PURPOSE OF EDUCATION
Most graduates of the
National Defense Academy will be responsible for using and maintaining
sophisticated weapon systems in accomplishing their defense missions.
Some will be involved in the development of future weapons. The purpose
of education within this department is to provide a scientific and
technical foundation based on the knowledge of Mechanical Systems
Engineering which will be useful to active duty defense personnel.
To accomplish this purpose, students are provided basic knowledge in
mechanical engineering including dynamics, automatic control, materials
science, designing, and machining. In addition, the theories behind the
latest mechanical systems and their application are taught. Through
courses
in designing, manufacturing, and research, students obtain an ability
to synthesize and systematize the knowledge of engineering while
considering the effect and risk of technology on human society and the
environment. Basic education in maritime engineering is also provided
for those involved
in maritime defense.
PROCEDURE OF EDUCATION
In order to accomplish this purpose, the following subjects are offered to sophomore and junior cadets:
Thermal, fluid, and solid dynamics and mechanics,
Basis of electrical engineering and electronics, and automatic control,
Materials science for engineering and manufacturing, and
Analysis and design of mechanical systems with the aid of computers.
Through experiments and drills in the above subjects, as well as through experiences in machining workshops, students will lean to apply the scientific and technical knowledge gained in these areas. The following additional subjects are offered to meet individual needs or interests of the students:
Theory and structure of internal combustion engines,
Actuators and control devices using fluid dynamics,
Latest theories of automatic control, robotics, and mechatronics,
Processing of modern materials, and precision measuring-and-machining techniques, and
Structure and dynamics of maritime systems.
Senior cadets will learn to synthesize scientific and technical knowledge by designing a mechanical or maritime system. During the final stage of the program, students complete a thesis on recent technical problems, and learn basic techniques of research, thesis-writing and presentation.