PhD Mechanical Engineering

Program Description

The department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences & Technology (PAF-IAST) is offering PhD Mechanical Engineering program from Fall 2024. The PhD Mechanical Engineering program at PAF-IAST is tailored for talented engineers and scientists who are passionate about pioneering new ideas and developing innovative processes. This program offers a unique opportunity for individuals to engage in high-level research and to contribute significantly to the advancement of Mechanical Engineering. Students will be immersed in an environment that encourages creativity and critical thinking, enabling them to address complex engineering challenges and drive technological progress.

Through rigorous coursework and research, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of advanced mechanical systems, materials science, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and control systems. They will also have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, fostering an environment of hands-on learning and practical application.

Moreover, our program is designed to promote collaboration with industry and academia, providing students with the opportunity to work on real-world projects and to network with leading experts in the field. Graduates of the PhD Mechanical Engineering program will be well-prepared to assume leadership roles in academia, research institutions, and the industrial sector, contributing to the sustainable development and technological innovation in Pakistan and beyond.

Objectives of the Program:

Exhibit proficiency in analytical and practical skills in the relevant areas of expertise in Mechanical Engineering.

Autonomously employ a range of cross-disciplinary abilities to investigate modern socio-economic challenges within the realm of Mechanical Engineering.

Entry Requirements:

Admission to the program:

Merit for admission into PhD in Mechanical Engineering program will be determined based on the academic record, test, and interview.

Admission Pre-Requisites:
- MS/ M.Phil/ equivalent (18 Years of education) in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Control Engineering, Systems Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Materials Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, and other relevant disciplines with minimum CGPA 3.00 out of 4.00 or First Division (where CGPA not available) from HEC recognized Degree Awarding Institute/University are eligible to apply.
- GRE International (Subject) / GAT (Subject) as per HEC and PAF-IAST PhD policy.

Key Research Areas:

Advanced Manufacturing Processes:

Exploring innovative techniques such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), precision machining, and automation to enhance production efficiency and product quality.
Investigating smart manufacturing systems and the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, including IoT, AI, and machine learning, to create intelligent, adaptive manufacturing environments.

Renewable Energy Systems:

Developing sustainable energy solutions, including solar, wind, and bioenergy technologies.
Researching energy storage systems, such as advanced batteries and fuel cell technology, to improve the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy sources.
Studying hybrid energy systems and the integration of renewable energy with traditional power grids.

Robotics and Automation:

Designing and optimizing robotic systems for industrial applications, healthcare, and service industries.
Investigating autonomous systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous ground vehicles, for various applications.
Enhancing human-robot interaction and collaborative robots for improved safety and efficiency in shared workspaces.

Materials Science and Engineering:

Developing advanced materials with superior properties for aerospace, automotive, and biomedical applications.
Investigating composites, and smart materials that can adapt to changing conditions and self-repair.
Studying the mechanics of materials and their behavior under different loading conditions to improve their performance and durability.

Thermal and Fluid Sciences:

Conducting research on heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics to improve energy efficiency and thermal management in various systems.
Developing advanced cooling technologies for electronics, power systems, and industrial processes.
Studying the behavior of multiphase flows and their applications in energy and environmental systems.

Computational Mechanics and Simulation:

Utilizing advanced computational methods and simulations to solve complex engineering problems.
Developing multi-scale and multi-physics models to predict the behavior of mechanical systems under various conditions.
Applying computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) to optimize the design and performance of mechanical components.

Career Aspects:

Graduates of the PhD Mechanical Engineering program at PAF-IAST are well-prepared to pursue a wide range of rewarding careers in academia, industry, and research institutions. Some of the prominent career paths include:

Academic and Research Positions:

University Professor: Engage in teaching, research, and mentoring students at higher education institutions.
Research Scientist: Conduct cutting-edge research in government or private research laboratories, contributing to technological advancements and innovation.
Postdoctoral Researcher: Pursue advanced research opportunities to further specialize in specific areas of Mechanical Engineering.

