“Imagine a humble two-room laboratory in 1868.” That’s how the story of Engineering in Detroit begins at the University of Michigan. This is no ordinary department. It’s a place where innovation meets tradition.
Engineering in Detroit started as a small mechanical engineering program. Professors DeVolson Wood and Stillman Robinson wanted a specialized course. It would focus on machine, power, and marine engineering. The regents approved the program. It was the first of its kind in the U.S. But resources were scarce. After two years, it went back into civil engineering.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers came later. It was not established until 1880. Then Mortimer E. Cooley arrived in Ann Arbor in 1881. He was a naval officer. Congress appointed him to establish a mechanical engineering program. Cooley’s leadership laid the foundation for a thriving department.
In the beginning, the Engineering curriculum included many things. There were Workshop Appliances and Processes. Also Pattern Making, Moulding and Founding. Students learned Mechanical Laboratory Work. They studied Machinery and Prime Movers. Machine Design was a key component. Thermodynamics was essential knowledge. Original Design skills were developed. Students also learned Estimates, Specifications, and Contracts. Naval Architecture completed the curriculum.
The first mechanical laboratory was built in 1882. Cooley secured $2,500 from the Michigan legislature. ME faculty member J. B. Davis created the plans. It was a two-story frame building. Bricks were placed edgewise between the studs. The ground floor had a foundry and a forge shop. The second floor held a pattern shop and a machine shop. The building was heated by an old-fashioned stove.
The lab course involved overhauling machinery. Students ground cutting tools. They prepared work for the iron lathe. Wood-turning, forging, brazing, and soldering were taught. Students also ran the engine.
Cooley recalled a lesson about identifying metals. Students knew chemical differences but couldn’t identify wrought iron. This convinced Cooley of the need for practical work. Engineers needed to recognize materials they would use.
By 1900, Engineering in Detroit had a strong curriculum. It launched its first building program. The program formed relationships with business and industry. In 1904, Cooley became dean of the College of Engineering.
The early 20th century saw the department rise to national prominence. Student numbers grew tenfold. Graduate degrees were offered. Labs were updated with modern equipment. Independent research became important. The University strengthened ties with industry. Interdisciplinary programs with law and business schools were created. The department became a leader in mechanical engineering education.
In the 1800s, steam power was the focus. But by 1940, the curriculum included 54 courses. These courses covered Steam Power Engineering. Also Internal Combustion and Hydro-Mechanical topics. Heating, Ventilation and Refrigeration were also taught. Industrial and Automotive engineering rounded out the offerings.
In 1914, a course in aeronautical engineering began. It was the first of its kind in the U.S. The first degree in aeronautical engineering was awarded in 1917.
The West Engineering Building was built in 1904. It became a symbol of Michigan engineering. Its laboratories were sophisticated for the time. They included a General Mechanical Engineering Laboratory. Also a Hydraulic Laboratory and a Physical Testing Laboratory. A Highway Laboratory completed the facilities.
Walter E. Lay developed the automotive engineering program. It began with the auto industry in Detroit. The first automotive course was Gasoline Automobiles. By 1914, the department helped the government in the war effort. Faculty trained Army personnel in automotive engine repair.
Today, Engineering in Detroit continues to shape the future. It generates new paradigms in mechanical engineering. The department includes many faculty, staff, and students. It has thousands of living alumni. The legacy of Engineering in Detroit is still in process.