ME - Mechanical Engineering

Lecture session for Mechanical Systems Lab.

Lecture session for Fluids Laboratory.

Lecture session for Thermal Systems Laboratory.

Students work with faculty adviser to complete the first phase of a capstone project.

Students work with faculty adviser to complete the second phase of a capstone project.

Introduces graphical communication of engineering design using traditional sketches and drawings coupled with computer modeling. An introduction to engineering drawings, dimensioning, and tolerances. Three dimensional modeling introduced using commercial software. Visualization and manipulation of existing models will be performed by generating drawings, building assemblies, and creating engineering drawings. Fee: $50

Numerical methods applied to engineering problems: interpolation and curve fitting of experimental data, matrix analysis, and approximation methods in structural, thermal, and fluid systems.

Course builds on the concepts learned in strength of materials and introduces finite element analysis (FEA). Topics include elasticity, 3-dimensional Hooke’s law, and failure theories. FEA is introduced mathematically beginning with springs, trusses, and beams. A commercial FEA software package is used to model plane stress and three-dimensional geometry. Individual projects are used to introduce three dimensional analysis. Fee: $40.

Application of fluid mechanics principles to laminar and turbulent duct flows; head losses through pipes including minor losses; compressible flows; measurement and turbomachinery.

Theoretical and practical aspects of the design of various machine components and simple systems. The design criteria are based on stress analysis, manufacturing issues, materials, and fatigue considerations.

Classical treatment emphasizing the first and second laws of thermodynamics and their application to open and closed systems undergoing steady and unsteady processes. Tabular and graphical data, as well as ideal gas properties, are used in analytical work.

Application of thermodynamic principles in analyzing power and refrigeration systems, non-reacting gas mixtures, psychrometrics, and combustion.

Conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer are studied in detail. Real engineering problems and systems involving more than one of these modes are analyzed. Numerical solutions are emphasized for the many problems for which analytical solutions cannot be found.

An introduction to control systems with an emphasis on industrial motion control. Theoretical and experimental studies will familiarize students with PID control, control system hardware and software, stepper motors, servo motors, sensors, simulation, and data acquisition systems. Fee: $50

Experimental analysis of fluid mechanics principles including pressure losses through pipes and fittings, pump turbine characteristics, drag force measurements, compressible flows, boundary layers, etc. Fee: $50

Experimental studies of thermal systems including compressors, steam turbine power cycles, refrigeration, air-conditioning, Otto engine cycle, evaporative cooling towers, and heat exchangers. Fee: $50

Study of processes and knowledge used to create an engineered product. Topics include design for manufacturing and assembly, materials, and material selection, Lean Manufacturing, and Design of Experiments (DOE) for design and manufacturing.

Dimensional analysis and similitude; applications of fluid flow and thermodynamics to the study of turbomachinery. Characteristics and performance of different types of compressors, turbines, and pumps.

Methods to identify and prevent failures in design and manufacturing. Topics include: applied fracture mechanics, non-destructive testing, root cause analysis, and forensic engineering case studies.

An overview of different types of composite materials; processing and performance characteristics of matrix and reinforcements and their interactions; micromechanics and macromechanics of composites at the lamina and laminate levels; fatigue, creep, and fracture behavior of composites. A project is required as part of the course.

Review of different types of welding power sources, processes, and types of electrodes/wires. Basic welding metallurgy, weld joint design, and NDE techniques. A project on weldment analysis is required.

Review of theoretical and experimental techniques of strain and stress analysis with emphasis on electrical strain gauges, brittle coatings, grid methods, and photoelasticity techniques. A project is required involving stress analysis of a component/structure utilizing one or more of the above techniques. Fee: $50

Theory and application of the chemical and physical processes of high temperature chemical reactions. Includes combustion theory (equilibrium and chemical kinetics), fuel chemistry, operational combustion in engines, and environmental effects. 

Analysis and design necessary to plan and specify equipment for heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems. Includes heat transfer analysis of the structure, psychrometric analysis of inside and ventilating air, and thermodynamic and economic analysis of the necessary equipment.

Review of the analysis and design of components of thermal systems such as heat exchangers, pumps and blowers, and drive units. Review of computer methods for analyzing systems. At least two design projects applying thermal systems design procedures will be completed.

Study of renewable energy systems including photovoltaic, wind, geothermal systems, biofuels, and tidal energy. Overview of renewable energy credits, sustainability definitions, life cycle assessment, and exergy assessment techniques.

Manufacturing properties of engineering materials. Casting, forging, forming, and joining processes.  Conventional and non-conventional material removal processes. Powder metallurgy and coatings. An introduction to the concept of intelligent processing of materials. A project on a specific manufacturing process is required.

Systems approach to engineering with application to measurement. Time and frequency analysis of first and second order systems. Calibration, data acquisition, analog to digital conversion, filtering, and modulation will be addressed in both theory and experiment.

Project oriented course that introduces advanced CAD design, including surfacing as well as rapid prototyping, computer numeric control, and programmable logic controllers. Topics include theory behind these concepts and devices, solid modeling, 3-D model data exchange, slicing and offsetting algorithms, and programming such as numerical control of a mill. Fee: $50

Analysis and prediction of the dynamic behavior and response of mechanical systems. Various types of oscillations and physical properties such as damping and stiffness are explained.