Industrial R&D Roles:

R&D Engineer: Develop and test new products, materials, and processes in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing.
Product Development Engineer: Design and improve products to meet market demands and enhance performance, efficiency, and sustainability.
Innovation Manager: Lead and manage innovation projects, driving the development of new technologies and processes.

Engineering Consultancy:

Consulting Engineer: Provide expert advice and solutions to engineering problems for various clients, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations.
Technical Consultant: Specialize in areas such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, or robotics, offering specialized knowledge and expertise.

Technical and Project Management:

Project Manager: Oversee engineering projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards.
Technical Manager: Lead engineering teams, manage technical resources, and ensure the successful implementation of engineering solutions.

Energy and Sustainability Sector:

Energy Systems Engineer: Design and optimize energy systems, including renewable energy installations, energy storage solutions, and smart grids.
Sustainability Engineer: Develop and implement strategies to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable practices in various industries.

Robotics and Automation:

Robotics Engineer: Design, develop, and maintain robotic systems for applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries.
Automation Engineer: Implement automation solutions to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity in industrial processes.

Biomechanical Engineering:

Biomechanical Engineer: Design medical devices, prosthetics, and implants to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Biomedical Researcher: Conduct research on biological systems and develop technologies for medical applications.

Aerospace and Automotive Engineering:

Aerospace Engineer: Work on the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and components.
Automotive Engineer: Develop innovative solutions for vehicle design, performance, and sustainability, including electric and autonomous vehicles.

Advanced Manufacturing and Materials:

Manufacturing Engineer: Optimize manufacturing processes and systems to improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability.
Materials Engineer: Develop new materials with enhanced properties for various applications, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics.

Key Features:

Research-led teaching
The students will benefit from a research-led culture with the expertise in applying engineering science to solve problems of industrial and societal significance.
Industry Links
The students will benefit from the excellent links with industry to gain real-world experience during their study.
Foreign Qualified PhD Faculty
The faculty at PAF-IAST is foreign qualified and is instrumental in fostering academic, research and innovation strengths in students.
Exchange program to Foreign Universities
After completing the coursework at PAF-IAST, the students will have an opportunity to carry out the research thesis at our partner foreign universities and industrial collaborators.
Blended Learning Approach
The blended learning approach will be adopted for PhD in Mechanical Engineering program, allowing and stimulating the students to be active, and bringing about a shift from lecture to student-centered learning. The physical classes will be held on weekends in combination with the online classes on weekdays in evening.
Technology Park
The PhD in Mechanical Engineering program is closely integrated with a parallel program for the development of technology-driven enterprises. For this purpose, a state-of-the-art technology park is being developed at PAF-IAST.

List of Courses

S. No.	Course Code	Course Title		Cr. Hrs
1	MME-931	Advanced Applied Thermodynamics		3
2	MME-932	Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Engineering		3
3	MME-933	Industrial Energy Management		3
4	MME-911	Turbulence Modeling		3
5	MME-864	Mechanical Vibrations and Condition Monitoring		3
6	MME-865	Renewable Energy Systems		3
7	MMM-821	Design Optimization and Analysis Techniques		3
8	MME-848		Advanced Manufacturing Design Techniques	3
9	MME-823		Finite Element Methods	3
10	MME-843		Modern Design Process	3
11	MME-849		Advanced Manufacturing Technologies	3
12	MME-846		Computer Integrated Manufacturing	3
13	MME-857		Manufacturing Automation	3
14	MME-842		Introduction to Micro-Nanofabrication Technology	3
15	MME-855		Industrial Control Technology	3
16	MME-858		Robust Control	3
17	MME-817		Computational Fluid Dynamics	3
18	MME-847		Gears and Gear Drives	3
19	MME-852		Modern Control Theory & Applications in Robotics	3
20	MME-856		Data Acquisition & Control	3
21	MME-861		Robotics Technology and Applications	3
22	MME-844		Tribology	3
23	MME-845		Multibody Dynamics	3
24	MME-851		Advanced Measurement Science & Technology	3
25	MME-862		Mechatronic System Design	3
26	MME-841		Advanced Mechanical Design	3
27	MME-999		PhD Thesis	30