit your degree program form to the Graduate School until this iscompleted.

If circumstances require that you need to make a committee member change, contact theGraduate Advising Assistant.

_____ 9. Define your thesis topic/thesis research with your adviser. This is optimally done concurrentlywith course work.

_____ 10. Pick up your reviewers report form, and other graduation materials at the Graduate School,316 Johnston. You may also request graduation material via the web at:

http://www.grad.umn.edu/current_students/forms/grad_packet/index.html

You must have an approved degree program form on file with the Department and the GraduateSchool before you can execute this step. Also pick up your application for degree form fromthe Graduate School. You must submit it to the Student Services Office (202 Fraser Hall) bythe first working day of the month you want to graduate.

_____ 11. Schedule final oral examination. Be sure committee is informed of impending examination, andschedule it to accommodate all examining members. For available rooms, see the receptionistin 1100 Mech Eng.

_____ 12. File the signed thesis reviewers report in 316 Johnston Hall and obtain the final examinationreport form from that office.

_____ 13. Take final oral examination.

_____ 14. File approved final examination form with the Graduate School - 316 Johnston Hall.

This is due the last working day of month you plan to graduate. Check with 316 Johnston Hallor call 625-4019 with any questions regarding graduation deadlines. To verify everything atthis point, call Master’s Degree Clearance, 625-4019.

_____ 15. Complete final edit of your examined thesis.

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_____ 16. Bind thesis - three copies (See Binding Information, Appendix A).

Two unbound copies are due in the Graduate School, 316 Johnston Hall, by the last workingday of the month you want to graduate. One hardbound copy (maroon binding with whitelettering) is also to be submitted to the Mechanical Engineering Department Graduate AdvisingAssistant, 1120 Mech Eng. (THT students must also submit a bound copy to the THT DivisionOffice, 240 ME.)

_____ 17. Check-out / distribute thesis

To verify completion of graduate work for a degree and to allow for control of inventory, keys,and office space, you must complete a Departmental Check-out Form (available in 1120Mech Eng) prior to departure from the Department or prior to beginning another degreeobjective within the Department.

You must submit one hardbound copy of the dissertation to the Mechanical EngineeringDepartment. The Department will reimburse you for the copying and binding of this copy. Werequest that the thesis submitted to the Department be a maroon-bound thesis with whitelettering. When ordering the copying and binding of your thesis, please request a separatereceipt for one copy. To obtain reimbursement (which will be mailed to your home address)submit an original receipt to the purchase order desk in 101 ME.

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MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE: PLAN BM.S.M.E. or M.S.I.E.

_____ 1. Obtain admission into the graduate program from baccalaureate program in engineering, science,or mathematics.

_____ 2. Check in with the Student Advising & Information Center, 1120 Mech Eng.

_____ 3. Read this handbook and the relevant sections of the Graduate School Catalog, if you havenot done so already.

_____ 4. Course study (see Section III. Degree Programs for detailed course requirements)

Up to 4 Independent Research credits are allowed (ME 8794)

_____ 5. Choose an adviser soon after beginning study. An adviser should be chosen no later than theend of your first semester of full-time graduate registration (or second semester of part-timegraduate registration.


• due after one full-time academic semester of recorded credits (10 credits)• attach faculty signature sheet• attach transcript (observe credit requirements)

Complete all blanks on the program: courses, major/minor-related field, instructor, calendartime taken, credits, etc.

Obtain the approvals of your committee members, either through written correspondence oremail verification, with wording stating that they are willing to serve on your committee.Approvals should be forwarded to John Gardner, 1120 Mech Eng ([email protected]).

_____ 7. Obtain degree program form approval from your adviser(s).

_____ 8. Submit your degree program form plus any petitions you might need, to John Gardner, 1120Mech Eng, for DGS approval. (Do not submit directly to the DGS.)


If you want to change your degree program form, do so with a petition form, available in 1120Mech Eng. Complete the form and return it to 1120 Mech Eng for DGS approval.

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The Graduate School assumes that when committee assignment recommendations are submittedto them, signed by the DGS, you have gained the consent of all named faculty to serve on yourcommittee. We cannot submit your degree program form to the Graduate School until this iscompleted. You will receive notification from the Graduate School when your degree programform and committee assignments are approved.

If circumstances require that you need to make a committee member change, contact theDGS, who is the only one who can authorize a committee member change.

_____ 9. The recommended (though not required) way to satisfy the MS Plan B project requirement isto take the two-semester course sequence, Plan B Course, ME 8951 and ME 8953.Alternatively, students who elect not to take this course may complete their Plan B project(s)independently under the guidance of one or more faculty advisers. In that case up to 4 creditsof Independent Research (ME 8794) may be applied to the course requirements for the MSPlan B degree.

_____ 10. ME 8951/8953, "Plan B Project," and ME 8794, "Mechanical Engineering Research," canbe included on a Program of Study for an M.S. Plan B (see p.22, item #9), but they cannot beincluded on a Program of Study for either an M.S. Plan A or a Ph.D.

_____ 11. Pick up your final oral exam form, and other graduation materials at the Graduate School, 316Johnston. You may also request graduation material via the web at:


You must have an approved degree program form on file with the Department and the GraduateSchool before you can execute this step. Also pick up your application for degree form fromthe Graduate School. You must submit it to the Student Services Office (202 Fraser Hall) bythe first working day of the month you want to graduate.

_____ 12. Schedule final oral examination. Be sure committee is informed of impending examination, andschedule it to accommodate all examining members. For available rooms, see the receptionistin 1100 Mech Eng.

_____ 13. Take final oral examination.

_____ 14. File approved final examination form with Graduate School (316 Johnston Hall).This is due the last working day of month you plan to graduate. Check with 316 Johnston Hallor call 625-4019 with any questions regarding graduation deadlines. To verify everything, atthis point, call Master’s Degree Clearance, 625-4019.

_____ 15. Check-out. To verify completion of graduate work for a degree and to provide control ofinventory, keys, and office space, you must complete a Departmental Check-out Form (availablein 1120 Mech Eng) prior to departure from the Department or prior to beginning anotherdegree objective within the Department.

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DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREEPh.D.

_____ 1. Admission into the Ph.D. program usually requires a master of science degree program in anengineering or science field. Exceptional students are admitted directly from a baccalaureateprogram in engineering, science or mathematics.

_____ 2. Check in with the Student Advising & Information Center, 1120 Mech Eng.

_____ 3. Read this handbook and relevant sections of the Graduate School Catalog, if you have notdone so already.

_____ 4. Course study: no specified courses are required for M.E. students. I.E. students follow therequirements given in Section III (see Core Program Criteria section and Section III. DegreePrograms for detailed course requirements).

• credit count beyond baccalaureate typically ranges from 44-55 credits• consult adviser

Graduate School requires 12 credits (beyond your bachelor’s degree) in your minor orsupporting program and 24 thesis credits (ME 8888).

_____ 5. Choose an adviser (often done prior to beginning doctoral study).


• due within your first year of study, before preliminary written examination is taken and at least one semester before preliminary oral is taken• observe credit distributions

Complete all blanks on the program: courses, major/minor-related field, instructor, calendartime taken, credits, etc. Thesis credits should be included in the course listings, however,they should not be added to the credit totals at the bottom of the program.

Two seminars/colloquia are required. If your credit count exceeds the minimum, it is reasonableto include an additional seminar credit in your credit count.

