2013–2014 UNIVERSITY CATALOG - Florida Institute of Technology

degree program plan to indicate the path chosen and the specific
courses to be taken.
The minimum program requirements consist, depending on the specialization,
of a minimum of nine credit hours of core courses, six
credit hours of mathematics and 15 credit hours of electives (which
may include six credit hours of thesis). Within the 15 credit hours
of electives, six credit hours of coursework are restricted electives.
The department maintains a list of restricted electives for each
specialization.
Curriculum
Regardless of which degree path the student chooses, the degree
candidate must choose one of the following areas of specialization.
Listed below are required and elective courses for the master of science
specializations.
Automotive Engineering
Three courses selected in consultation with the student’s advisor
from the list below:
MAE 5130 Viscous Flows
MAE 5220 Convection Heat Transfer
MAE 5310 Combustion Fundamentals
MAE 5316 Mechatronics
MAE 5320 Internal Combustion Engines
MAE 5460 Fracture Mechanics and Fatigue of Materials
MAE 5486 Crashworthiness
MAE 5610 Advanced Dynamics
MAE 5630 Modeling and Simulation of Dynamic Systems
Specialization in this area is concerned with the application of fundamental
engineering science concepts and basic mechanical and
aerospace engineering methodologies to the design and analysis of
modern vehicles for land, sea and air transportation, and their components
and systems.
Dynamic Systems, Robotics and Controls
Three courses selected in consultation with the student’s advisor
from the list below:
MAE 5316 Mechatronics
MAE 5318 Instrumentation and Measurement Systems
MAE 5480 Structural Dynamics
MAE 5610 Advanced Dynamics
MAE 5630 Modeling and Simulation of Dynamic Systems
MAE 5650 Robotics
MAE 5660 Robot Control
The student’s program of study in this area will be tailored to provide
the background and training to pursue a career in a desired and
related area of interest. Examples of related areas include design and
control of dynamic systems, robotics, vibration, automotive engineering,
energy and power systems, etc.
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology
Three courses selected in consultation with the student’s advisor
from the list below:
CHE 5250 Hydrogen Technology
CHE 5567 Nanotechnology
MAE 5130 Viscous Flows
MAE 5220 Convective Heat Transfer
MAE 5330 Principles of Fuel Cells
SYS 5365 Decisions and Risk Analysis or
SYS 5385 System Life Cycle Cost Estimation
Hydrogen is used in many engineering applications including chemical
processing, aircraft and rocket propellant, fuel cells, shock tubes
and hydrogen vehicles. It is believed by many that hydrogen will be
the dominant alternative fuel in the future, with the potential to also
be a renewable fuel, when produced by energy sources such as wind
or solar power, thus limiting or eliminating the use of fossil fuels.
144 Florida Tech 2013–2014
Structures, Solid mechanics and materials
Three courses selected in consultation with the student’s advisor
from the list below:
MAE 5050 Finite Element Fundamentals
MAE 5060 Applications in Finite Element Methods
MAE 5410 Elasticity
MAE 5420 Advanced Mechanical Design
MAE 5460 Fracture Mechanics and Fatigue of Materials
MAE 5470 Principles of Composite Materials
Specialization in this area focuses on analytical and computational
techniques as they apply in design. Each student plans a program of
study in consultation with a member of the faculty whose professional
field is related to the student’s interests.
Thermal-Fluid Sciences
Three courses selected in consultation with the student’s advisor
from the list below:
MAE 5130 Viscous Flows
MAE 5210 Conduction Heat Transfer
MAE 5220 Convection Heat Transfer
MAE 5230 Radiation Heat Transfer
MAE 5310 Combustion Fundamentals
Specialization in this area focuses on heat transfer, combustion and
energy systems. Analytical, computational and experimental techniques
are emphasized.
Aerospace Engineering, Ph.D. __________________
Major Code: 9134 Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy
Age Restriction: N Admission Status: graduate
Delivery Mode/s: classroom only Location/s: main campus
Admission Materials: GRE, 3 letters of
recommendation, résumé, objectives
The doctor of philosophy degree program is offered for students who
wish to carry out advanced research in any of the three areas of specialization
listed under the master of science program or in humancentered
design described below. Other research areas within the
field of aerospace engineering may be pursued depending on current
faculty interests and available facilities.
Admission Requirements
A candidate for the doctoral program in aerospace engineering will
normally have completed a master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical
engineering, or a closely related area of engineering, and have adequate
preparation in areas of fundamental science and mathematics.
Doctoral applicants should have strong academic records including a
3.2 cumulative GPA during master’s degree study, provide three letters
of recommendation and take the Graduate Record Examination
General Test.
General admission requirements and the process for applying are
presented in the Academic Overview section.
Degree Requirements
The degree of doctor of philosophy is conferred primarily in recognition
of creative accomplishment and the ability to investigate scientific
or engineering problems independently, rather than for completion
of a definite curriculum. The program consists of advanced studies
and research leading to a significant contribution to the knowledge
of a particular problem. A student’s research may have analytical,
computational or experimental components, or some combination of
these. Each student is expected to complete an approved program of
study beyond that required for a master’s degree as determined by the
dissertation committee, pass the comprehensive examination (both
written and oral parts), present a dissertation proposal acceptable to