PREVIOUS | TABLE
OF CONTENTS | NEXT 
Programs of Study, 1997-1999
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
THEORETICAL AND APPLIED MECHANICS
Head of the Department: Hassan Aref
Correspondence and Information: Graduate Program Coordinator, Department of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 216 Talbot Laboratory, 104 South Wright Street, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-2322.
E-mail: gradprog@tam.uiuc.edu. URL: http://www.tam.uiuc.edu
Prospective students may contact: James W. Phillips, (217) 333-4388.
E-mail: jwp@uiuc.edu
GRADUATE FACULTY
Professors: R. J. Adrian, H. Aref, D. E. Carlson, R. B. Haber, J. G. Harris, R. D. Moser, J. W. Phillips, D. N. Riahi, D. S. Stewart, R. L. Weaver
Associate Professors: S. Balachandar, T. G. Shawki
Assistant Professors: E. Fried, K. J. Hsia, P. Sofronis, N. R. Sottos, S. T. Thoroddsen
Emeritus Professors: M. E. Clark, G. A. Costello, R. E. Miller
Lecturer: R. D. Keane
Department Affiliates: B. G. Thomas, D. A. Tortorelli, J. S. Walker, S. R. White
ADMISSION
Applicants should have the bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or related fields and meet the Graduate College requirements for admission. The GRE is required. The minimum TOEFL score for international applicants is 607. Admissions are made primarily for the fall semester; however, spring admission will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
The graduate programs in the Department of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics lead to the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees. Major areas of study and research are applied mathematics, computational mechanics, dynamics and vibrations, fluid mechanics, materials engineering, and solid mechanics.
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Candidates must complete a minimum of eight units of graduate work including a thesis (ordinarily two units) and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0). Students are required to register for the seminar in engineering mechanics. If a student elects not to present a thesis, nine units of course work are required. Three units must be at the 400 level, and two of the three must be in theoretical and applied mechanics. A full-time student can usually complete this program in one academic year of study. A student who has an assistantship can usually complete the requirements in one calendar year.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Candidates for the doctor of philosophy degree are required to complete a minimum of four units of course work (depending upon preparation) beyond the master's degree with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. One course (or the equivalent) is required from each of the following major areas in the department: applied mathematics, dynamics and vibrations, fluid mechanics, materials engineering, and solid mechanics. Students are required to register for the seminar in engineering mechanics. A student must pass an oral preliminary examination before commencing the thesis. The thesis research usually constitutes about half of the work beyond the master's degree. A full-time student can usually complete the doctoral program in two years of study beyond the master's degree.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Analytical, computational, and experimental research is conducted in the areas of solid mechanics and materials, fluid mechanics, and wave propagation. In solid mechanics and materials, current research topics include ferroelectric ceramics, shape-memory alloys, composite interfaces, woven laminates, electronic packaging, energetic materials, corn-based composites, orientable elastomers, breast implant materials;thermoelasticity, dynamic plasticity; residual stresses, martensitic microstructure, surface crack growth, brittle-to-ductile transition, pure shear failure, shear-band measurements, damage evolution, creep resistance, hydrogen embrittlement; continuous casting, powder consolidation; wire-rope mechanics; machine-tool design, metal cutting; shape optimization; and external bone fixation. In fluid mechanics, topics include detonation, deflagration-to-detonation transition, shock propagation, reacting flows; continual eddies, turbulent boundary layers, turbulent wakes, stratified turbulence, turbulence simulation, instability modes; vortex dynamics, coating flows, void growth, flow separation, mantle convection; three-dimensional foams; direct numerical simulation; and particle-image velocimetry. In wave propagation, topics include surface waves, wave scattering, crack detection, vibration transport, diffuse waves, stochastic waves, and reverberant ultrasound.
FINANCIAL AID
Half-time teaching and research assistantships allow students to take up to 3.5 units of course work each semester. Stipends are based on the student's year in graduate work and on the percentage of time spent on the assistantship. Teaching and research assistantships carry with them waivers of tuition and some service fees. Assistantship applications should be submitted by February 15 for appointments beginning in the fall. Partial fellowships are also available.
TOP OF PAGE