Mechanical Mechanical EngineeringEngineering

ISU Research Experience for Teachers ISU Research Experience for Teachers 20102010

Group Members: Lance Maffin, Tracy Group Members: Lance Maffin, Tracy Pearson, Ella Speigel & Eric HallPearson, Ella Speigel & Eric Hall

Research, design, develop, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices

It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the design, production, and operation of machines and tools.

It is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines.

Mechanical engineering applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems.

Nature of the WorkNature of the Work

Tracy P.

College of Engineering: Mechanical Engineering Students learn to create and build machines, devices,

and systems that perform useful services. Mechanical engineers are typically involved

with such activities as: generation, distribution, and use of energy development and application of manufacturing systems

and processes automation and control of mechanical and thermal

systems design of various products for consumer and commercial

markets

Specialized TrainingSpecialized Training

Ella S.

Mechanical engineering students : study the principles of motion, energy, and force, in the

classroom and in some of Iowa State's laboratories. have access to the Visualization Lab, the C4 and C6 virtual

reality environments, and the laser lab. Mechanical engineering education prepares the

students for a wide range of careers, including: Product research and development Design Product manufacturing, testing, quality assurance, marketing,

operation, and management.

Student Type/Pre-College Student Type/Pre-College TrainingTraining

Minimum High School Course Requirements for Admission to Iowa State University English/Language Arts - 4 years Mathematics - 3 years Including one year each of

algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra. Science - 3 years, including 1 year each of 2 of

the following: biology, chemistry & physics Social Studies - 2 years

Additional entrance requirements for the Colleges of Engineering and Liberal Arts and Sciences – All of the above, plus two years of a single foreign language.

Mechanical engineers held about 239,000 jobs in 2008, second only to civil engineers

6% job growth over the next 8-10 years, which is slower than the average for all occupations

Emerging new areas of growth for mechanical engineers include biotechnology, nanotechnology and materials science.

M.E.s are in demand because a ME degree can be used as a springboard into virtually any other branch of engineering

The median income of a ME is $74,900.

EmploymentEmployment

Eric H.

The following are two examples of grants awarded to mechanical engineers.• Developing microfluidic human liver model

(miniature human liver bioreactor) to study viral infection and alcohol effects on the liver.

• Explore new composite nano-manufacturing methods to enhance mechanical integrity of biopolymers using functionalized nanodiamond and to investigate a new micro porous structure which will assist in bioactive reagent delivery in surgical devices.

Current ResearchCurrent Research

Lance M.