2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

mechanical engineering major
If you want to design and build things, then you should consider majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Mechanical Engineering
is, more than anything else, the engineering of systems. Systems are interactions of components, power, and information.
Examples are an automobile’s fuel injected, electronic ignition power train; its electronically controlled and load leveling
suspension system; its anti-lock, traction control braking system; or its climate control system. Aircraft systems include turbine
engines, attitude and flight controls, automated navigation, and guided weapons. There are incredible mechanical engineering
systems in space hardware, power generation facilities, and manufacturing. Because systems bring together the engineering of
mechanics and motion, thermodynamics and fluids, materials and structures, and control, Mechanical Engineering is a broad
discipline of design and analysis. The Mechanical Engineering degree is accredited by tEngineering Accreditation Commission
of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700.
The goal of the Engineering Mechanics program is to prepare cadets to become leaders of character who:
• Possess breadth of integrated, fundamental knowledge in engineering, the basic sciences, social sciences, and the
humanities; and depth of knowledge in mechanical engineering.
• Communicate effectively.
• Work effectively on teams and grow into team leaders.
• Are independent learners, and as applicable, are successful in graduate school.
• Can apply their knowledge and skills to solve Air Force engineering problems, both well- and ill defined.
• Know and practice their ethical, professional, and community responsibilities as embodied in the Air Force core
values.
Upon completion of the Engineering Mechanics program each graduate shall demonstrate satisfactory:
• Application of the fundamental analysis concepts of mechanical engineering to solve engineering problems.
• Modeling, design, and fabrication techniques of thermal and mechanical systems under real-world conditions.
• Use of contemporary mechanical engineering analysis, design, and test tools.
• Experimental techniques to include test design, execution, data analysis and interpretation.
• Written and oral communications skills.
• Knowledge of ethical and professional responsibilities.
• Breadth and depth of engineering knowledge and skills to effectively identify and solve the types of complex,
interdisciplinary problems they will encounter as Air Force engineers.
• Ability to be effective interdisciplinary team members and leaders.
• Skills to be independent life-long learners while knowing when to seek help.
• Knowledge of contemporary social, political, military, and engineering issues, as well as the role of Air Force
engineering officers and citizens in our global society.
With a degree in Mechanical Engineering you can get an Air Force assignment as an aeronautical engineer, astronautical
engineer, civil engineer, mechanical engineer, or project engineer. The Mechanical Engineering degree also satisfies the
educational requirements for Air Force Test Pilot, Flight Test Navigator, and Flight Test Engineer duties. Additional specialties
are Scientific Analyst and Acquisition Project Officer. Successful completion of this degree may qualify you for assignment in
the Developmental Mechanical Engineer career field.
If you are a top performer in the Mechanical Engineering major, graduate school can be an option as a first Air Force
assignment, either by winning a prestigious national scholarship (Guggenheim, Hertz, Rhodes, etc.) or through direct
departmental sponsorship. The Mechanical Engineering major gives you the flexibility to pursue either a more specialized
degree in graduate school or to continue your broad-based study in engineering. Whether you ultimately choose aeronautical
engineering, astronautical engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or engineering mechanics, your decision
will be an informed one.
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