Course Descriptions
M E 200 Sophomore Seminar 1(1,0) Seminars address the Mechanical Engineering program, the profession, best student practices, and career paths. Invited presenters and faculty provide lectures and demonstrations. Preq: M E 201 (or concurrent enrollment).
M E 201 Statics and Dynamics for Mechanical Engineers 5(3,4) Vector analysis of the effects of forces, couples, and force-systems on rigid bodies. Conditions of static equilibrium for simple structures, including pulleys, trusses, beams, frames. Kinematics and kinetics of general rigid body motion in 2-D. Applications of Newton's laws, energy methods, and impulse momentum methods to simple machine elements. Preq: MTHSC 106, 108, PHYS 122. Coreq: E G 208, ENGR 141, PHYS 124, MTHSC 206.
M E 202 Foundations of Mechanical Systems 3(3,0) Introduction to basic physical elements of mechanical engineering systems. Problem solving, design, and resourceful application of mathematics and general principles from students' science courses are emphasized throughout. Preq: M E 201 and 222 (or concurrent enrollment).
M E 203 Foundations of Thermal and Fluid Systems 3(3,0) Introduction to control volumes, conservation laws of mass, momentum, and energy. Concepts of work and heat are introduced, including rate forms. Properties of pure substances. Preq: MTHSC 206, PHYS 221. Coreq: M E 222.
M E 222 Mechanical Engineering Laboratory I 2(0,6) Discovery of mechanical engineering principles and phenomena. Introduction to laboratory safety practices, instrumentation, calibration techniques, data analysis, and report writing. Introduction to basic manufacturing processes. Preq: PHYS 122 and 124.
M E H300 Junior Honors Seminar 0 Acquaints students enrolled in Departmental Honors Program with current research activities in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Faculty provide seminars in which research interests are summarized. These seminars are planned to prepare students in choosing a research topic for the senior thesis. Preq: Junior standing in departmental honors program.
M E 302, H302 Mechanics of Materials 3(3,0) Relationships between external loads on solid bodies or members and the resulting internal effects and dimension changes, including the derivation of rational formulas for stresses and deformations and the identification and use of important mechanical properties of engineering materials. Preq: C M E 210, M E 201, MTHSC 206. Coreq: MTHSC 208.
M E 303 Thermodynamics 3(3,0) Study of the second law and entropy. Includes applications to fixed mass systems and control volumes; vapor and gas power cycles; mixtures of gases; vapor psychrometrics; combustion and the third law. Thermochemical equilibrium. Preq: M E 203.
M E 304 Heat Transfer 3(3,0) Study of steady and transient heat conduction, free and forced convection, radiation, and multi-mode heat transfer. Emphasizes analytical and numerical solutions to engineering heat transfer problems with a design orientation. Preq: M E 308, MTHSC 208, 360.
M E 305 Modeling and Analysis of Dynamic Systems 3(3,0) Presents techniques for developing and analyzing physical and mathematical models of mechanical and electromechanical systems. Transient and frequency response are determined using analytical and numerical methods. Basic feedback systems are introduced. Preq: E C E 307, MTHSC 208, 360. Coreq: M E 202.
M E 306 Fundamentals of Machine Design 3(3,0) Introduction to failure theory, fatigue analysis, and energy methods for deflection analysis. Integration of these topics with selected portions of mechanics of materials and application of them to the design and analysis of machine elements. Preq: M E 202, 302.
M E 308, H308 Fluid Mechanics 3(3,0) Behavior of fluids at rest or in motion, including the study of fluid properties. Emphasizes a rational, analytical approach from which are developed basic principles of broad applicability to all fields of engineering. Preq: M E 201, 203, MTHSC 208 (or concurrent enrollment).
M E 310 Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 3(3,0) Introduction to thermodynamics and heat transfer for nonmajors: properties of liquids and gases, first and second law analysis, introduction to cycles for power and refrigeration, heat flow by conduction and radiation, and convective heat flow and heat exchangers. Preq: Junior standing in an engineering curriculum.
M E 312 Manufacturing Processes and Their Application 3(3,0) Fundamental principles associated with production processes and their application to the manufacture of products from metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. Emphasizes the physical and quantitative aspects of processing, the selection of processes to create products, and the identification processes used to manufacture existing products. Preq: M E 304 (or concurrent enrollment), 306 (or concurrent enrollment), 333 (or concurrent enrollment).
M E 333 Mechanical Engineering Laboratory II 2(0,6) Mechanical engineering principles and phenomena are reinforced through student conducted experiments. Presentation of fundamentals of instrumentation, calibration techniques, data analysis, and report writing in the context of laboratory experiments. Preq: MTHSC 208, M E 203, 222.
M E 400 Senior Seminar 1(1,0) Seminars address the problems encountered by engineering graduates in professional practice. Invited lecturers as well as faculty provide the lectures and demonstrations. Preq: All required 300-level M E courses.
M E 401 Mechanical Engineering Design 3(3,0) Project-oriented course in mechanical engineering emphasizing the role of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation in design and on written reporting of design solutions. Influence of economics and optimization, concurrent development, integration of design and manufacturing, and system creation are utilized for engineering design decisions. Preq: ENGL 314; M E 303, 304, 305, 306, 312 (concurrent enrollment in one of these courses is permitted with departmental approval.)
M E 402 Internship in Engineering Design 3(1,6) Creative application of general engineering knowledge in solving an open-ended design problem provided by a sponsor typically external to the University. Progress is evaluated by a faculty jury. Students present results to the jury and sponsor through written reports and oral presentations addressing University written/oral competency goals. Preq: All required 300-level M E courses, M E 401.