You may include the course ME 8800: Modern Developments in Mechanical Engineering, asa substitute for a seminar. It may be used once on a graduate program. You may includeseminars/colloquia from any technically-based program. If that program is other than yourmajor, count the credits in the minor/supporting program category.

Obtain the approvals of your committee members, either through written correspondence oremail verification, with wording stating that they are willing to serve on your committee.Approvals should be forwarded to John Gardner, 1120 Mech Eng ([email protected]).

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_____ 7. Obtain degree program form approval from your adviser(s).

_____ 8. Submit your degree program form, plus any petitions you might want to submit, to John Gardner,1120 Mech Eng, for DGS approval (do not submit directly to the DGS). You must do thisbefore you can take your written preliminary exam, unless other arrangements have beenmade.


The Graduate School assumes that when committee assignment recommendations are submittedto them, signed by the DGS, you have gained the consent of all named faculty to serve on yourcommittee. We cannot submit your degree program form to the Graduate School until this iscompleted.

If circumstances require that you need to make a committee member change, contact theDGS, who is the only one who can authorize a committee member change. If you want tochange your degree program form in the future, do so with a petition form, available in 1120Mech Eng. Complete the form and return it to 1120 Mech Eng for DGS approval.

_____ 9. Register for your oral qualifying exams. The registration deadline for the exams is announcedearly in each semester. For students who enter the Ph.D. program after completion of an M.S.in mechanical engineering, these exams should be taken in the first semester upon admission tothe Ph.D. program. For all other students, the exams should be taken by the third semester inthe Ph.D. program.

_____ 10. Take your oral qualifying exams (see Section XI).

_____ 11. Define your thesis topic/thesis research with your adviser. This is optimally done concurrentwith course work.

_____ 12. Take your written preliminary exam (see Section XI). For students who enter the Ph.D.program after completion of an M.S. in mechanical engineering, the written preliminary examshould be taken by the third semester in the Ph.D. program. For students who enter the Ph.D.program without an M.S. in ME, the written preliminary exam should be taken by the fifthsemester. It is recommended that students submit the exam early enough in the semester (bythe 8th week), to allow time for the exam to be evaluated and then, if approved, to schedule theoral preliminary exam within the same semester.

_____ 13. Submit your preliminary written exam report to the Graduate Program Student PersonnelWorker, 1120 Mech Eng, asserting passing quality. This is forwarded to 316 Johnston beforeyour preliminary oral examination is scheduled.

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_____ 14. Schedule oral preliminary exam to hold it as soon as possible (preferably within the samesemester) after passing written preliminary exam. Schedule this exam with Graduate School atleast one week in advance (call 625-0084 or go to 316 Johnston Hall). The Graduate Schoolwill then send the examination report form to your committee chair.

_____ 15. Take oral preliminary exam (see Section XI).

_____ 16. Submit your oral preliminary exam form to 316 Johnston Hall.

_____ 17. Pick up and file thesis proposal document (located in the cabinet outside 316 Johnston Hall)no later than the first semester after passing the preliminary oral examination.

_____ 18. Obtain approval of thesis proposal document from the Graduate School.

_____ 19. Pick up your reviewers report form, and other graduation materials at the Graduate School,316 Johnston. You may also request graduation material via the web at:


You must have an approved thesis proposal form on file with the Department and the GraduateSchool before you can execute this step. Also pick up your application for degree form fromthe Graduate School. You must submit it to the Student Services Office (202 Fraser Hall) bythe first working day of the month you want to graduate.

_____ 20. Submit your thesis to reviewers (check with reviewers to ascertain their required reading timeframe—usually a minimum of 2 weeks).

_____ 21. Submit your signed thesis reviewers report to 316 Johnston at least one week before your finaloral examination.

_____ 22. Schedule final oral exam at least one week before your exam date by calling 625-0168 or bygoing to 316 Johnston Hall. (The Graduate School will pass the final oral examination reportto your committee chairperson).

_____ 23. Take your final oral exam. A minimum of 4 committee members are required to serve on yourfinal examining committee (three from the major and one from outside).

_____ 24. File your final oral exam report (Graduate School, 316 Johnston Hall).

_____ 25. Edit your examined thesis.

_____ 26. Bind thesis - three copies (see Binding Information, Appendix A).

One unbound copy is due in the Graduate School, 316 Johnston Hall, by the last working day

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of the month you want to graduate. One bound copy (black binding with white lettering) isalso to be submitted to the Mechanical Engineering Department Graduate Advising Assistant,1120 Mech Eng. (THT students must also submit a bound copy to the THT Division Office,240 ME.)

To verify your progress, check with 316 Johnston Hall or call 625-0168 with any questionsregarding graduation deadlines.

_____ 27. Check-out / distribute thesis.To verify completion of graduate work for a degree and to provide control of inventory, keys,and office space, you must complete a Departmental Check-out Form (available in 1120Mech Eng) prior to departure from the Department.

You must submit one unbound copy of the thesis to the Graduate School and one bound thesisto the Graduate Advising Assistant, 1120 Mech Eng. (THT students must also submit a boundcopy to the THT Division Office, 240 ME.)

The Department will reimburse you for the copying and binding of one copy. When orderingthe copying and binding of your thesis, please request a separate receipt for one copy. Toobtain reimbursement (which will be mailed to your home address) submit an original receiptto the purchase order desk in 101 ME.

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VII. PROGRAM OF STUDYAs each graduate program is tailored to the individual, a proposed program of study is required prior

to extensive coursework completion. Each graduate student is expected to submit a Degree Program Form tothe Director of Graduate Studies for approval by the Departmental Graduate Faculty and the Graduate School.It is essential that you complete this program of study form no later than your second full-time semester(or your third part-time semester), to ensure that guidance and perspective of your program direction canbe provided and that difficulties are avoided when you are preparing for graduation. Hence, the need exists forearly selection of a faculty adviser. The degree program form is available in 1120 Mech Eng. Be sure to attachan unofficial transcript to your program form before you submit it for review.

Special Points of Interest

• There are no specified courses required in the program of study for the Mechanical Engineeringprogram (with the exception of the zero credit research ethics and professional conduct course ).The Department, however, has some general guidelines regarding the types of courses you willneed to take (see the Core Program Criteria section). Determine all courses in consultation withyour adviser.

• Only the following 4xxx-level courses are currently acceptable for programs of coursework.

• AEM 4511 Mechanics of Composite Materials• AEM 4581 Mechanics of Solids• CHEM 4502 Physical Chemistry II• EE 4541 Digital Signal Processing• MATH 4512 Differential Equations with Applications• PHYS 4051 Methods of Experimental Physics I• PHYS 4101 Quantum Mechanics• PHYS 4201 Statistical and Thermal Physics• PHYS 4211 Introduction to Solid-State Physics

If a student wishes to include a different 4xxx-level course on his/her program, adviser and DGS approval must be obtained prior to enrolling in the course.

• One graduate-level seminar is required of the master’s student, and two (beyond the baccalaureate)of doctoral students. Include seminar credits in the course credit count on the degree programform. Seminars may be taken in other departments or technical disciplines. The course ME 8800:Modern Developments in Mechanical Engineering may be used once on a program of study toreplace a seminar, either in the M.S. program or in the Ph.D. program, but it may not be used asecond time in the Ph.D. program if it was utilized during the M.S. era of study.

