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Alex Fowler, PhD
Professor
Mechanical Engineering
Contact
508-999-8492
508-999-8868
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Violette Research 214
Education
| 1993 | Duke University | PhD in Mechanical Engineering |
| 1987 | Wesleyan University | BA in Philosophy |
Teaching
Programs
Programs
- Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology MS, PhD
- Mechanical Engineering BS, BS/MS
- Mechanical Engineering MS
Teaching
Courses
Introduction to engineering and computing with emphasis on development of problem solving skills through projects. The course is designed to increase the success of first year students. It includes an overview of majors in the college, and the importance of engaged learning. Team work, written and oral communication skills are covered. Ethical issues in engineering and computing are discussed.
Introduction to engineering and computing with emphasis on development of problem solving skills through projects. The course is designed to increase the success of first year students. It includes an overview of majors in the college, and the importance of engaged learning. Team work, written and oral communication skills are covered. Ethical issues in engineering and computing are discussed.
Introduction to engineering and computing with emphasis on development of problem solving skills through projects. The course is designed to increase the success of first year students. It includes an overview of majors in the college, and the importance of engaged learning. Team work, written and oral communication skills are covered. Ethical issues in engineering and computing are discussed.
A continuation of the study of mechanics initiated in EGR 241. Work and energy methods are emphasized. Motion in accelerating coordinate systems and dynamics of system particles lead to the discussion of rigid body dynamics in three dimensions. A number of examples of rigid body motion are discussed.
Discussion of generalized coordinates and the Lagrangian method of determining a system's equations of motion. Normal modes and normal coordinates are introduced and the method of matrix iteration is used to find natural frequencies and modes. Free vibration of continuous systems is considered and techniques for finding natural frequencies are developed. Forced and transient responses of one degree of freedom systems are treated extensively, and forced response of multi-degree of freedom systems is discussed. Electrical analogies, use of the analog computer, and modeling of actual physical systems are discussed.
Boundary layer flow problems: laminar and turbulent plows. Thermal boundary layer plows. Dimensional analysis. Forced convection problems. Free convection problems. Duct flows. Boiling and Condensation. Special convection problems. Heat Exchange Design. Applications.
Research
Research Interests
- Thermal Science
- Biotransport
- Cryopreservation
Select publications
- Fowler AJ and Bejan A (1991).
"The effect of shrinkage on the cooking of meat"
International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, 12, 375-383. - Fowler AJ and Bejan A (1993).
"Contact melting during sliding on ice"
International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 36, 1171-1179. - Lim JS, Fowler AJ and Bejan A (1993).
"Porous medium model for a space filled with a fluid and fibers coated with a phase change material"
Journal of Heat Transfer, 115, 1044-1050.
Biography
Dr. Fowler joined the faculty at UMass Dartmouth in 1994 where he received tenure in 2000 and was promoted to Professor of Mechanical Engineering in 2007. During that time he also served as a Research Fellow in the Department of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and as a Faculty Affiliate for the Center for Engineering in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.
His prior administrative experience includes serving as Chairperson of Mechanical Engineering, as the founding director of the Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology PhD program, as Associate Provost for Graduate Studies and as Associate Provost for Graduate Studies and Research Development.
Dr. Fowler also served brief periods as the Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs and as Interim Director of the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center.