Teaching Laboratories

The Central Machine Shop at Texas A&M University at Qatar is a certified ISO 9001:2015 facility with more than two decades of expertise in serving the petroleum, aerospace, and educational sectors. Our machine shop specializes in providing prototyping, small volume production, machining, and repair services using both CNC (Computer Numerical Control) and conventional machines.

Our capabilities encompass a wide range of materials, including polymers, steels, stainless steels, aluminum alloys, carbon, magnesium, titanium, and superalloys. We utilize cutting-edge CNC machines, such as CNC laser cutting and CNC lathes with live tooling, as well as CNC 5-axis milling capabilities. To ensure precise operations, we employ state-of-the-art CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software.

In addition to our CNC machines, our machine shop is equipped with a diverse selection of conventional machines that cover various services, including sheet metal shearing, drilling, cutting, bending, turning, and milling. This comprehensive range of machinery enables us to offer a wide array of services conveniently in one location.

At Texas A&M at Qatar's machine shop, we pride ourselves on our advanced machinery and software, which enable us to deliver high-quality, precision components for diverse industries.

List of equipment:

To request machining/fabrication, click here. 

Texas A&M at Qatar's ISO 9001:2015 certified Rapid Manufacturing lab provides designers, researchers, and engineers across disciplines with the capability to transcend virtual limitations and engage with tangible objects. This facility primarily focuses on manufacturing functional parts and prototypes with intricate geometries that would otherwise be challenging to produce using traditional methods.

Within the facility, a diverse array of 3D printers incorporating cutting-edge technologies is available, including SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), SLA (Stereolithography), PBF (Powder Bed Fusion), MJP (Multi Jet Printing), EBM (Electron Beam Printing), and FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technologies. These machines offer a wide range of build volumes and materials. Additionally, the facility can perform 3D scanning for reverse engineering projects, creating digital replicas of existing parts.

To facilitate pre-processing and post-processing of CAD files, the facility is equipped with various software packages, ensuring quality control for newly printed components or reverse engineering of pre-existing parts.

Here are brief definitions of the available technologies:

• SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): A 3D printing technique that employs a high-powered laser to fuse small particles of plastic, metal, ceramic, or glass powders, creating solid 3D structures.
• PBF (Powder Bed Fusion): A 3D printing process that builds parts by selectively melting layers of metal powder using a laser or electron beam until the final part is completed.
• FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): A 3D printing technology that constructs parts by melting and extruding layers of thermoplastic material, gradually building a 3D structure. Our fleet of FDM printers includes desktop models, industrial-grade models, large volume models, and continuous-fiber composite machines.
• MJP (Multi Jet Printing): A 3D printing technique that employs multiple jet print heads to deposit droplets of material onto a build platform, enabling the creation of a 3D structure.
• EBM (Electron Beam Printing): A 3D printing process that utilizes an electron beam to melt metal powder, resulting in a solid 3D structure.
• SLA (Stereolithography): A 3D printing technology that produces precise, non-porous parts with excellent surface finish. Belonging to the Vat Polymerization family, this technology, also known as resin printing, employs a laser to cure the polymer resin layer by layer.
• List of equipment:

To request 3D printing, click here.

The Advanced Manufacturing Lab is a cutting-edge facility that combines state-of-the-art machinery and advanced technologies to drive innovation and revolutionize modern manufacturing processes. Designed to cater to a wide range of industries, the lab provides researchers, engineers, and industry professionals with a dynamic environment for exploration and development.

The lab boasts a comprehensive range of advanced machines, including a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling machine, lathe, and router, which offer precise control and versatility for machining operations. These machines are capable of fabricating complex geometries and producing high-quality finished parts. Additionally, the lab features a water-jet cutting machine, which utilizes a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasives to cut through various materials with exceptional precision.

In addition to the milling, lathe, router, and water-jet cutting machines, the lab is equipped with a thermoforming machine, enabling the shaping and molding of thermoplastic materials into desired forms. Furthermore, the lab features a laser welding machine, which utilizes focused laser beams to join metal components with superior accuracy and strength. Complementing these machines is a CNC wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) machine, which employs electrical discharges to precisely cut complex shapes in conductive materials.

To support the design and development processes, the lab provides comprehensive software packages for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing). These tools enable seamless integration from design to production, ensuring efficient workflow management and optimization of manufacturing processes. The lab's team of experts offers guidance and support, collaborating with researchers and industry partners to tackle manufacturing challenges and drive technological advancements.

Overall, the newly established Advanced Manufacturing Lab is a cutting-edge facility that combines advanced machinery, technologies, and expert knowledge to push the boundaries of modern manufacturing. It serves as a hub for innovation, where industry professionals and researchers can collaborate, explore new possibilities, and drive transformative advancements in manufacturing processes across various sectors.