• You must take all courses placed in the ‘major’ category on your program of study (Degree ProgramForm) on an A/F base, with the exception of departmental seminars and the Plan B class. You mustalso take the Mathematics/Numerical methods class on an A/F bases. You are expected to take thegreat majority of non-major courses A/F. If you request to include a non-major course on an S/Nbase, you must clear it with your adviser and the Director of Graduate Studies. At that time, it isdesirable that you bring a copy of your program of study to identify the strength of your entire program.

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• Courses on the program of study must meet a minimum GPA requirement. For MS students, theminimum program GPA is 2.8; for PhD students, the minimum program GPA is 3.0.

• The Director of Graduate Studies will sign the form after graduate adviser approval. Turn theform in for that approval to 1120 Mech Eng, after obtaining adviser approval. Note: if you areofficially declaring a minor, you will also need to gain the approval of the DGS from your minordepartment prior to submitting to 1120 Mech. Eng.

• Permissible transfer of credit is explained in the Graduate School Catalog.

• If questions exist on the graduate caliber of courses taken elsewhere, you will be asked todemonstrate that such courses are contained in the Graduate School Catalog, if the prior institutionhas an accredited graduate program. You may also need to produce course syllabi and class notesfor courses in question.

• You may place courses from departments outside of mechanical engineering into your major coursecategory if they can be defended as central to the major concentration. Do this in close consultationwith your faculty adviser. Submit your program early as there have been instances where too widea spectrum of such courses, force-married to the major, have been rejected. A Petition Form(available in 1120 Mech Eng) needs to accompany such intent when you submit your program.

• You are encouraged to include 8-000 level courses in your programs of study. However, there isno set minimum number of such credits in a program. You may only use selected 4-000 levelcourses from other departments, which are listed in section II, Registration.

• Whereas no formal credit count is stated for the doctoral degree in the Graduate School Catalog(other than the 12 credits required in the supporting program or minor), the Mechanical EngineeringDepartment observes a nominal minimum standard between 44 and 50 semester credits includingmaster’s course credits as a hallmark of adequate course study.

• Do not confuse the Mechanical (Industrial) Engineering research courses with thesis creditregistration: [ME 8777 / 8888].

• Beginning with students who enter the graduate program in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering infall semester, 2002, all students are required to take a 0-credit course that is offered by theDepartment on Research Ethics and Professional Practice. This course is required, but does notappear on your program of study. Current graduate students who entered the program before fall,2002, are also encouraged to take the course.

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Petitions

Petitions are submitted along with or after a Degree Program has been approved by the GraduateSchool, depending on the reason for the petition. If a change in the content of a program is desired,but the program has already been approved by the Graduate School, you will need to submit a petition.If you are requesting special transfer of coursework or an extension of time, you may submit yourpetition along with your Degree Program Form.

• Submit a petition form signed by your adviser, to the Director of Graduate Studies, to request aprogram of study variance.

• Fill in all requested information.

• If you propose large scale changes in your program — conversion from Plan A to B, B to A, orcourse changes exceeding approximately three courses — submit a new degree program formwith the old program appended.

• Submit petitions in a timely fashion and not in a flurry of effort as the program nears consummation.

• The Director of Graduate Studies acts upon degree program form submissions unless majorvariations from policy are requested. Such programs are referred to a scholastic standards committeeor to the assembled graduate faculty.

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VIII. CORE PROGRAM CRITERIA

Graduate students in mechanical / industrial engineering prepare for professional participation in a fieldassociated with wide diversity and rapid flux. Programs of study are flexible enough to meet individual student/adviser aspirations, while providing a framework which facilitates an education with sufficient versatility to gainperspective of the profession beyond tightly focused subspecialty goals.

M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical EngineeringDegree Program of Study

Graduate students in the Mechanical Engineering Department pursue a program of study whichembodies two major ingredients:

1. A disciplinary focus to amplify your knowledge in a specific area of technical expertise.

2. A dimension of technical literacy beyond the disciplinary focus to equip yourself with breadthof perspective to enable adaptation to future engineering challenges and technological change.

Achieve technical literacy through the following types of course selections:

• Those offered within the Department but beyond the main concentration of yourstudy.

• Those taken outside the Department with sufficient uniqueness to stand the test ofbreadth.

• Technical courses which emphasize micro-scale phenomena in such areas as materials,electronics, chemistry, and physics.

• Graduate-level courses in Mathematics or Numerical Methods (at least one courseis required in one of these disciplines for the M.S and Ph.D. programs of study inMechanical Engineering).

Proposed Program of Study ContentMinimum Course Distributions

Master of Science - Plan A 2 1*

Master of Science - Plan B 3 2*

Doctor of Philosophy(beyond the Bachelor’s) 5 3*

* Including at least one course in mathematics or numerical methods - see Appendix B.

Minimum number of coursesselected from the categories oftechnical literacy:

Minimum number of coursesselected to achieve disciplin-ary focus:

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Programs are also expected to meet Graduate School policy on major/minor distributions. See theDegree Programs section (Section III) for further details.

The core program criteria apply to all mechanical engineering graduate students who will be graduatingunder the semester system. They do not apply to industrial engineering graduate students at this time.

IX. THESIS CREDIT REGISTRATION

• Students completing a Plan A master’s degree in engineering are required to enroll for 10 master’sthesis credits (ME 8777) before receiving the degree.

• Master’s thesis credits may be registered for at any time in the student’s semesters of study. Listthesis credits on the degree program form but do not include them in the credit totals at the bottomof the degree program form.

• Students completing a doctoral degree are required to enroll for 24 doctoral thesis credits (ME8888) before receiving a degree (students can register for a maximum of 18 in one semester).Doctoral students may not register for thesis credits until the semester after they have passed theirpreliminary oral examinations (see the Preliminary Oral Examinations section). List thesis creditson the degree program form but do not include them in the credit totals at the bottom of the degreeprogram form.

Ph.D. students are urged to track their thesis enrollment to ensure that graduation criteria are met asgraduation becomes imminent. Thesis credits cannot be transferred from M.S. programs.

X. MASTER’S FINAL EXAMINATION

The Graduate School requires a final examination for all master’s candidates. This is an oral examination,usually one hour in length. It is conducted by a minimum of three members of the graduate faculty assigned atthe time your degree program form is approved. At least two faculty members must be from the major fieldand one from the minor or supporting program area. The final oral for the master’s degree is conducted as aclosed examination, attended by only the student and the examining committee.

It is your responsibility to schedule the oral exam in consultation with your adviser and committeemembers. You must notify the Graduate School at least one week prior to your examination date and obtainthe necessary forms from them.

This examination may relate to a combination of both dissertation content (for Plan B programs,project and paper content) and technical course competence. Your adviser will propose strategy for theexamination and present this to the examiners when they convene. The committee will then indicate its preference.However, it is wise to talk with examining committee members as the time for the examination approaches toidentify yourself and your background. Your final presentation should be well-prepared and succinct, and youshould allow examiners ample time for questions and comments on coursework.

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XI. DOCTORAL PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONPROCEDURES

Ph.D. candidates in mechanical engineering must pass the following “qualifying” and “preliminary” exams:

• Oral “qualifying” exams in three subject areas, taken relatively soon after entering the Ph.D.program.

• A written preliminary exam that will be constituted by the Ph.D. thesis proposal, including acritical review of the literature on the topic of the proposed research.

• An oral preliminary exam that will consist of a presentation on the proposed research, followedby questioning that is focussed on material related to the proposed research.

