MECHANICAL Engineering

Cutting-edge research and hands-on learning across diverse fields such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, robotics, aerospace, and nanotechnology. Our graduates are equipped to tackle complex global challenges with a strong foundation in design, analysis, and sustainable solutions.

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MECHANICAL Engineering Overview

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine offers a comprehensive educational journey, from undergraduate to doctoral studies, with exciting research opportunities at every level. Faculty expertise spans areas including renewable energy, advanced materials, robotics, aerospace engineering, biomechanics, and computational mechanics, providing students with a dynamic and interdisciplinary learning environment.

Research highlights include innovations in offshore wind energy systems, 3D printing for sustainable manufacturing, bio-inspired aerospace design, robotics for rehabilitation, and nanoscale thermal energy transport. With state-of-the-art facilities and collaborations across industry and academia, UMaine’s Mechanical Engineering program prepares students to lead in fields critical to addressing societal and environmental challenges. Join a vibrant community committed to innovation, problem-solving, and creating a sustainable future.

Latest Innovations & Updates

Boosting Clean Energy Workforce

Dr. Justin Lapp is leading a clean energy workforce training program at the University of Maine. The program is aimed at establishing graduate and undergraduate certificate programs in building science analysis and design with the goal of reaching 200 students and working professionals.
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Advancing Graduate Education

Prof. Zhihe Jin has published his second textbook in support of graduate education in different fields of engineering. Engineering Analysis: Advanced Mathematical Methods for Engineers, composed of four parts with over 450 pages, covers a wide range of topics with numerous example problems pertinent to advanced engineering analysis, especially in mechanical, aerospace, and civil engineering.

Digital Twin Technology to Revolutionize Turbine Installation

Through a roughly $300,000 EAGER grant from the National Science Foundation, Assistant Prof. Amrit Verma is using scaled model testing and generative AI to develop a digital twin that enhances the safety and efficiency. Read More

Empowering Engineering Students

In recognition of the importance of making college education more accessible to promising low-income students in Maine, NSF has awarded a $750,000 grant to  Dr. Alex Friess and his co-investigators in support of a project for Building Bridges for Engineering Students.
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Showcasing Research at UMaine Student Symposium

Nearly two dozen graduate and undergraduate students in mechanical engineering showcased their research endeavors at the recent annual UMaine Student Symposium.
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Offering a New Concentration in Offshore Wind Energy

Starting Spring 2024, undergraduates can pursue a concentration in Offshore Wind Energy alongside Aerospace Engineering. This complements our graduate program and supports research in floating offshore wind technology. Interested students should contact Dr. Amrit Verma.

Senior Capstone Projects on Display

Many members of the Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board were on campus to judge the posters and presentations of the year-long capstone projects by nearly 100 seniors. Twenty teams showcased their projects ranging from Underwater Camera Drones to Two-Phase-Flow Wind Tunnel, and Rainwater Energy Harvesting.

Understanding Behavior of Deforming Rocks

With support from the National Science Foundation, Prof. Senthil Vel is collaborating with colleagues in UMaine School of Earth and Climate Sciences and several international researchers to better understand and quantify the influence of tectonic plate movement on stress and flow laws in rocks.
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Extending Research in Wearable Robotics

Through a $432,000 grant from the National Institute on Aging of NIH, Dr. Babak Hejrati and his research team will continue their innovative research on wearable robotics for gait training of older adults.
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Decarbonizing Through Engineering

Through a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Dr. Justin Lapp and his co-investigators will be conducting research aimed at Solar Decarbonization of Paraffin Dehydrogenation Through Particle Heat Carriers. The project team will design, fabricate, and test catalyst pellets. They will build and simulate a prototype proof-of-concept reactor. Read More

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Concentrations

Offshore Wind Energy

Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering students can earn a Concentration in Offshore Wind Energy by completing three courses (9 credits) in offshore wind with a grade of C or better. At least two courses must be from the core list; all three may be core courses.

