Physics undergrad -> ph.D Mech E

AI Thread Summary
Graduating with a B.Sc. in physics and transitioning to a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, particularly in materials research, is a common path. Many believe that a physics background can provide a strong foundation for understanding complex engineering concepts. Challenges may include additional coursework and adapting to different methodologies, but the skills gained in physics can be advantageous. Research areas, such as material fatigue and microscopic crack growth, highlight the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Overall, the transition is manageable and can lead to valuable insights in mechanical engineering.
awri
Messages
35
Reaction score
0
So I will graduate in a few weeks with a B.Sc. in physics and I will begin my phD studies in the fall in mechanical engineering. Paticularly, my research will be in materials. Can anyone shed some light on this transition? I understand that there will be loads of work and some makeup classes, etc. What I am really interested in, is has anyone done this before? What was most difficult? How did you cope with not being from an Mech E undergrad dept?

I Asked this in the academic forum awhile ago and got no responce so I am asking in here this time.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
I don't think it will be half as bad as you think. Because you did physics, you might be better off.
 
Depending on what aspect of materials you are focusing in, your probably won't even be tell that you're getting a degree in ME and not physics.
 
I believe my research is in the area of material fatigue. Something along the lines of how microscopic cracks grow and expand and cause breakdown...
 
I need some assistance with calculating hp requirements for moving a load. - The 4000lb load is resting on ball bearing rails so friction is effectively zero and will be covered by my added power contingencies. Load: 4000lbs Distance to travel: 10 meters. Time to Travel: 7.5 seconds Need to accelerate the load from a stop to a nominal speed then decelerate coming to a stop. My power delivery method will be a gearmotor driving a gear rack. - I suspect the pinion gear to be about 3-4in in...
How did you find PF?: Via Google search Hi, I have a vessel I 3D printed to investigate single bubble rise. The vessel has a 4 mm gap separated by acrylic panels. This is essentially my viewing chamber where I can record the bubble motion. The vessel is open to atmosphere. The bubble generation mechanism is composed of a syringe pump and glass capillary tube (Internal Diameter of 0.45 mm). I connect a 1/4” air line hose from the syringe to the capillary The bubble is formed at the tip...
Thread 'Calculate minimum RPM to self-balance a CMG on two legs'
Here is a photo of a rough drawing of my apparatus that I have built many times and works. I would like to have a formula to give me the RPM necessary for the gyroscope to balance itself on the two legs (screws). I asked Claude to give me a formula and it gave me the following: Let me calculate the required RPM foreffective stabilization. I'll use the principles of gyroscopicprecession and the moment of inertia. First, let's calculate the keyparameters: 1. Moment of inertia of...

Similar threads

Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Back
Top