Oral Qualifying Exams

After entering the Ph.D. program, but before taking the written Ph.D. preliminary exam, students will berequired to take three oral qualifying exams.

Timing

For students who enter the Ph.D. program after completion of an M.S. in mechanical engineering, theseexams should be taken in the first semester upon admission to the Ph.D. program. For all other students, theexams should be taken by the third semester in the Ph.D. program.

All exams will take place during Monday-Thursday of approximately the 11th week of each semester. Theexact dates will be announced at the beginning of each semester.

Registration for exam In order to allow time for setting up committees and scheduling the exams, students planning to take theexams must register well in advance of the exam week. The deadline for registration will be announced earlyin each semester.

Length of examsEach exam will be 30 minutes long.

Choice of subjectsThe subjects for at least two of the three exams must be selected from a menu of core subjects. Descriptions

of the level and content of the exams in each of these core subject areas follow below. The subjects are:

Fluid mechanicsHeat transferMachine designSolid mechanicsSystem dynamics and controlThermodynamics

The third exam can also come from the above menu, or can be on any custom subject of the student’schoosing, provided that a suitable committee (see below) can be constituted. Examples of possible subjectsinclude aerosol science, biomechanics, bioheat and mass transfer, numerical methods, plasma science, vibrationengineering, etc. These examples are meant to be purely illustrative, as the intent is to allow a flexible choice ofthe third exam, that reflects the student’s interests.

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Examining committeesThe committee for each oral exam will consist of two members of the ME graduate faculty. The adviser

cannot be on the committee. In the case of multiple students taking the same subject exam, each student willhave the same committee, insofar as that is possible while still excluding the adviser. If that cannot be arranged,then excluding the adviser will have priority over maintaining the same committee for each student. The DGSis responsible for setting up committees and scheduling the exams.

Evaluation of examsImmediately following each exam, each of the two examiners will independently grade the student’s

performance on a 10-point scale. If an examiner sees more than one student for the same exams in thesame subject, then he/she can revise their grades for consistency after they are all done.

Shortly after the exams are completed there will be a special meeting of the ME Graduate Faculty. At thismeeting all the raw scores will be presented and discussed, and final decisions will be made regarding pass, failwith retake (at most one retake allowed) or fail without retake allowed. The adviser of each student beingconsidered can participate in this discussion. If the result is fail with retake, then the student must retake theentire examination, i.e. he/she must take three exams again, though not necessarily the same three. Retake ofthe exams must occur during the oral qualifying exam week of the next semester. For cases where a studentperforms poorly on a retake of the oral qualifying exams, the adviser’s input will be considered before makingthe decision whether to fail the student and terminate him or her from the Ph.D. program.

Topical content or exams in core subject areasThe following pages contain descriptions of the topical content of the oral qualifying exams in the six core

subject areas.

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Ph.D. Oral Qualifying Examination in Fluid Mechanics

BackgroundThe qualifying examination in fluid mechanics will be used to assess the candidate’s understanding of fluidmechanics at an advanced undergraduate level. The successful candidate will demonstrate a workingknowledge of hydrostatics, conservation of mass, conservation of linear momentum, conservation of energy,Lagrangian and Eulerian descriptions (frames of reference) as well as similitude and the Buckingham Pi theorem.These subject areas are present in the vast majority of undergraduate fluid mechanics courses/programs, andare the minimum required to enter a graduate-level course in fluid dynamics. Students should demonstrate asystematic approach to fluid systems analysis.

Topics that may be covered

• Hydrostatics (thermodynamics approach and force balances)

• Fluid kinematics, acceleration, Eulerian and Lagrangian descriptions

• System and Control Volume analysis, Reynolds transport theorem

• Incompressible Bernoulli equation and Euler’s equation, understanding their advantages and limitations

• General motion of a fluid element; differential analysis of a fluid element

• Conservation of mass, momentum, and energy

• Buckingham’s Pi theorem, dimensional analysis, similitude

• Viscous flows, e.g. pipe flows; planar Couette flow; lubrication; thin films; venturis, orifice plates,obstruction meters

• Boundary layers—laminar and turbulent: both fundamental understanding and appreciation for the roleof boundary layers in external and internal flows; developing flows; lift and drag

• Understanding of important dimensionless groups in fluid mechanics, including Reynolds number, Machnumber, Weber number, Froude or Richardson number, etc.

Relevant courses (at the University of Minnesota)

• ME 3332, Thermal Sciences II (essential)

• ME 5341, Thermal Design (beneficial)

• ME 5344, Thermodynamics of Fluid Flow (beneficial)

Suggested references

Young, D.F., Munson, B.R., and Okiishi, T.H., Introduction to Fluid Mechanics, 5th Edition. John Wiley &Sons, Inc., 2004

Fox, R.W., McDonald, A.T., and Pritchard, P.J. Introduction to Fluid Mechanics, 6th Edition, 2004

White, F.M., Fluid Mechanics, 4th Edition, McGraw Hill, 1999

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Ph.D. Oral Qualifying Examination in Heat Transfer

BackgroundThe qualifying examination in heat transfer will be used to assess the candidate’s understanding of heat transferat an advanced undergraduate level. The successful candidate will demonstrate a working knowledge of themacroscopic and physical basis of the three primary modes of heat transfer: conduction, convection and thermalradiation. Demonstration is required of an ability to analytically apply the Fourier law of conduction and Newton’slaw of cooling, to determine heat transfer rates in steady and transient situations in both one and two dimensions.Familiarity (not memorization) with widely used empirical correlations for forced and free convection is expected.For thermal radiation, candidates are expected to be able to compute heat transfer rates via thermal radiation inenclosures with non-participating gases. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to conceptualize a thermalsystems component or processing involving heat transfer to meet a desired need or engineering objective.


• Thermodynamic foundation of heat transfer; heat transfer defined; Fourier’s law of heat transfer byconduction; thermal conductivity

• Steady thermal conduction in one and two dimensions; planar systems, cylindrical systems, sphericalsystems; overall heat transfer coefficient; insulation & R-values; critical thickness of insulation

• Steady conduction-convection systems; fins & thermal contact resistance; conduction in two dimensions;unsteady heat transfer; lumped system analysis; Heisler charts

• Convection fundamentals; thermal boundary layer concepts; laminar and turbulent flat plate boundarylayers; energy equation in two dimensions; Newton’s law of cooling

• Empirical relationships for engineering systems under forced convection: pipe flows, flow across cylinders,spheres, tube banks

• Fundamentals and empirical relationships for natural convection systems

• Solid understanding of important dimensionless groups in heat transfer, including Reynolds number, Prandtlnumber, Nusselt number, Biot number, Grashof number, etc.

• Radiation heat transfer fundamentals; physical mechanisms; radiation properties; shape factors; radiationnetworks


• ME 3333, Thermal Sciences III (essential)

• ME 4331, Thermal Engineering Laboratory (beneficial)

• ME 5341, Thermal Design (beneficial)


Incropera, F.P., and DeWitt, D.P., Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer, 5th Edition, John Wiley & Sons,Inc., 2002

Holman, J.P., Heat Transfer, 9th Edition, McGraw Hill, 2002

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Ph.D. Oral Qualifying Examination in Machine Design

BackgroundThe machine design qualifying exam covers topics on basic solid mechanics, energy methods, failure theories,kinematics, dynamics, and machine elements. Most mechanical engineering programs address these topicsin undergraduate or beginning graduate level courses in machine design and mechanisms. A detailed list ofpotential topics addressed in this exam is provided below. Courses where these topics are addressed at theUniversity of Minnesota are also provided, as well as textbooks that are recommended for preparing forthis exam.