Core Courses

  • MEE 480 Wind Energy Engineering
  • MEE 489 Offshore Floating System Design
  • MEE 491 Offshore Wind Farm Engineering

Supporting Courses

  • MEE 441 Manufacturing and Testing of Composites
  • MEE 450 Mechanics of Composite Structures
  • MEE 459 Engineering Optimization
  • MEE 463 Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • MEE 477 Introduction to Structural Dynamics
  • MEE 490 Modern Control Theory & Applications
  • CIE 340 Introduction to Structural Analysis

The offshore wind industry in the United States is expected to experience significant growth in the forthcoming years. The federal government has set an objective of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind power by 2030, which would necessitate a substantial number of skilled workers in this field. Moreover, the Gulf of Maine boasts one of the best offshore wind resources in the country, and Maine’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy has identified offshore wind as a critical sector for the state’s economic growth. Overall, the development of offshore wind in the US and Maine will have a substantial impact on the economy, job market, and environment in the near future.

By completing the concentration, MEE undergraduates will gain skills essential for serving particular roles in the growing offshore wind industry here in Maine and beyond, including understanding socioeconomic and political factors, core wind energy industry concepts, hydrodynamic and structural design of floating platforms, offshore wind farm planning and operation, and/or offshore wind system-specific numerical engineering analysis techniques

For more information on the Undergraduate Offshore Wind Energy, please contact Dr. Amrit Shankar Verma

Aerospace Engineering

Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering students can earn a Concentration in Aerospace Engineering by completing three core courses (9 credits) in aerospace engineering with a grade of C or better.”

Core Courses

  • MEE 348 Introduction to Flight
  • MEE 448 Aircraft Design
  • MEE 449 Aircraft Performance
  • MEE 452 Aircraft and Automobile Structures
  • MEE 462 Dynamics of Fluid Flows
  • MEE 463 Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics

Aerospace Engineering is an ever-evolving and highly challenging career choice. Aerospace engineers are on the leading-edge of that evolution, involved in research, design and development of a wide range of fascinating vehicles, some traveling at astounding speeds through both air and space. These systems can include airplanes, helicopters, satellites, launch vehicles, projectiles, airdrop vehicles, and an ever widening range of unmanned aerial vehicles.

The skills developed in these courses can be applied in a number of different industries including those associated with aerospace science missions, defense missions and commercial applications as well as in the automobile and marine industries.

For more information on the Undergraduate Aerospace Engineering Concentration, please contact Dr. Alex Friess.

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Engineering and Engineering Technology – Similarities and Differences

Many engineering graduates find roles as “engineers”, but the differences between various engineering degree programs and the nature of the jobs they lead to are often unclear. A look at the history of these programs helps to better understand their evolution.

MECHANICAL Engineering and Engineering Technology – Similarities and Differences

Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) are closely related fields, but they differ significantly in focus, educational content, and career paths. ME emphasizes theoretical, conceptual, and analytical design, with students delving deeply into advanced mathematics, physics, and engineering principles. The curriculum often includes courses in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, material science, and system design, preparing graduates to conceptualize, analyze, and develop entirely new systems and technologies. In contrast, MET focuses on the practical application and implementation of engineering principles. Its curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning with applied mathematics, manufacturing processes, automation, and the operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.

Graduates of ME programs, typically earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME), are prepared for careers as design engineers, researchers, and analysts, often working in roles that require innovation and system optimization. Many ME graduates pursue licensure as Professional Engineers (PE), which is essential for certain roles, particularly those involving public infrastructure or high-level responsibility. On the other hand, MET graduates, who earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology (BSMET), are better suited for practical roles in manufacturing, quality control, and system maintenance, focusing on troubleshooting, testing, and implementing designs. While MET graduates may pursue advanced education or licensure, their training is generally oriented toward immediate technical application in the workforce.

Ultimately, the choice between ME and MET depends on individual interests and career goals. ME is ideal for those who enjoy theoretical problem-solving, design, and research, while MET is better suited for individuals who prefer hands-on work, practical problem-solving, and the application of existing engineering methods. Both disciplines play crucial roles in the engineering ecosystem, supporting innovation and functionality in diverse industries.

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Mechanical Engineering

Graduate Programs

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers both MS (thesis & non-thesis options) and PhD degree programs aimed at preparing students for successful careers in industry, R&D, and academia by acquiring strong engineering background and research capabilities. In partnership with the Graduate School, our graduate programs are structured to achieve the established Learning Outcomes.

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Mechanical Engineering Research

Research in Mechanical Engineering at UMaine spans over multiple domains including additive and digital manufacturing, biomechanics, biomimetics, biorobotics, composite materials and structures, computational and experimental fluid dynamics, engineering education, engineering optimization, flight mechanics and flow control, floating offshore structures, materials science and engineering, multiscale solid mechanics, solar-thermal, wind, and wave energy, surrogate modeling, and thermal sciences and engineering. 

