

M-TECH in Thermal Engineering at Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur


Howrah, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Thermal Engineering at Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur Howrah?
This Thermal Engineering program at Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur focuses on advanced concepts in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and their applications in energy systems. It addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in India''''s energy and power sector, emphasizing sustainable and efficient thermal solutions crucial for industrial growth and environmental responsibility.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for mechanical engineering graduates seeking specialized knowledge in thermal sciences, energy systems, and fluid dynamics. It also suits working professionals aiming to upgrade skills in areas like power generation, HVAC, and renewable energy, or those transitioning into energy conservation and management roles within the vibrant Indian industrial landscape.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in power plants, HVAC industries, energy consulting, and research and development across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 15-25 LPA. The program fosters expertise in energy efficiency and advanced thermal design, crucial for India''''s infrastructure development and global competitiveness.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Thermal Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Rigorously focus on advanced fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics. Utilize standard textbooks by authors like Incropera, Cengel, and participate in NPTEL video lectures and online problem-solving platforms to strengthen conceptual understanding. This foundational knowledge is crucial for advanced courses, project work, and forms the backbone for technical interviews in core companies.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, Open Course Ware, Standard textbooks
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals ensures readiness for advanced studies and secures better opportunities in R&D and core engineering roles.
Develop Computational and Simulation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and related software packages such as Ansys Fluent, OpenFOAM, or MATLAB. Engage in practical tutorials, undertake small simulation projects, and actively participate in departmental workshops. Proficiency in these tools is highly valued in modern thermal engineering industries for design and analysis roles.
Tools & Resources
Ansys Fluent, OpenFOAM, MATLAB, Departmental workshops
Career Connection
Advanced simulation skills are key differentiators, leading to roles in product development, design, and simulation engineering within Indian and global firms.
Engage in Practical Lab Work- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in Advanced Thermal Engineering Labs beyond simply completing experiments. Focus on understanding the experimental setup, data acquisition, rigorous data analysis, and professional report writing. Supplement this with virtual labs or online simulations when physical access is limited. Practical exposure is essential for bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.
Tools & Resources
Advanced Thermal Engineering Labs, Virtual labs (e.g., from IITs)
Career Connection
Hands-on experience strengthens problem-solving abilities and prepares students for roles requiring practical application of thermal principles.
Intermediate Stage
Strategic Elective Selection and Deep Dive- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose electives in Semester 3 like Gas Dynamics, Turbomachinery, or Measurement Techniques based on your specific career aspirations. Immerse yourself in these chosen areas through advanced readings, research papers, and discussions with faculty mentors. Specializing creates expertise for targeted industry niches or specific research avenues.
Tools & Resources
Research papers (IEEE, ASME, Elsevier), Faculty consultations
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge makes you a more attractive candidate for specific roles and provides a competitive edge in placement drives.
Proactive Dissertation Engagement- (Semester 3)
Begin Dissertation I early by identifying a relevant research problem, conducting a thorough literature review, and developing a robust methodology. Seek consistent guidance from faculty advisors, attend research seminars, and explore inter-departmental collaborations. A well-defined dissertation topic and early progress are critical for a successful M.Tech thesis.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, IIEST library resources
Career Connection
A strong dissertation demonstrates research acumen and problem-solving skills, highly valued for R&D roles, and serves as a foundation for future academic pursuits.
Network and Participate in Seminars- (Semester 3)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and industry talks. Network with faculty, alumni, and industry experts. Engage in discussions to understand current industry trends, identify potential mentors, and discover internship or job opportunities. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn for professional networking within the Indian energy sector.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Departmental seminars, Industry conferences
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to industry insights, potential internships, and direct placement opportunities, significantly boosting career prospects.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Dissertation Completion and Publication- (Semester 4)
Focus intensely on Dissertation II, ensuring high-quality experimental or simulation work, rigorous data analysis, and professional thesis writing. Strive for publishable results in reputable journals or conferences. A strong, well-defended dissertation is a powerful portfolio piece for showcasing in-depth knowledge and research capabilities to potential employers or for pursuing higher studies.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX for thesis writing, Academic journals for publication, IIEST Digital Repository
Career Connection
Successful dissertation work and publications elevate your academic and professional profile, making you a strong candidate for advanced R&D positions or Ph.D. programs.
Targeted Placement and Interview Preparation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant time to preparing for placements. This includes tailoring resumes to specific job descriptions, practicing technical interview questions related to thermal engineering core subjects, and refining soft skills. Actively engage with the career development cell, participate in mock interviews, and leverage alumni networks for insights and referrals.
Tools & Resources
IIEST Career Development Cell, Mock interview platforms, Company-specific previous year questions
Career Connection
Thorough preparation leads to higher success rates in securing placements in leading thermal engineering companies and energy sectors.
Industry Project and Certification Pursuit- (Semester 4)
Seek opportunities to work on industry-sponsored projects or pursue relevant professional certifications (e.g., certified energy auditor, specific software certifications like ANSYS Specialist). These demonstrate practical industry readiness and add significant value to your profile, enhancing employability in India''''s competitive energy, HVAC, and manufacturing sectors.