• Beam analysis; column buckling

• Energy methods: Castigliano’s theorem

• Static failure theories; fatigue analysis

• Degrees of freedom

• Displacement analysis: graphical & analytical displacement analysis; analysis of the four-bar linkage(& slider-crank); Grashof’s criteria

• Velocity analysis: general velocity equation; velocity polygons; instant centers; analytical velocityanalysis; mechanical advantage; transmission angle

• Acceleration analysis: general acceleration equation; acceleration polygons; analytical accel-erationanalysis

• Mechanism dynamics: free body diagrams; parallel axis theorem; Newton’s second law;D’Alembert’s principle; work, energy and power; impulse and momentum; spring-mass-damper systems;friction

• Gears: the involute profile; types of gears; simple gear trains; planetary gear trains; tooth forces

• Machine element design, selection and analysis: shafts, bearings, bolts, screws, springs

Relevant Courses (at the University of Minnesota)• AEM 2021, Statics and Dynamics, or AEM 2012, Dynamics• ME 3221 & 3222, Design & Manufacturing I & II• ME 3281, System Dynamics & Control

Suggested referencesBeer, Ferdinand P., Johnston, Jr., E. Russell, & Eisenberg, Elliot R., Vector Mechanics for Engineers:

Dynamics, Seventh Edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2004Close, C. M., Frederick, D. K., and Newell, J. C., Modeling and Analysis of Dynamic Systems, Third

Edition. New York, NY: Wiley, 2002 (Chapters 2 & 5)Erdman, Arthur G., Sandor, George N., and Kota, Sridhar, Mechanism Design: Analysis and Synthesis,

Volume I, Fourth Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 2001Juvinall, R. C., and Marshek, K. M., Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, Fourth Edition, Hoboken,

NJ: Wiley, 2006Ogata, Katsuhiko, System Dynamics, Third Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1998 (Chapter 3)Shigley, J. E., Mischke, C. R., and Budynas, R. G., Mechanical Engineering Design, Boston, MA:

McGraw-Hill, 2004

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Ph.D. Oral Qualifying Examination in Solid Mechanics

BackgroundThis examination is intended to assess both mastery of subject matter and ability to apply basic concepts in

the analysis of mechanical systems. The general exam content is the description of loads, deformations, strainsand stresses in deformable bodies subjected to complex loading, as studied in a course on the mechanics ofmaterials and used in numerical stress analysis.

The typical solid mechanics content of undergraduate mechanical engineering curricula cul-minates with acourse on deformable body mechanics. Prerequisite knowledge for the determi-nation of structural loads andreactions for use in deformable body analyses is provided in courses on statics and dynamics.

As numerical methods are a basic skill in engineering analysis, there is a numerical simula-tion component ofthe examination. The emphasis of the finite element stress analysis part of the examination is the creation anduse of numerical models that accurately represent reality, not a review of the basic formulation of finite elementsand solution procedures.


Analytical and numerical analyses

• Description of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional elastic stress states

• Elastic stress-strain relations in 2-dimensions and 3-dimensions

• Determination of internal reaction forces, moments, torques

• Compatibility of deformations

• Determination of stresses in structures

Complex mechanical structures requiring 3-dimensional analysis

• Combined stresses

• Stress transformations: equations, graphical representation (Mohr circle representation); determina-tionof stress state at arbitrary orientation; principal stresses, principal strains, maximum shear stress

• Useful, special stress states (e.g., plane stress, plane strain)

Finite element modeling

• Accurate representation of reality

• 2-D vs. 3-D models, boundary conditions, applied loading

• Choice of element type

• Mesh refinement

• Evaluation of results


• AEM 3031, Deformable Body Mechanics• ME 5221, Computer-Assisted Product Realization• ME 5228, Introduction to Finite Element Modeling, Analysis, and Design• ME 5241, Computer-Aided Engineering

Suggested referencesMechanics of Materials, J. M. Gere and S. P. Timoshenko (or Gere’s Mechanics of Materials)Mechanics for Materials, F. P. Beer, E. R. JohnstonAn Introduction to the Mechanics of Solids, S. H. Crandall, N. Dahl and T. J. LardnerFinite Element Modeling for Stress Analysis, R. D. CookANSYS: Release 10.0 Documentation - , Introduction: Basis Analysis Guide, Chapter 1, Getting

Started with ANSYS, Tutorials related to Structural Analysis

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Ph.D. Oral Qualifying Examination in System Dynamics and Control

BackgroundThe system dynamics and control exam covers modeling, analysis and design as detailed below. Background forthe system dynamics and control exam is contained in standard courses on system dynamics and control foundin virtually all mechanical engineering departments. References below are to texts that cover the expectedbackground.


• Formulation of models of mechanical, electrical, fluid, thermal and mixed energy domain systems.Identification of energy sources, energy storage elements, energy dissipative elements and energy transformingelements. Model simplifications including lumping, linearizing nonlinear elements and neglecting small effects.Models in state-variable or input-output form.

• Derivation and analysis of system response. Response of first and second order systems. Time constant,undamped natural frequency, damped natural frequency and damping ratio. Solution of initial value problemsusing the Laplace transform method. Frequency response of a system and Bode plots. Block diagrams andblock diagram algebra. System transfer functions and poles and zeros. The effect of pole and zero locationson system response and stability.

• Design of SISO (single input, single output) feedback control system for a linear time-invariant system.Transient response specifications such as rise time, settling time and peak overshoot. PID (proportional plusintegral plus derivative) control. Lead-lag and lag-lead control. System “type.” Final value theorem to findsteady-state errors to standard (step, ramp, etc.) inputs in command and disturbance. Controller designusing root locus. Stability analysis using the Routh-Hurwitz method. Design of a control system usingfrequency response. Gain margin, phase margin and bandwidth.


• ME 3281, System Dynamics and Control

• ME 5281, Analog and Digital Control Systems


R. H. Cannon, Jr., Dynamics of Physical Systems

C. M. Close, D. K. Frederick and J. C. Newell, Modeling and Analysis of Dynamic Systems

R. C. Dorf and R. H. Bishop, Modern Control Systems

G. F. Franklin, J. D. Powell and A. Emami-Naeini, Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems

K. Ogata, Modern Control Engineering

K. Ogata, System Dynamics

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Ph.D. Oral Qualifying Examination in Thermodynamics

BackgroundThe qualifying examination in thermodynamics will be used to assess the candidate’s understanding ofthermodynamics at an advanced undergraduate level. The successful candidate will demonstrate a workingknowledge of conservation of mass, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, and property relationships ofsingle and two-phase fluids. The exam will assess the knowledge of these topics in the context of engineeringsystems, such as pumps, compressors, turbines, nozzles, mixing chambers and valves, using open and closedthermodynamic systems.