Researchers rely on Advanced computing technology for complex computational modeling and simulations, as well as modern laboratories for scientific exploration and experimental investigations in pursuit of innovative technology solutions. Students are active participants in faculty directed research endeavors under federal, state, and industry support. Many research projects are collaborative in nature with partnerships across multiple academic and research units within UMaine and beyond.

Aerodynamics, UAVs, and Aerospace Design

Focuses on the study of airflow, control, and dynamics of aerial vehicles, including drones and aircraft, with applications in harsh environments and bio-inspired aerospace designs.

Faculty and Research Areas

Ahmed Aboelezz, Ph.D.

  • Drones for Harsh Environments
  • Applied Aerodynamics
  • Flight Dynamics and Control of UAVs
  • Wind Energy Systems and Turbine Performance Optimization
  • Bio-Inspired Design and Applications in Aerospace Engineering

Wilhelm “Alex” Friess, Ph.D.

  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Lighter-Than-Air Vehicles
  • Engineering Education
  • Energy Efficiency in Extreme Climates

Kewei Xu, Ph.D.

  • Aircraft Aerodynamics
  • Bluff Body (Ships and Vehicles) Airwakes
  • Active Flow Control
  • Wind Turbine and Turbomachinery Applications

Offshore Wind and Renewable Energy Systems

Covers offshore wind turbines, floating energy structures, tidal energy, and advancements in renewable energy systems to enhance performance and efficiency.

Faculty and Research Areas

Andrew Goupee, Ph.D.

  • Numerical Methods and Model Testing of Floating Offshore Structures
  • Experimental Techniques and Structural Optimization
  • Multiscale Methods for Heterogeneous Materials

Richard Kimball, Ph.D.

  • Offshore Wind Energy: Floating Systems Development and Testing
  • Marine Diesel Engine Performance Testing and Emissions Reduction
  • Low Emissions Fuel Development
  • Tidal Energy Systems

Amrit S. Verma, Ph.D.

  • Offshore Wind Turbine Technology: Installation, Operation, and Maintenance
  • Leading Edge Erosion of Wind Turbine Blades
  • Structural Testing and Finite Element Analysis

Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology

Explores the design, testing, and mechanics of advanced and multifunctional materials, including composites, ceramics, and nanostructures, for various engineering applications.

Faculty and Research Areas

Sharmila Mukhopadhyay, Ph.D.

  • Multifunctional Nanomaterials: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Testing
  • Compact Lightweight Components for Energy, Environment, and Biomedical Applications
  • Surface and Interface Phenomena

Combustion, Heat Transfer, and Thermal Systems

Investigates combustion science, heat transfer processes, and energy transport at various scales, including modeling and experimental methods for thermal systems.

Faculty and Research Areas

Sheila Edalatpour, Ph.D.

  • Near- and Far-Field Radiative Energy Transfer
  • Computational Heat Transfer
  • Electromagnetic Light Scattering
  • High-Performance Computing
  • Thermal Energy Transport at Micro/Nanoscale

Christopher Mordaunt, Ph.D.

  • Sooting Propensity of Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels
  • Biomass Combustion
  • Combustion Characteristics of Coal-Based Liquid Fuels
  • Combustion Instability in Land-Based Gas Turbines

Olivier Putzeys, Ph.D., P.E.

  • Combustion and Fire Science
  • Smoldering Combustion and the Transition to Flaming
  • Combustion in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres
  • Thermal Modeling of Animals Using Infrared Thermography

James Sucec, M.S., P.E.

  • Skin Friction and Heat Transfer in Turbulent Flow over Aerodynamically Rough Surfaces
  • Transient, Conjugated Forced Convection

Robotics, Biomechanics, and Virtual Reality

Develops robotic systems, biomechanical analysis tools, and virtual reality technologies for applications in rehabilitation, manufacturing, and motion control.

Faculty and Research Areas

Babak Hejrati, Ph.D.

  • Robotics and Robot-Assisted Gait Rehabilitation
  • Controls and Dynamic Systems
  • Biomechanics and Motion Analysis
  • Haptics and Virtual Reality
  • Mechanical Design and Manufacturing

Manufacturing, Additive Technologies, and Sustainability

Addresses advanced manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing, sustainable practices, and digital technologies to improve industrial processes and reduce environmental impact.