List of equipment:

To request fabrication, click here.

The Materials testing laboratories facility is equipped with a versatile range of equipment serving a wide scale of operations for industrial and academic purposes. The lab spaces serve Material Science courses and provide technical services to research, academic departments, and external customers.

The academic labs are designed with students’ hands-on experience in mind not only for academic concept learning, but extends to experimental planning, purpose, standards, and best practices in mind in preparation for providing the workforce with capable engineers. The laboratory sessions are designed to support student learning with up to 8 students per section to support students’ personal learning experience, and teamwork engagement. The Materials testing laboratory facilities and equipment also support other courses in Mechanical Engineering, in particular, students in the design of experiments, and capstone design courses. 

The materials testing laboratories at the mechanical engineering Program provide services in five main sectors spanning among five dedicated industry-standard laboratory spaces with a total space of 2,910 sq. ft.

1. Mechanical testing of materials (660 sq. ft)
2. Metallographic Specimen Preparation (540 sq. ft)
3. Optical Microscopy (360 sq. ft)
4. Casting and Welding Operations (900 sq. ft)
5. Heat treatment (450 sq. ft)

The labs provide the following academic and technical services:

Typical Academic Experiments (MEEN361) include:

• Mechanical tensile testing of metals
• Mechanical tensile testing of plastics
• Mechanical fatigue testing of shafts
• Mechanical impact testing
• Injection molding of thermoplastics
• Impact testing
• Heat treatment of metals
• Cold rolling and annealing
• Metallographic sample preparation
• Corrosion analysis
• Welding of metals
• Sand casting of brass and aluminum
• Microscopy
• Hardness testing HRB, HRV, and microhardness

The Heat Transfer Laboratory is located in Lab 230 of the Academic Wing of Texas A&M University at Qatar. The laboratory has state-of-the-art equipment for operation, measurement, and data collection related to heat transfer science. Each facility is dedicated to a specific experiment to address a topic taught in the undergraduate course of heat transfer.

Students use modern equipment in the lab that includes data acquisition systems for heating power, temperature, fluid flow, and pressure measurement. Many of these instruments are updated periodically, and new ones are added regularly. During each lab, students are placed in groups of three to perform experiments under the supervision of laboratory personnel for each session of two hours and fifty minutes. The data are later analyzed and compared with theory in the form of a comprehensive report, to be handed in, a week later.

Typical experiments conducted in the lab include:

1. 1-D Linear and Radial Conduction
2. Forced Convection over Extended Surfaces
3. Unsteady State Heat Transfer
4. Natural Convection
5. Radiation
6. Heat Exchangers
7. Boiling

Fluid Mechanics Laboratory is located in Lab 230 of the Academic Wing of Texas A&M University at Qatar. The laboratory has state-of-the-art equipment for operation, measurement, and data collection related to Fluid Mechanics science. There are different types of pumps, flow meters, manometers, pressure transducers, and pressure gauges. Each facility uses state-of-the-art equipment to conduct a specific experiment addressing a topic in the general area of fluid mechanics. The laboratory has an enrollment capacity of up to 16 students per section. During each lab, students are placed in groups of three to perform the experiment under the supervision of laboratory personnel for each session of two hours and fifty minutes. The data are later analyzed and compared with theory in the form of a comprehensive report, to be handed in, a week later.

Typical experiments conducted in the lab include:

1. Hydrostatic and pressure Variation in a rotational vessel using high-speed camera.
2. Hydrostatic forces.
3. Bernoulli’s principle.
4. Impact of a Jet.
5. Pelton wheel.
6. Major and Minor losses in pipes.
7. Pressure Distribution around an airfoil.
8. Lift and Drag on an airfoil.
9. Water Hammer.

The Dynamic Systems and Controls Laboratory (MEEN 364) is situated in Room 230 of the Academic Teaching Wing at Texas A&M University in Qatar. Spanning an area of approximately 1,500 sq. ft., this well-equipped lab offers an immersive learning environment. Each laboratory session lasts for 2 hours and 50 minutes, allowing ample time for students to engage in practical activities. The lab can comfortably accommodate up to 15 students simultaneously.

The Dynamic Systems and Controls Laboratory is specifically designed to provide students with hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of measurements using data acquisition systems and virtual instrumentation. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students gain expertise in simulating and designing control systems. The lab is equipped with advanced instruments and tools, including differential lines, 240V 1-phase electrical outlets, computer-controlled data acquisition systems, digital multimeters, pressure sensors, tachometers, encoders, RTDs, dynamic signal analyzers, and various other sophisticated equipment. Additionally, experimental setups like the heat flow system, couple tank system, magnetic levitation system, and pendulum and cart system are available to aid students in comprehending system modeling and controller design processes related to thermal, fluid, electrical, and mechanical systems.