Topics covered

• Concept of system, system boundaries, mass and energy transfer across system boundaries, and otherinteractions of system with surroundings

• Conservation of mass and energy

• Thermodynamic properties (density, p-v-T relations, specific heats, internal energy, enthalpy, entropy)

• Ideal gases

• Second law of thermodynamics and its consequences: concept of efficiency, Carnot efficiency,irreversibility, definition of entropy, entropy balance, isentropic and non-isentropic processes

• Analysis of power and refrigeration cycles

• Gas vapor mixtures: Dalton’s law, mixture specific heats, psychrometrics, mixture properties

• Thermodynamics of reacting flows: combustion, adiabatic flame temperature, enthalpy of combustion,enthalpy of formation, chemical equilibrium


• ME 3331, Thermal Sciences I (essential)

• ME 5103, Thermal Environmental Engineering (beneficial)

• ME 5344, Thermodynamics of Fluid Flow (beneficial)

• ME 5446, Combustion (beneficial)

• ME 5461, IC Engines (beneficial)

• ME 5462, Gas Turbines (beneficial)


Moran, M.J., and Shapiro, H.N., Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics, 5th Edition. John Wiley &Sons, Inc., 2004

Sonntag, R.E., Borgnakke, C., and Van Wylen, G.J., Fundamentals of Thermodynamics, 6th Edition, JohnWiley & Sons, Inc., 2003

Cengel, Y.A., and Boles, M.A., Thermodynamics: an Engineering Approach, 4th Edition, McGraw Hill, 2002

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Written Preliminary Examination

The written preliminary exam will be constituted by the Ph.D. thesis proposal.

TimingAfter passing the oral qualifying exams students are eligible to take the written preliminary exam. For

students who enter the Ph.D. program after completion of an M.S. in mechanical engineering, the writtenpreliminary exam should be taken by their third semester in the Ph.D. program. For students who enter thePh.D. program without an M.S. in ME, the written preliminary exam should be taken by the fifth semester.While there is no fixed due date for submitting the exam, it is recommended that students submit it early enoughin the semester (roughly, by the 8th week), to allow time for the exam to be evaluated and then, if approved, toschedule the oral preliminary exam within the same semester.

Form of examThe written preliminary exam will consist of a written thesis proposal. This proposal must explain the

motivations and significance of the proposed research, must state the research objectives, and must describethe methods by which they will be achieved. It must include a detailed critical review of the major literature onthe topic of the proposal. This review should indicate the current state of understanding of the topic and shoulddescribe how the proposed research, if successful, will contribute to that understanding.

Students are expected to write the thesis proposal independently, although the adviser can be consultedduring the process of formulating the proposal. Editorial assistance is permitted only with regard to spellingand correct grammatical usage. If such assistance is used, the student must certify that no assistance wasprovided other than in correcting spelling and grammar, and must identify the person who provided this assistance.

Examining committeeThe committee for the written preliminary exam will consist of the adviser(s) and at least two other members

of the mechanical engineering graduate faculty. Normally these will be the same faculty as will subsequentlyserve on the student’s oral preliminary exam committee, minus the committee member who represents theminor or supporting program.

Evaluation of the examThe written preliminary exam must be judged satisfactory by all members of the examining committee

before the student can take the oral preliminary exam. All members of the committee must indicate that theyapprove the exam. If one or more members of the committee deem the exam to be unsatisfactory, then thecommittee must meet to decide what improvements will be required, and the adviser must convey this informationto the student in writing. In that case the student must submit a revised thesis proposal to his/her committee bya specified date. The committee must then decide whether the revised examination is acceptable. If thecommittee decides that it is not acceptable, then the student will be terminated from the Ph.D. program.

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Oral Preliminary Examination

The oral preliminary exam will consist of a seminar presented by the student on his/her proposed research,followed by questions from the examining committee concerning the proposed research and related material.

TimingThe oral preliminary exam should be taken as soon as possible after the student has passed the written

preliminary exam, preferably the same semester if that can be scheduled.

Examining committeesThe examining committee will be the same as for the written preliminary exam, with the addition of at least

one member from the minor or supporting program. (In cases where the student is coadvised, and at least oneof the advisers has graduate faculty standing in a minor or supporting program, the committees for the writtenand oral exams can be identical.)

Form of examThe exam will consist of an oral presentation by the student on his/her proposed research, and of questioning

by the committee about the proposed research. The length of the presentation should be approximately 30minutes, if it were not interrupted by questioning. The total length of the exam should not exceed two hours.

The exam emphasizes the following:

• understanding of research topic• ability to formulate a hypothesis or research plan• demonstration of independence and creativity in solving problems• ability to think logically• ability to communicate• ability to adequately respond to critical questioning by faculty• demonstration of fluency with the basic concepts that apply to the selected research area

Contents of visual aids used in any presentation, including slides, overheads, etc., must be the student’s work,or must be appropriately attributed.

The adviser(s) cannot take any role in presenting the material to the rest of the committee or interpreting andresponding to questions.

It is up to the committee to decide whether to allow anyone other than committee members to attend thepresentation portion of the oral preliminary examination. Under normal circumstances, this examination isclosed to the public.

The examination is immediately followed by a deliberation of the committee on whether the student passed,passed with reservations, or failed. Voting complies with Graduate School policies:

“The outcome of the examination, with all committee members present and voting, is recorded in one ofthree ways: pass, pass with reservations, or fail. The voting proportions necessary for these decisions are asfollows: if the commitee consists of four members, a favorable verdict for passing consists of either a unanimousvote or 3-1; if the committee consists of five members, a favorable verdict for passing consists of either aunanimous vote or a vote of 4-1; if the committee consists of six members, a unanimous vote or a vote of 5-1or 4-2 is needed. Candidates who do not earn committee votes in these proportions fail the examination. If,in order to achieve the minimum number of votes to reach a verdict of pass, any vote of pass with reservations

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is included, then the outcome will be recorded as a pass with reservations. A vote to pass the student withreservations still constitutes a passing vote.”

Note that the Graduate School requires the following procedures if the committee decides that the studenthas PASSED THE EXAMINATION WITH RESERVATIONS:

“...the student is informed immediately, but the committee is permitted one week in which to convey itsreservations to the student in writing, informing the student of the steps that must be taken to remove them. Acopy of this letter must be sent to the Graduate School. When the student has satisfied the committee’sreservations, a second letter informing the student and the Graduate School that the reservations have beenremoved and that the student may proceed toward the degree is also required. Both letters should be writtenby the committee chair. The final oral examination may not be scheduled until the Graduate School hasreceived a copy of the letter indicating that the reservations have been removed.

“If the committee members disagree as to whether the reservations have been satisfactorily removed, thecommittee chair asks for another vote, the results of which are subject to the same voting proportions as theinitial vote. If the student is unable to satisfy the committee’s reservations, his or her doctoral candidacy andgraduate student status may be terminated.”

It is within the prerogative of the preliminary oral examining committee to decide on additional steps requiredto remove those reservations. If the committee so chooses, the student can retake part(s) of the oral preliminaryexam, but only one repetition is allowed. The committee will specify the format and the date for that exam.This examination will be held as soon as possible.

Final Thesis Examining Committee

The final thesis examining committee is assigned within three months after the successful completion of thedoctoral preliminary exams by filing the thesis proposal form with the Graduate School. The Director ofGraduate Studies will approve the members of this committee based on the adviser’s recommendation. Thecommittee will normally consist of faculty members who served on the Preliminary Oral Examination committee.The final oral examining committee requires at least four members: the adviser(s) and at least two othermembers of the mechanical engineering graduate faculty, and at least member with graduate faculty membershipin the minor or supporting program.

