Solid and Fluid Mechanics

A very important factor in ensuring the competitiveness of industry is professional personnel with the skills and abilities to understand the foundations of mechanical systems as well as up-to-date and efficient engineering tools. This requires advanced knowledge of modelling and the computational and experimental issues of engineering problems that have a firm base in applied mechanics. Although the focus is on problems in mechanical engineering, it must be realised that real world problems are becoming increasingly complex and require knowledge about and interaction with other technical disciplines such as infrastructure engineering (civil and architectural engineering) and environmental engineering. This interdisciplinary character is highlighted in the programme and is manifested by the role that simulation tools play in engineering practice of today.

Programme

A few core courses are compulsory for all students in the programme. The aim of these courses is to provide a foundation in modelling and computation that bridges the traditional gap between solid and fluid mechanics-oriented specialisations. The students then have the possibility to choose between a wide range of courses that will bring them closer to specific engineering applications or closer to the scientific forefront. Typical areas covered by courses in the programme are Computational fluid mechanics, Finite element method, Material mechanics, Turbulent flow, Rigid body dynamics and Structural dynamics.

One of the main ideas in the programme is to integrate modelling, algorithmic formulation, numerical implementation and analyses of simulation results. In addition, numerical simulation tools are often used in the courses to increase the understanding of the model itself and what it predicts for various industrial applications.

Career opportunities

Job opportunities can be found in research and development at industrial companies and research institutes or at consulting firms. Other examples of careers are technical advisor in the private or public sector as well as teaching science and engineering on different levels. It is also possible to envisage a career outside the traditional engineering field, where the acquired skills to systematically understand and solve problems are highly appreciated. The programme is also a “flying start” for moving on to a PhD in applied mechanics and related areas.