The laboratory features seven computer terminals for student use, along with an extra terminal reserved for the Lab Coordinator. The Lab Coordinator utilizes multimedia tools, to demonstrate experimental procedures to the students. During each laboratory session, students work in groups of two to three, conducting experiments on designated test apparatuses. They leverage software applications like LabVIEW, MATLAB, and SIMULINK to perform simulations and subsequently implement their designs on the test apparatus. Upon completion of the experiments, students utilize Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word to prepare comprehensive lab reports, ensuring effective documentation of their findings.

Overall, the Dynamic Systems and Controls Laboratory provides a conducive environment for students to explore and gain practical experience in the field of dynamic systems and controls.

Each semester has a total of 11 conducted experiments, which are:

The Mechanical Measurements Laboratory is situated in Room 232 of the Academic Teaching Wing within the Texas A&M University at Qatar Engineering building. This dedicated space boasts a floor area of approximately 1,500 sq. ft, providing ample room for students to engage in practical activities. Specifically, the laboratory is utilized during the Spring semester for a section of the Mechanical Measurements course (MEEN 260). Each section accommodates a maximum of 15 students, ensuring an optimal learning environment. Students work in groups of two to three and are assigned to one of the seven available workstations, while the instructor or teaching assistant utilizes the tenth station for demonstrations. As the experimental apparatus is compact in size, the available space adequately meets the requirements of each MEEN 260 class.

Within the Engineering Experimentation Laboratory, students have access to modern equipment, including data acquisition systems, as well as auxiliary devices such as power supplies, digital multimeters, function generators, and oscilloscopes. The laboratory regularly updates its equipment and incorporates new additions, subject to budgetary considerations. Each workstation is equipped with a dedicated test apparatus for every student group. Students utilize LabVIEW for data acquisition and real-time data analysis, enhancing their understanding and technical skills. Additionally, they employ Microsoft Excel and Word for further data analysis and report preparation, ensuring comprehensive documentation of their experimental findings.

Looking ahead, the Engineering Experimentation Laboratory has plans for continuous improvement in the coming years, adapting to evolving experiments and technological advancements. These plans aim to enhance the laboratory's capabilities and provide students with the latest tools and techniques in the field of engineering experimentation.

The Projects Laboratory at Texas A&M University at Qatar serves as a hub for students enrolled in the senior design courses MEEN401 and MEEN402, as well as the Engineering Laboratory course MEEN404. This modern facility provides an ideal space for students to work on their projects, conduct experiments, and collaborate with their peers and faculty members.

Safety and efficiency are prioritized within the lab, which is equipped with modern safety features, ventilation systems, fire suppression systems, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for all students. Experienced technicians oversee the lab to ensure a secure working environment and provide guidance on the proper use of equipment.

The MEEN 404 "Engineering Laboratory" course differs from the other required Mechanical Engineering laboratory courses in that the emphasis is on the process of designing, conducting, and reporting on experimental investigations rather than the demonstration, clarification, and application of engineering or scientific principles. Consequently, there are no laboratory facilities specific to this course. Equipment, instruments, and sensors commonly used for this course are stored in Rooms 049 and 050 in the Academic Wing of Texas A&M University at Qatar, having a total floor area of approximately 900 sq. ft.  
 
All laboratory facilities associated with the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program are available to students enrolled in these courses, including the Heat Transfer Laboratory, the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory, the Dynamic Systems and Controls Laboratory, the non-traditional Manufacturing and the Materials Testing Laboratories. Faculty and Lab Coordinators responsible for the various laboratory facilities of the Department cooperate with students allowing MEEN 404, 401 and 402 students to use the facilities and resources on an "as available" basis. In addition, students are allowed - in some cases- to use equipment in some of the research laboratories upon the approval of the professor in charge. Occasionally, Mechanical Engineering students who enroll in MEEN 404, 401 and 402 can get access to equipment and facilities in other departments, that cooperate with our program.       
 
In addition, students often design and build test apparatuses to conduct their experiments. There is a budget to support reasonable expenditures depending on the experiment. Instrumentation for experiments such as thermocouples, pressure gages, flow meters, voltmeters, wattmeters, video and still cameras, and other instrumentation are available in the MEEN catalog to check out. If there are repeated calls for specific types of instrumentation or equipment, requests are made to the university administration for the purchase of these items. Other instrumentation and supplies are purchased for Individual experiments.       

By providing access to the complete mechanical engineering labs, Texas A&M University at Qatar offers students an invaluable opportunity to engage with a wide range of advanced equipment. This comprehensive access empowers students to apply theoretical knowledge gained throughout their academic journey and develop innovative solutions to real-world engineering challenges. Combined with the guidance of faculty members and industry experts, the lab environment nurtures students' problem-solving skills and prepares them for successful careers in the field of mechanical engineering.