Join us on a journey into the world of Applied Mechanics and learn the science behind structures and fluid movements, from dynamics governing buildings to how liquids flow around things.
What is Applied Mechanics?
Applied mechanics is a branch of physics and engineering that deals with the study of motion, structural elements, and forces acting on them. It involves the application of principles from classical mechanics to solve real-world engineering problems. This field encompasses a wide range of topics, including statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. It is used in many fields of engineering, especially mechanical engineering and civil engineering. Engineering mechanics is the application of mechanics to solve problems involving common engineering elements. The goal of applied mechanics is to understand and predict the behavior of structures, components, and systems under various conditions, enabling the design and optimization of engineering applications across different industries.
Department of Applied Mechanics in IIT Madras
Established in 1959 and one of the oldest departments of the institute, Applied Mechanics has gradually evolved into a full-fledged interdisciplinary graduate research department. The Department focuses on academic activities in three broad areas:
- Solid Mechanics: The solid mechanics group integrates areas such as mechanics of material behavior, material sciences, structural dynamics, experimental mechanics, fracture mechanics, and more.
- Fluid Mechanics: The fluid mechanics group utilizes the numerous laboratories and test facilities within the department such as wind tunnels and computational fluid dynamics labs to study turbulent and external flows of fluids.
- Biomedical Engineering: The Biomedical Engineering group focuses on the application of engineering principles to solve medical and biological challenges. It integrates electrical, mechanical, chemical, and life science principles in the development of new healthcare technologies and systems.
The department is one of the best places in the country to build fundamentals and undertake research activities in key areas of applied mechanics. It also offers several programs at the graduate level:
- IDDD (Dual Degree Program along with the Departments of Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Ocean Engineering.)
- M. Tech
- MS
- PhD
Complete information on the specializations can be found here.
There are courses offered to B. Tech students as electives. Here are some of the courses from the department:
Strength of Materials
- Foundations of Fluid Mechanics
- Biomechanics
Stochastic Processes in Structural Mechanics
- Wind Engineering
- Bio Fluid Mechanics
A complete list of courses offered by the department can be found here.
Each of the Solid, Fluid, and Bio-Medical Laboratories houses advanced equipment along with well-trained professionals who help students apply the theory learned in class in research-based applications.
Scope of Applied Mechanics
The future scope of applied mechanics is dynamic and interdisciplinary, influencing various fields to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in engineering and technology. This involves areas such as Biomechanics (medical devices, prosthetics, and understanding the mechanics of human movement), Smart structures and Materials that can adapt to changing conditions, Automation, and Structures that can naturally withstand natural disasters and contribute to sustainability. IIT Madras will stand at the forefront of innovation and research that will shape the future of Applied Mechanics for years to come.
Welcome to the Department of Applied Mechanics!
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