• New Master's Program in Mechanical Engineering Introduced • Notre Dame Hosts Supersonic Tunnel Association Meeting New Master’s Program in Mechanical Engineering Introduced The Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering has developed a new master’s program in mechanical engineering. While it focuses on traditional aspects of the design and development of a product, the new program also provides a unique business perspective that helps prepare students for the requirements and expectations of industry. Understanding the potential of technology is not enough. An engineer must be able to determine how to best integrate new and existing technologies. There are four main aspects to the new program: a design and manufacturing core, business electives from the college’s new business practices curriculum and the University’s Mendoza College of Business, general engineering electives, and a team-based design project. Students can choose from a variety of electives to tailor the program to his or her specific needs. For example, a student may take courses on autonomous electromechanical systems, vision-based control of electromechanical systems, advanced rapid prototyping and rapid production manufacturing processes, biomedical engineering, or microelectrical mechanical systems. The degree requires 24 credits of coursework and six credits for work on the project. When taken full-time, it is a one-year endeavor. However, this program is also well-suited for part-time students, such as engineers currently working in industry who wish to expand their educational background. [back to top]   Notre Dame Hosts Supersonic Tunnel Association Meeting In April 2002 the University of Notre Dame hosted the 97th meeting of the Supersonic Tunnel Association International (STAI), the third such meeting held on campus since 1978. STAI was formed in 1954 to convene engineers and scientists working in the then-new technology of high-speed wind tunnel testing. The purpose of the organization is to share information concerning facility operation, instrumentation, and testing techniques. According to Thomas J. Mueller, Roth-Gibson Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and organizing chair of the three STAI meetings held at Notre Dame, STAI members meet twice a year in order to maintain the vibrancy of the technical contributions and their close personal and professional ties. “From the beginning,” says Mueller, “STAI members have believed that sound personal relationships are a valuable foundation for technical communication.The free and open exchange of information benefits us all.” [back to top]