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Research Overview

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Faculty members in Stanford’s Department of Mechanical Engineering work in four major research areas that reflect the department’s focus and methodologies.

Our philosophy is simple: We push the limits of the possible — the ultra-efficient and hyper-fast, the maximally enduring and most sustainable, the fully autonomous and the super-controlled. We employ a range of methodologies: design thinking, computational simulation, control systems and multi-scale approaches that range from the nanoscale to complex biological and mechanical systems.

Much of the department’s research is multi-disciplinary. Our faculty and students regularly partner with colleagues in other departments in the School of Engineering, in the School of Medicine and in departments as diverse as Art and Art History, Mathematics and Biology.

Computational Engineering

With the advent of large-scale computers, computational approaches have become indispensable for characterizing, predicting and simulating physical events and engineering systems.

Design

Virtually all faculty members in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Stanford are involved in some form of design activity.

Human Health

With over 200 medical device companies within 20 miles and three top-tier hospitals within walking distance, the Stanford campus provides a unique setting for medical innovation.

Sustainability

Improved efficiency of energy systems and development of sustainable, low-carbon-emission energy generation processes are essential for the long-term health of the environment.

Labs and Centers

View the list of labs and centers affiliated with the Mechanical Engineering department.