Research

Duke's research in mechanical engineering and materials science addresses fundamental and applied engineering problems in the areas noted below. We are particularly strong in unsteady aerodynamics, controls, and thermodynamics, as well as biological and electronic materials and interfaces. Our faculty maintain strong connections with industry, and lead multi-university research efforts—providing ample opportunities for graduate students to pursue research at the forefront of their field, and develop career-relevant experience. A defining characteristic of our research is an interdisciplinary approach that leverages the strengths of Duke's many departments and schools as a top research institution.

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Research at Duke

• Acoustics, Aerodynamics and Aeroelasticity
• Biomechanics and Biomaterials
• Computational Materials Science
• Computational Mechanics and Scientific Computing
• Dynamics, Controls and Human Machine Interaction
• Energy Technology and Thermodynamics
• Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer
• Mechanics and Materials Science

Opportunities for Graduate Study

Doctoral and Master of Science study in mechanical engineering and materials science at Duke is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on a broad slate of faculty from across the Pratt School of Engineering. Students have considerable flexibility in crafting a graduate program that suits individual interests, with core courses that reflect faculty research strengths.

The department also offers a program of study towards the Masters of Engineering (M.Eng) in either mechanical engineering or materials science. This 30-credit degree program includes course work towards departmental requirements, an area of specialization, business and management fundamentals, and an internship or applied research experience.