Theoretical and Applied Mechanics
2012-13 Tuition
Research degree: $29,500; professional degree: $43,185Application deadlines
Ph.D.: Fall, Dec. 15; no spring admission. M.Eng.: Fall, Feb. 1; spring, Oct. 15Requirements summary
- all Graduate School Requirements, including the TOEFL Exam for Non-Native English Applicants
- three letters of recommendation
- GRE general test scores, with a minimum analytical plus quantitative score of 1400
- minimum TOEFL score of 600 paper-based or 237 computer-based
- Note: M.Eng. applicants who are Cornell undergraduates should contact the field office for requirements
Degrees
- M.Eng.
- Ph.D.
Subjects
- Engineering Mechanics (M.Eng.)
- Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (Ph.D.)
Major concentrations
- advanced composites and structures
- dynamics and space mechanics
- fluid mechanics
- mechanics of materials
- solid mechanics
The Field of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics provides a strong background in engineering science and applied mathematics, which prepares students to carry out high-quality analytical or experimental research and to handle a wide variety of modern engineering problems. Course work provides a broad education in the mechanics of rigid and deformable bodies, applied mathematics, and modern experimental techniques.
Current research topics include solid mechanics (modeling of manufacturing processes, quantitative ultrasonic and acoustic emission techniques, fracture mechanics, composite materials, mechanics of human-powered vehicles, nonlinear elasticity); fluid mechanics (granular materials, strongly swirling flows); dynamics and space mechanics (evolution of the solar system, planetary rings and rotation of celestial bodies, qualitative analysis of dynamic problems in nonlinear mechanics, bifurcations, chaos); and biomechanics and biomathematics (respiration of plants, how fishes swim).
All students are required to minor in at least one other field. Frequently selected minors are aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, applied physics, astronomy, electrical and computer engineering, geophysics, materials science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, physics, and structural engineering. Students usually take four years to earn the Ph.D. degree. The M.Eng. degree usually takes one year.
Ph.D. students take a qualifying examination. For incoming students with a Bachelor's degree, the examination is usually held after they have completed two semesters of graduate studies at Cornell. For incoming students with a Master's degree, the examination is held after they have completed one semester of graduate studies at Cornell. They must also demonstrate proficiency in English and one of the following languages: French, German, Russian, Chinese, or Japanese. Teaching experience is required.
Application:
The field has about forty students from a variety of academic and geographical backgrounds. Students are expected to have a background in physics, mathematics, or any branch of engineering. Applicants must submit GRE general test scores, with a minimum combined analytical/quantitative score of 1400. A minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based) or 237 (computer-based) is required. Applicants interested in a terminal master?s degree should apply to the Master of Engineering program.
Overview
The graduate field of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (TAM) provides a foundation in engineering science and applied mathematics that prepares students to carry out analytical or experimental research and to develop models to solve a wide variety of engineering problems. Faculty are particularly strong and active in dynamical systems, networks, composites, adhesion, granular flow, fracture, planetary dynamics, robotics, biomechanics and bio-mathematics, locomotion and insect flight.
The field offers three degrees:
1. Ph.D.
2. Master of Science
3. Master of Engineering
The field typically has more than 30 active Ph. D. degree candidates.
Learn more about the assessment plan for the graduate field of theoretical and applied mechanics.