Tools & Resources
Energy auditor certification bodies (e.g., BEE), Online certification platforms (Coursera, edX)
Career Connection
Practical experience and industry-recognized certifications bridge the gap between academia and industry, making you job-ready upon graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. or equivalent degree in Mechanical Engineering or related disciplines.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 74 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (for theory courses, 100% for lab/project/viva), External: 60% (for theory courses)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME 5001 | Advanced Fluid Mechanics | Core | 4 | Conservation Laws, Boundary Layer Theory, Flow Through Ducts, Compressible Fluid Flow, Turbulent Flow, Micro-fluidics |
| ME 5002 | Advanced Heat Transfer | Core | 4 | Conduction Heat Transfer, Convection Heat Transfer, Radiation Heat Transfer, Phase Change Heat Transfer, Mass Transfer, Heat Exchangers |
| ME 5003 | Advanced Thermodynamics | Core | 4 | Classical Thermodynamics, Statistical Thermodynamics, Chemical Thermodynamics, Irreversible Thermodynamics, Energy Conversion Cycles |
| ME 5004 | Computational Fluid Dynamics | Core | 4 | Governing Equations, Discretization Methods, Finite Difference Method, Finite Volume Method, CFD Techniques, Turbulence Modeling |
| ME 5005 | Advanced Thermal Engineering Lab-I | Lab | 2 | Experiments in Fluid Flow, Heat Transfer Measurements, Combustion Analysis, Refrigeration System Testing, Power Cycles Performance |
| ME 5006 | Comprehensive Viva Voce-I | Project | 1 | Overall Understanding of Semester I Core Subjects, Application of Thermal Engineering Principles |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME 5007 | Design of Thermal Systems | Core | 4 | Heat Exchanger Design, Boiler and Condenser Design, Cooling Tower Design, HVAC System Design, Optimization Techniques, Thermal System Simulation |
| ME 5008 | Energy Conservation and Management | Core | 4 | Energy Audit Principles, Energy Efficiency Technologies, Renewable Energy Sources, Waste Heat Recovery, Demand Side Management, Energy Policies and Regulations |
| ME 5009 | Advanced Power Plant Engineering | Core | 4 | Steam Power Plants, Gas Turbine Power Plants, Combined Cycle Power Plants, Nuclear Power Plants, Hydroelectric Power Plants, Environmental Aspects of Power Generation |
| ME 5010 | Advanced Thermal Engineering Lab-II | Lab | 2 | Advanced Thermal System Experiments, Fluid Machinery Performance, Energy System Analysis, Combustion Diagnostics, Heat Pipe Applications |
| ME 5011 | Elective - I (Any one from ME 5012-ME 5015) | Elective | 4 | Specialized Area Selection, Advanced Concepts in Chosen Elective |
| ME 5012 | Fuels and Combustion | Elective | 4 | Fuel Properties and Characterization, Combustion Kinetics and Thermodynamics, Flame Propagation and Structure, Pollutant Formation and Control, Combustion Devices, Advanced Combustion Technologies |
| ME 5013 | Refrigeration and Air Conditioning | Elective | 4 | Vapor Compression Systems, Vapor Absorption Systems, Psychrometry and Air Conditioning Processes, HVAC System Design, Cold Storage Applications, Cryogenics |
| ME 5014 | Renewable Energy Technologies | Elective | 4 | Solar Energy Utilization, Wind Energy Systems, Biomass Energy Conversion, Geothermal Energy, Ocean Energy Technologies, Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems |
| ME 5015 | Applied Mathematical Methods in Engineering | Elective | 4 | Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Numerical Methods, Linear Algebra and Vector Spaces, Optimization Techniques, Probability and Statistics |
| ME 5016 | Seminar I | Project | 1 | Technical Presentation Skills, Literature Review Techniques, Research Topic Identification |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME 6001 | Elective - II (Any one from ME 6002-ME 6005) | Elective | 4 | Advanced Specialization Area, In-depth Study of Chosen Elective |
| ME 6002 | Gas Dynamics and Jet Propulsion | Elective | 4 | Isentropic Flow, Normal and Oblique Shocks, Flow Through Nozzles and Diffusers, Fanno and Rayleigh Flow, Aircraft Propulsion Systems, Rocket Propulsion |
| ME 6003 | Measurement Techniques in Thermal Engineering | Elective | 4 | Temperature Measurement, Pressure Measurement, Flow Measurement, Heat Flux Measurement, Data Acquisition Systems, Uncertainty Analysis |
| ME 6004 | Finite Element Method | Elective | 4 | Variational Principles, Discretization and Shape Functions, Stiffness Matrix Formulation, Element Types and Interpolation, Applications in Heat Transfer, Structural Analysis Using FEM |
| ME 6005 | Turbomachinery | Elective | 4 | Axial Flow Compressors, Radial Flow Compressors, Turbines (Axial and Radial), Pumps and Fans, Performance Characteristics, Cavitation and Surging |
| ME 6006 | Elective - III (Any one from ME 6002-ME 6005, different from Elective II) | Elective | 4 | Further Specialization in Thermal Engineering, Advanced Concepts in Chosen Elective |
| ME 6007 | Comprehensive Viva Voce - II | Project | 1 | Overall Understanding of M.Tech Thermal Engineering Curriculum, Integration of Thermal Engineering Concepts |
| ME 6008 | Seminar II | Project | 1 | Advanced Technical Presentation, Research Proposal Development, Methodology for Dissertation |
| ME 6009 | Dissertation I | Project | 8 | Problem Identification and Formulation, Extensive Literature Survey, Development of Research Methodology, Preliminary Results and Analysis |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME 6010 | Dissertation II | Project | 18 | Experimental/Numerical Work Execution, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Presentation and Defense of Research Work |