Industrial application of noise control criteria, measurements, materials, and design. Vibration control is comprised of source identification, system isolation, and testing. Extensive laboratory program also includes spectral and signal analysis. Fee: $50

A major design experience based on the knowledge and skills acquired in earlier course work and incorporating appropriate standards and multiple realistic constraints. Projects have some combination of the following characteristics: realism, communication, exposure, teamwork, learning, and related opportunities.

Continuation of a major design experience based on the knowledge and skills acquired in earlier course work and incorporating appropriate standards and multiple realistic constraints. Projects have some combination of the following characteristics: realism, communication, exposure, teamwork, learning, and related opportunities.

Selected study or project in mechanical engineering for upper-division students. Must be arranged between the student and an individual faculty member and subsequently approved by the dean of engineering. No more than three hours of directed study taken at the University may be used for elective credits to satisfy degree requirements.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Faculty-directed student research. Before enrolling, a student must consult with a faculty member to define the project. May be repeated for credit.

Study of processes and knowledge used to create an engineered product. Topics include design for manufacturing and assembly, materials, and material selection, Lean Manufacturing, and Design of Experiments (DOE) for design and manufacturing. Special project to be completed.

Advanced dimensional analysis and similitude; advanced applications of fluid flow and thermodynamics to the study of turbomachinery. Characteristics and performance of different types of compressors, turbines, and pumps. Special project required. Knowledge of fundamental fluid mechanics required.

Study of failures in design and manufacturing with methods to identify and prevent them. Topics include: applied fracture mechanics, non-destructive testing, root cause analysis, and forensic engineering case studies. Knowledge of metallurgy or materials science, and fundamental stress analysis is required. Special project required.

An overview of different types of composite materials; processing and performance characteristics of matrix and reinforcements and their interactions; micro/macromechanics of composites at lamina and laminate levels; fatigue, creep and fracture behavior of composites. Project and additional research paper required for graduate students. Basic knowledge of materials science and mechanics of materials concepts needed for successful completion of this course.

Review of different types of welding power sources, processes, and types of electrodes/wires.  Basic welding metallurgy, weld joint design, and NDE techniques. A project on weldment analysis is required. An additional research paper is also required for graduate students. Basic knowledge of materials science concepts is needed for the successful completion of this course.

Review of theoretical and experimental techniques of strain and stress analysis with emphasis on electrical strain gauges, brittle coatings, grid methods, and photoelasticity techniques. Project required involving stress analysis of a component/structure utilizing 1+ of above techniques.  Additional research paper required for graduate students. Basic knowledge of mechanics of materials concepts needed for successful completion of this course. Fee: $40

Theory and application of the chemical and physical processes of high temperature chemical reactions. Advanced topics in combustion theory (equilibrium and chemical kinetics), fuel chemistry, operational combustion in engines, and environmental effects. Basic knowledge thermodynamics and chemistry is required.

Advanced study of renewable energy systems including photovoltaic, wind, geothermal systems, biofuels, and tidal energy. Study of renewable energy credits, sustainability definitions, life cycle assessment, and energy assessment techniques. Applied knowledge of thermodynamics required, including thermodynamics properties and psychrometrics.

Analysis and design of components of thermal systems such as heat exchangers, pumps and blowers, and drive units. Advanced computer methods for analyzing systems. At least two advanced design projects applying thermal systems design procedures will be completed. Advanced knowledge of thermodynamics required, including thermodynamics properties, psychrometrics, and modeling techniques.

Advanced study of renewable energy systems including photovoltaic, wind, geothermal systems, biofuels, and tidal energy. Study of renewable energy credits, sustainability definitions, life cycle assessment, and energy assessment techniques. Applied knowledge of physics and thermodynamics required, including thermodynamics properties, entropy, and exergy.

Manufacturing properties of engineering materials. Casting, forging, forming, and joining processes. Conventional and non-conventional material removal processes. Powder metallurgy and coatings. Introduction to concept of intelligent processing of materials. Project on a specific manufacturing process required. Additional research paper required for graduate students. Basic knowledge of materials science and mechanics of materials concepts needed for successful completion of this course.

Systems approach to engineering with application to measurement. Time and frequency analysis of first and second order systems. Calibration, data acquisition, analog to digital conversion, filtering, and modulation will be addressed in both theory and experiment. Students will complete a project on advanced topics. Knowledge of engineering dynamics required.

Project oriented course introducing advanced CAD design, including surfacing, multibody solids, sweeps, lofts and splines as well as rapid prototyping, computer numeric control, and reverse engineering. Topics include theory behind these concepts and devices, solid modeling, 3-D model data exchange using commercial software package, and programming such as numerical control of a mill. Advanced applications and final project. Fee: $40

Analysis and prediction of the dynamic behavior and response of mechanical systems. Various types of oscillations and physical properties such as damping and stiffness are explained. Students will work a project on advanced topics. Knowledge of engineering dynamics and differential equations required.

Industrial application of noise control criteria, measurements, materials, and design. Vibration control is comprised of source identification, system isolation, and testing. Extensive laboratory program also includes spectral and signal analysis. Students will work on a project on advanced topics. Knowledge of engineering dynamics and differential equations required. Fee: $50

Course covers a variety of biomechanical analysis and instrumentation topics such as skeletal anatomy, ergonomics, and exercise physiology. Methods for measuring and computing force and movement will be covered. Laboratory exercises are used to demonstrate instrumentation including motion capture, force plates, EMG, ECG, heart rate monitors, accelerometers, and goniometers. Students will have additional lab analysis and presentation requirements. Fee: $40.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Faculty-directed student research. Before enrolling, a student must consult with a faculty member to define the project. May be repeated for credit.

Credit arranged.