Faculty and Research Areas

Bashir Khoda, Ph.D.

  • Digital Manufacturing
  • CAD/CAM/CAE
  • Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing
  • Bio-Manufacturing

Philip King, Ph.D.

  • Additive and Convergent Manufacturing
  • Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)
  • Sustainable Manufacturing
  • Large-Scale Manufacturing
  • Metal Casting

Structural Engineering and Optimization

Focuses on the optimization, testing, and analysis of structures, leveraging modeling techniques to improve performance under various conditions and constraints.

Faculty and Research Areas

Vincent Caccese, Ph.D., P.E.

  • Design, Testing, and Analysis of Impact Attenuating Materials
  • Structural Testing and Finite Element Analysis
  • Dynamic Systems Modeling and Testing
  • Fatigue Response of Connections

Masoud Rais-Rohani, Ph.D., P.E.

  • Structural and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
  • Mechanics of Thin-Walled (Aircraft, Automotive, and Composite) Structures
  • Probabilistic and Non-Probabilistic Approaches for Uncertainty Quantification
  • Reduced Order and Surrogate Modeling

Solar and Thermal Energy Systems

Examines solar energy systems, thermochemistry, and thermal cycling, with a focus on materials and technologies for high-temperature applications.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Justin Lapp, Ph.D.
  • Solar Thermal Energy and Thermochemistry
  • Numerical Heat Transfer Modeling for High-Temperature Systems
  • Thermal Radiation
  • Material Behavior Under Solar Thermal Cycling
  • Determination of Optical and Thermal Properties of Materials

Computational and Dynamic Systems

Applies computational modeling, dynamic system analysis, and multiscale methods to understand and improve material and structural behaviors.

Faculty and Research Areas

Senthil S. Vel, Ph.D.

  • Mechanics of Composite Materials
  • Computational Solid Mechanics
  • Micromechanical and Multiscale Modeling of Heterogeneous Materials
  • Thermoelastic Properties, Seismic Anisotropy, and Creep of Rocks, Ice, and Polycrystalline Materials

Zhihe Jin, Ph.D.

  • Fracture of Engineering Materials and Structures
  • Thermal Stresses and Thermal Shock Failure of Advanced Ceramics and Composites
  • Fluid Migration Through Fracture Propagation in Geological Materials
  • Thermo-Poroelasticity
  • Continuum Theory of Thermoelectric Energy Conversion Materials

Hydrophobic and Surface Technologies

Develops innovative surface technologies like superhydrophobic coatings and PFAS-free solutions for applications requiring advanced liquid and droplet control.

Faculty and Research Areas

Xiaoxiao Zhao, Ph.D.

  • Liquid Droplet Transport
  • PFAS-Free Surfaces
  • Liquid-Like Polymer Brushes
  • Micro/Nano Surface Patterning
  • Durable Superhydrophobic Surfaces

Marine and Energy Systems

Explores marine propulsion, emissions reduction, and energy-efficient systems for extreme climates, including fuel development and propeller/turbine design.

Faculty and Research Areas

Richard Kimball, Ph.D.

  • Computer Design of Propellers and Turbines
  • Tidal Energy Systems

Our Faculty & Staff

At MCEC, our faculty is the heartbeat of our academic community. Dedicated, inspiring, and deeply knowledgeable, our professors go beyond the traditional classroom experience to foster real-world skills and a passion for learning. Whether mentoring, leading innovative research, or providing personalized support, our faculty members are committed to empowering students to achieve their highest potential

Senthil Vel

Arthur O. Willey Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Kewei Xu

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Justin Lapp

Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Philip King

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Olivier Putzeys

Senior Lecturer and Undergraduate Coordinator of Mechanical Engineering

Amrit Verma

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

MCEC NEWS

Department Contact Information

Mechanical Engineering

Masoud Rais-Rohani
masoud.raisrohani@maine.edu

Department Chair

Meghan Honnell
um.mecheng@maine.edu

Academic, Administrative, and Financial Coordinator

Ferland Engineering Education & Design Center
75 Long Road, Room 237
Orono, ME 04469
Tel: 207.581.2120

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Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the Commission’s General Criteria and the Mechanical Engineering Program Criteria. This program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering.

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