XII. CHANGE OF STATUS

The Graduate School charges a $40.00 fee for all Change of Status requests. You must file a Changeof Status form with the Graduate School, 309 Johnston Hall, if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You have completed your M.S. and want to pursue a Ph.D.• You are majoring in M.E.or I.E. and would rather major in something else.• You are majoring in M.E. or I.E. and want to add a second major.• You have not completed your M.S. but want to switch to a Ph.D.• You have not registered in the Graduate School within the past fall or spring term.• You have completed your Ph.D., but would still like to take more courses

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XIII. ANNUAL REVIEWS OF GRADUATE STUDENTPROGRESS

The performance and progress of all graduate students in the Mechanical Engineering Department isevaluated annually by their advisers. This evaluation occurs during the latter part of spring semester, in ameeting between the student and the adviser. Around April 1 all advisers receive a form for each of theiradvisees, which contains information such as the student’s beginning date in the graduate program, number ofcredits completed, GPA, and milestones such as filing of program of study, completion of Ph.D. preliminaryexams, and so forth. This form is meant to inform the adviser and also to serve as the starting point for adiscussion of the student’s progress. The adviser indicates, if appropriate, whether performance in research issatisfactory, and is asked to comment. The form is then signed by the adviser, the student, and finally the DGS,and is added to the student’s file.

XIV. MAIL, MAILBOXES, BUILDING KEYS

Each full-time graduate student who is on appointment by the Mechanical Engineering Department isgiven a mailbox upon check-in. You will automatically be assigned a mailbox by the payroll office.

Postings are distributed through mailboxes and electronic mailboxes. If you do not have a departmentalemail account, please see section XV Computing Facilities.

The department supplies building and room keys by having the division chairman or faculty memberresponsible for the laboratory area, contacting Jeanne Sitzmann at [email protected]. Jeanne Sitzmann,1120 Mech. Eng., can then give you the keys that have been requested.

See the head of your division for an office assignment.

XV. STUDENT SHOP

The Student Shop, 180 ME, is a facility available to Mechanical Engineering students for benchworkand basic and precision machining. All users of the shop are required to view a series of shop training videos,which cover safety, lathes, and milling machines. Aside from basic hand tools, major equipment now includesseven lathes, five vertical type manual milling machines, two CNC mills, a power hacksaw, two band-saws, acold saw, a drill press, two pedestal grinders, a belt sander, a jointer, and associated tooling.

In an effort to make information available, an assortment of catalogs, manuals, and a current ThomasRegister are conspicuously located and easily accessible for all to use. Consulting on material availability,outside businesses, vendor products and services, possible design, machining capabilities of the shop andrelated topics is encouraged and carried out in an informal manner, on a walk-in basis.

General rules and information about the student shop can be found on the Mechanical Engineeringweb page at: <http://www.me.umn.edu> under Support Functions & Facilities, Student Machine Shop orcontact Mel Chapin in ME 180 (178E) for assistance.

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XVI. COMPUTING FACILITIES

Two major computer facilities are available for graduate students within the Mechanical EngineeringDepartment: the Institute of Technology Instructional Computing Labs (ITICC), and the MechanicalEngineering Department Computing Labs. Graduate students in mechanical / industrial engineering mayrequest usage of either or both facilities, as described below.

There are two main departmental computing labs which are accessible to graduate students - ME 10and ME 472. They are fully networked; registered users are invited to freely move between the labs. Accountsfor these facilities are requested by printing out a New Account Request Form from http://www.menet.umn.eduand submitting it to the ME Net Office in ME 152. Users must also pick up an access card from JeanneSitzmann, 1120 M.E. You must bring a deposit check for $20.00, payable to the University of Minnesota, andyour U-card to obtain an access card.

All workstations and personal computers are networked into the campus-wide Ethernet TCP/IP fiber-optic-based network. From the network, the workstations have access to other computing resources, such asthe supercomputer facilities of the Minnesota Supercomputer Center and the Army High Performance ComputingResearch Center. Access the ME Webpage for an up-to-date list of accessible facilities.

Graduate students obtain accounts for using the labs of the Institute of Technology InstructionalComputing Committee (ITICC) by paying the semester ITICC computing fee. The fee-payment procedure isdescribed in the Class Schedule. All fee-paying students receive a permanent, personal file space of 10MB.Additional space of up to 50MB per class per semester is allocated to students enrolled in classes utilizingITICC labs.

The lab in ME 308 is equipped with Silicon Graphics workstations, IBM Pentium-based personalcomputers, Hewlett-Packard high-capacity laser printers, color printers, and a CAD plotter. Both theworkstations and personal computers are networked to dual UNIX servers. All machines are equipped withsufficient local memory and disk resources to meet the demands of all software used in the lab.

The SGI workstations are used to run leading mechanical-design software packages, includingParametric Technology Corporation’s “Pro/ENGINEER”, ANSYS Inc.’s “ANSYS”, and Mechanical DynamicsCorporation’s “ADAMS”. Additionally, the workstations provide experience in a networked computingenvironment for software development. Students can also access general-purpose computational softwaresuch as “Mathematica” and “MATLAB” for course and project usage.

The IBM Personal Computers provide access to general-purpose office software. All machines are equippedwith “Word” for word processing, “Excel” for spreadsheet analysis, “PowerPoint” for professional-qualityviewgraph preparation, and “Mathematica” for symbolic manipulation. These programs are available forpreparing student reports, presentations, and homework for any class. Additionally, the Personal Computersare used to run engineering-based computer applications.

All software available in the Mechanical Engineering and ITICC labs is strictly limited to academicusage only. The software may be used for coursework and research directly attributed to your graduateprogram only. The software cannot be used for consulting under any circumstances. No licensed softwaremay be copied or removed from the labs.

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APPENDIX A: THESIS BINDING INFORMATION

There are two recommended local establishments who offer binding/photocopying services:

U of MN Bindery 625-1092G-14 Coffman Memorial Union

Copying: 18¢ per page (cotton bond paper) 12¢ per page (regular bond)Binding: $19.00 per volume

Time: Allow at least one week for production.Payment: They will bill the student, but they will not release the copies (except the copies that go to

the Graduate School) until the bill is paid.

Kinko’s 651-687-0890Business Office

Copying: 25¢ per page (cotton bond paper)Binding/ $24.95 per volume (4-5 days)

Time: $35.00 per volume (2 day rush)$55.00 per volume (1 day turnaround - available the next weekday p.m.)

Payment: Cash / check / credit card upon pickup

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APPENDIX B: APPROVED MATHEMATICS / NUMERICAL METHODS COURSESListed below are the approved courses that will satisfy the mathematics / numerical methods requirement inpartial fulfillment of your graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, course must be taken A/F.

Aerospace EngineeringAEM 5251. Computational Fluid Mechanics.AEM 8201. Fluid Mechanics I.AEM 8251. Finite-Volume Methods in Computational Fluid Dynamics.

Chemical EngineeringCHEN 8201. Applied Mathematics I: Linear Analysis.CHEN 8202. Applied Mathematics II: Nonlinear Analysis.

Civil EngineeringCE 8022. Numerical Methods for Free and Moving Boundary Problems.CE 8336. Boundary Element Methods I.CE 8337. Boundary Element Methods II.CE 8401. Fundamentals of Finite Element Method.CE 8402. Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis.CE 8572. Computational Environmental Fluid Dynamics.

