Mechanical Polymer Engineering

Mechanical Polymer Engineering Fundamentals

Mechanical polymer engineering is a unique program that integrates mechanical engineering science and design with polymer processing science and technology. It focuses on designs and products in the rubber and plastics industry as well as the design and operation of plastics processing equipment.

• Comprehensive curriculum focuses on:
  • mechanical engineering and polymer engineering principles
  • chemistry and morphology of polymers
  • polymer processing
  • production of polymer-based new materials and composites

Our Faculty

• are innovative and interactive
• incorporate real engineering design challenges into courses
• conduct research year round in state-of-the-art facilities

Akron Advantage

Hands-on Research

Experience mechanical engineering firsthand through our research facilities:

• Department of Mechanical Engineering has eight laboratories, including:
  • Computational Mechanics Lab
  • Materials Testing Laboratory
  • Robotics

• Join one of the award-winning Society of Automotive Engineers design competition teams — Supermileage, Aero Design, Formula Race Car and Mini Baja.

Real World Experience

Gain important practical professional experience through the optional cooperative education program in the engineering field of your choice. Through co-op, you’ll alternate semesters of work and school following your sophomore year. As an added benefit, you’ll earn a competitive salary.

Recent placements include:

• General Motors
• NASA
• Dow Chemical
• Cooper Tire & Rubber
• Diebold
• Ohio Edison
• Babcock and Wilcox
• Advanced Elastomer Systems

Engineering Student Organizations

Interact with other engineering students and professionals in the field through organizations such as:

• Tau Beta Pi (engineering honorary)
• Women in Engineering
• National Society of Black Engineers
• American Society of Mechanical Engineering
• Society of Automotive Engineers
• American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Polymer Processing Society
• American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics

Sample Curriculum

Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Polymer Engineering with Co-op Option

First Year		Fourth Year
Physical Education	1	Engineering Co-op (fall semester)
English Composition I, II	7	Heat Transfer	3
Chemistry I, II	6	Design of Mechanical Components	3
Chemistry Lab	1	Mech. Eng. Measurements Lab	2
Calculus I, II	8	Vibrations	3
Tools For Mechanical Engineering	3	Polymer Processing	3
Public Speaking	3	Engineering Properties of Polymers	2
Physics I	4	Total	17
Total	33
		Fifth Year
Second Year		Thermal System Components	3
Physics II	4	Control System Design	3
Statics	3	Concepts of Design, Polymers	3
Calculus III	4	Polymer Engineering Laboratory	2
Humanities In Western Tradition I	4	Polymer Engineering Project	2
Metallurgy	2	Mold Design	3
Dynamics	3	Humanities electives	6
Mechanics of Solids	3	Blending/Compounding of Polymers	3
		Basic Electrical Engineering	4
		Economics	3
Social Science elective	3	Senior Seminar	1
Polymer Science for Engineers	2	Total	33
Area Study in Cultural Diversity	2
Total	33
Third Year
Thermodynamics I	3
Fluid Mechanics I	3
Polymer Morphology	3
Analysis of Mechanical Components	3
Engineering Analysis	3
Engineering Co-Op (spring semester)
Polymer Fluids	3
System Design And Response	2
Probability and Statistics for Engineers	2
Total	23