Giving Mechanical Engineers Intelligent Tools: A Project-Based AI Education Curriculum in Thermal Engineering
2026-08-26 • Computers and Society
Computers and Society
AI summaryⓘ
The authors noticed that mechanical engineering students often struggle with electrical engineering, complex thermal systems, and heavy workloads. To help, they created a new curriculum at the University of Arkansas that mixes artificial intelligence (AI) with mechanical engineering, focusing on thermal problems and related electrical/computer topics. Their program includes beginner to advanced AI projects and aims to improve students' understanding, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. They also shared all course materials openly for others to use and learn from.
mechanical engineeringartificial intelligencethermal systemselectrical engineeringcomputer engineeringcurriculum designmultidisciplinary educationengineering educationAI projectsUniversity of Arkansas
Authors
Changgen Li, Han Hu, Christy Dunlap, Nathaniel House, Jonathan Wai
Abstract
Mechanical engineering (ME) requires a broad knowledge base across several disciplines. However, ME students often have insufficient training in electrical and computer engineering, complex challenges in traditional thermal system modeling, and endure heavy course loads with limited class hours. To help address these challenges, this paper proposes a new curriculum that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into ME at the University of Arkansas (UARK), with a particular emphasis on thermal problems and their interplay with electrical and computer engineering. The curriculum has introductory, application, and advanced levels, covering core and optional AI projects. Key goals are to enhance students' understanding of AI models, ability to tackle engineering tasks, and teach multidisciplinary communication skills. This curriculum offers educators and researchers valuable insights into courses that can enhance students' practical skills and creativity. This curriculum, including the syllabus, data, and codes, is available to the public in open-access repositories.