Computer ScienceCSCI 5302. Analysis of Numerical Algorithms.CSCI 5304. Computational Aspects of Matrix Theory.CSCI 8314. Iterative Methods for Linear Systems.CSCI 8323. Numerical Solutions of Linear Least Square Problems.CSCI 8363. Numerical Linear Algebra in Dynamical Systems.

Electrical EngineeringEE 5231. Linear Systems and Optimal Control .

Geological EngineeringGEOE 8336. Boundary Element Methods I.GEOE 8337. Boundary Element Methods II.

Industrial EngineeringIE 5522. Quality Engineering and Reliability.IE 5531. Engineering Optimization I.IE 8531. Engineering Optimization II.IE 8532. Stochastic Processes and Queuing Systems.

MathematicsMATH 4512. Differential Equations with ApplicationsMATH 5481. Mathematics of Industrial Problems I.MATH 5482. Mathematics of Industrial Problems II.MATH 5485. Introduction to Numerical Methods I.MATH 5486. Introduction to Numerical Methods II.MATH 5487. Comp.Methods for Differential and Integral Equations in Engineering Science I.MATH 5488. Computational Methods for Differential and Integral Equations in Eng Science II.MATH 5525. Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations.MATH 5583. Complex Analysis.MATH 5587. Elementary Partial Differential Equations I.MATH 5615H. Honors: Introduction to Analysis I.MATH 5651. Basic Theory of Probability and Statistics.

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MATH 5711. Linear Programming and Combinatorial Optimization.MATH 8365. Riemannian Geometry.MATH 8366. Riemannian Geometry.MATH 8385. Calculus of Variations and Minimal Surfaces.MATH 8386. Calculus of Variations and Minimal Surfaces.MATH 8387. Mathematical Modeling of Industrial Problems.MATH 8388. Mathematical Modeling of Industrial Problems.MATH 8401. Mathematical Modeling and Methods of Applied Mathematics.MATH 8402. Mathematical Modeling and Methods of Applied Mathematics.MATH 8431. Mathematical Fluid Mechanics.MATH 8432. Mathematical Fluid Mechanics.MATH 8441. Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing.MATH 8442. Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing.MATH 8445. Numerical Analysis of Differential Equations.MATH 8446. Numerical Analysis of Differential Equations.MATH 8450. Topics in Numerical Analysis.MATH 8501. Theory of Ordinary Differential Equations.MATH 8502. Dynamical Systems and Differential Equations.MATH 8503. Bifurcation Theory in Ordinary Differential Equations.MATH 8581. Applications of Linear Operator Theory.MATH 8582. Applications of Linear Operator Theory.MATH 8583. Theory of Partial Differential Equations.MATH 8584. Theory of Partial Differential Equations.MATH 8651. Theory of Probability Including Measure Theory.MATH 8652. Theory of Probability Including Measure Theory.MATH 8654. Fundamentals of Probability Theory and Stochastic Processes.MATH 8655. Stochastic Calculus with Applications.MATH 8659. Stochastic Processes.MATH 8701. Complex Analysis.MATH 8702. Complex Analysis.

Mechanical EngineeringME 5228. Introduction to Finite Element Modeling, Analysis, and Design.ME 5351. Computational Heat Transfer.ME 8228. Finite Elements in Multidisciplinary Flow/Thermal/Stress and Man. Applications.ME 8229. Finite Element Methods for Computational Mechanics: Transient/Dynamic Problems.ME 8253. Computational Nanomechanics.ME 8341. Advanced Heat Transfer I.ME 8345. Computational Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow.

PhysicsPHYS 5041. Analytical and Numerical Methods of Physics I.PHYS 5042. Analytical and Numerical Methods of Physics II.

Scientific ComputingSCIC 8021. Advanced Numerical Methods.SCIC 8031. Modeling, Optimization, and Statistics.SCIC 8041. Computational Aspects of Finite Element Methods.

StatisticsSTAT 5021. Statistical Analysis.STAT 5101. Theory of Statistics I.STAT 5102. Theory of Statistics II.STAT 5303. Designing Experiments.

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University of Minnesota Graduate School Degree Program I.D. No. Degree Sought

Last Name First Middle or Former Major

Street Minor (if declared)

City State Zip Language (if required)

COMPLETING DEGREE UNDER Qtr Sem REQUIREMENTS

CHECK ONE

# of credits

TERM

AND

YEAR Major

Course

Other

Prog.

Course

DEPT. & COURSE

NO.

TITLE

Qtr.

Sem.

GRADE

INSTRUCTOR (OR

INSTITUTION IF

TRANSFER)

MASTERS STUDENTS ONLY-Check one

PLAN A

PLAN B

PROF. ENGINEERING DEGREE:

Check One PROJECT TRACK COURSEWORK ONLY TRACK OTHER

CERTIFICATE OF SPECIALIST STUDENTS

ONLY: SPECIFY SPECIALTY

PRINT ADVISOR’S NAME HERE

ADVISER’S SIGNATURE

PRINT CO-ADVISER’S NAME HERE

CO-ADVISER’S SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE OF DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE

STUIES (MAJOR FIELD)

SIGNATURE OF DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE

STUDEIS (MINOR FIELD)

SPACE BELOW FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

GRADUATE SCHOOL APPROVAL

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER DATE

EXAMINING COMMITTEE

F98 X ME 806 Mech. Instability 3 B+ UW Madison

W99 X ME 8370 Exper. Methods in HT 4 BW99 X CSCi 5301 Numerical Comp. 4 BS99 X ME 8227 Fin.Elem in Metal . 4 AS99 X ME 8773 Mechanical Eng.Sem 1 SS99 X EE 5636 Optical System Design 4 A-F00 X ME 8221 New Product Dev I 4 B

F00 X IE 5553 Sim. of Mfg.Systems 4 BS00 X ME 8222 New Product Dev. II 4 A-S00 X ME 8794 Mech. Eng. Rsrch 4 A

TOTAL MAJOR CREDITS____ TOTAL OTHER PROGRAM CREDITS ____ TOTAL CREDITS ____

Quarter CreditsCourses taken under a

quarter system. Includethe number of credits

originally listed on yourtranscript as quarter

credits. Also include theinstructor's name.

Semester CreditsCourses taken under a

semester system. Includethe number of credits

originally listed on yourtranscript as semester

credits. Also include theinstructor's name.

Your TOTAL CREDITS countshould be the sum of all of yourcourse credits.

Adviser’s SignatureThis is required before yousubmit this form to 1120

M.E.

DGS SignatureMajor Field

The DGS will approveyour program if it fulfills

the minimumrequirements for your

degree.

DGS SignatureMinor Field

If you are declaring aminor, you will need to

obtain this signature beforeyou submit this form to

1120 M.E.

Sample Degree Program Form(also see Core Program Criteria, section VIII)

Your TOTAL MAJOR CREDITS count shouldbe the sum of your credits applied to the 'Major'category.

Your TOTAL OTHER PROGRAM CREDITS countshould be the sum of your credits applied to the 'OtherProgram' category.

F98 X ME 566 Cryogenics 3 A- UW Madison

F98 X ME 418 Eng. Des w/Polymers 3 B UW Madison

Transfer CreditsInclude any transfer work

taken at anotherinstitution, using the

original credit counts.Also include the institution

name.

ME 8777 Thesis Credits 10

NOTE: If you are completing a thesis,include thesis credits at the bottom ofthe page, but do not include them inthe TOTAL CREDITS section.

27 9.33 36.33

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