The fundamental principles of energy, materials, and mechanics are vital to the field of Mechanical Engineering. Science and technology are applied to ensure that complex structures and systems such as yachts, robots, sawmills, space vehicles, airplanes and heating systems remain sustainable and in motion.

Design Thinking is an especially distinctive focus within the field of Mechanical Engineering, with an emphasis on solving practical, real-world problems. This puts many graduates in the right position to contribute to future technological innovations.

Our department is affiliated with many of the University’s well-known research areas, groups, labs and experts, such as the Centre for Advanced Composite Materials, the Innovative Manufacturing and Materials Programme, the Laboratory for Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing Systems.

Mechanical engineers play a pivotal role in the drive for greater efficiency. They have a strong capacity to build and implement innovative products and processes. This makes them employable in diverse environments, from large-scale commercial firms to niche markets and consultative roles.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has enjoyed a long history of research excellence. Embarking on postgraduate study with us gives you the opportunity to tackle projects with real-life relevance within theoretical frameworks that remain applicable for the future.
Major topics include:
- Acoustics: We offer access to a world-class laboratory, which attracts interdisciplinary work from across University and includes three reverberation rooms, an anechoic chamber and a listening room. We study building acoustics, aeroacoustics, vibroacoustics, sound field synthesis, and more.
- Advanced composite materials: Alongside the internationally-recognised Centre for Advanced Composite Materials, we engage with the design, manufacture, characterisation and modelling of composite materials for a variety of real-world applications.
- Computational fluid dynamics and visualisation: We develop algorithms to map three-dimensional flows for applications such as modelling arteries and entropy production.
- Dynamics and control: This field encompasses a wide range of areas, from Artificial Intelligence to vehicle vibration control.
- Energy and Fuels: We develop energy efficient systems in appliances and heating systems to minimise environmental impact.
- Manufacturing systems: We conduct fundamental and application-oriented research relevant to this essential industry, with emphasis on Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing, intelligent systems, STEP-NC, technological management, and more.
- Wind engineering: Our involvement in this field has been prominent since the 1970s, and focused not just on environmental effects, but also design and aerodynamics in relation to human movements. We also boast purpose-built facilities, including the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel, the largest facility in its class in New Zealand.
- Yacht research: This field capitalises on our Yacht Research Unit (YRU) and our successful involvement in the America’s Cup, which began in 1995 and is still visible in today.