M E 403 Control and Integration of Multidomain Dynamic Systems 3(3,0) Introduction of control theory with sensor, actuator, and dynamic plant integration to develop, model, control, and analyze mathematical models of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. Transient dynamics are determined using analytical and numerical methods with feedback control systems. Strong emphasis is placed on system design using computer simulation tools. Preq: M E 305.
M E 404 Manufacturing Processes and Their Application 3(3,0) Fundamental principles associated with production processes and their application to the manufacture of products from metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. Emphasizes the physical and quantitative aspects of processing, the selection of processes to create products, and the identification of processes used to manufacture existing products. Preq: M E 303, 304, 305, 306, 444.
M E 405 Kinematics and Dynamics of Machinery I 3(3,0) Graphical, analytical, and numerical techniques are used in the dynamic analysis and synthesis of machines. Emphasis is on the application of these analysis techniques to planar linkages. Preq: E M 202, 304.
M E 407, 607 Applied Heat Transfer 3(3,0) Application oriented extension of M E 304, considering topics in transient conduction, flow of fluids, energy exchange by radiation, and mass transfer. Applications in heat-exchanger design with emphasis on economics and variation of operating conditions from the design point. Preq: M E 304, consent of instructor.
M E 415, H415 Undergraduate Research 1-3 Individual research projects conducted under the direct supervision and guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Preq: Consent of instructor.
M E 417, 617 Mechatronics System Design 3(2,3) Mechatronics integrates control, sensors, actuators, and computers to create a variety of electromechanical products. Includes concepts of design, appropriate dynamic system modeling, analysis, sensors, actuating devices, and real time microprocessor interfacing and control. Laboratory experiments, simulation, and design projects are used to exemplify the course concepts. Preq: M E 305 or consent of instructor.
M E 418 Finite Element Analysis in Mechanical Engineering Design 3(2,3) Introduction to the finite element method and solid modeling, finite element modeling and analysis using commercial codes; analysis strategies using finite elements; applications to heat transfer, fluid flow, and structures. Preq: M E 302, 304, 308, or consent of instructor.
M E 420, 620 Energy Sources and Their Utilization 3(3,0) Covers availability and use of energy sources such as fossil fuels, solar (direct and indirect), and nuclear; addresses energy density and constraints to use (technical and economic) for each source. Preq: M E 303, 304.
M E 421, 621 Introduction to Compressible Flow 3(3,0) Introductory concepts to compressible flow; methods of treating one-dimensional gas dynamics including flow in nozzles and diffusers, normal shocks, moving and oblique shocks, Prandtl-Meyer Flow, Fanno Flow, Rayleigh Flow, and reaction propulsion systems. Preq: M E 303, 308.
M E 422, 622 Design of Gas Turbines 3(3,0) Guiding principles in gas turbine cycles are reviewed. Turbine and compressor design procedures and performance prediction for both axial and radial flow machines are presented. Methods of design of rotary heat-exchangers and retrofitting gas turbine for regenerative operation are presented. Design projects are used to illustrate the procedures. Preq: M E 308.
M E 423, 623 Introduction to Aerodynamics 3(3,0) Basic theories of aerodynamics are presented for the purpose of accurately predicting the aerodynamic forces and moments which act on a vehicle in flight. Preq: M E 308.
ME 426 Nuclear Energy 3(3,0) Engineering methods and science principles are considered for the design of components to nuclear power stations. A systems level understanding is emphasized. Includes nuclear fuel cycle and regulatory considerations. Preq: M E 303, 304 or consent of instructor.
M E 429, 629 Thermal Environmental Control 3(3,0) Mechanical vapor compression refrigeration cycles, refrigerants, thermoelectrical cooling systems, cryogenics, thermodynamic properties of air, psychometric charts, heating and cooling coils, solar radiation, heating and cooling loads, insulation systems. Preq: M E 303, 308.
M E 430, 630 Mechanics of Composite Materials 3(3,0) Develops fundamental relationships for predicting the mechanical and thermal response of multi-layered materials and structures. Develops micromechanical and macromechanical relationships for laminated materials emphasizing continuous filament composites. Discusses the unique nature of composites and the advantages of designing with composites. Preq: M E 302.
M E 431 Applied Fluids Engineering 3(3,0) Applications-oriented course in industrial fluids engineering, primarily directed toward the analysis and design of piping systems and components for liquid and gas flow. Topics include friction factors, head loss, flow capacities, piping networks, flow measurement, pumps, control valves, and hydraulic and pneumatic components. Preq: M E 308, 333.
M E 432, 632 Advanced Strength of Materials 3(3,0) Topics in strength of materials not covered in M E 302. Three-dimensional stress and strain transformations, theories of failure, shear center, unsymmetrical bending, curved beams, and energy methods. Other topics such as stress concentrations and fatigue concepts are treated as time permits. Preq: M E 302.
M E 440 Materials for Aggressive Environments 3(3,0) Emphasizes the engineering aspects of selecting materials for applications in aggressive environments. Various types of materials degradation are discussed as are methods for wastage prevention, including especially engineering design and materials selection approaches. Structural metallic alloys are emphasized; however, technically important ceramics and polymers are also discussed. Preq: M E 306.
M E 444 Mechanical Engineering Laboratory III 2(0,6) Continuation of M E 333. Mechanical engineering principles and phenomena are reinforced through student-conducted experiments. Presentation of fundamentals of instrumentation, calibration techniques, data analysis, and report writing in the context of laboratory experiments. Preq: M E 306 (or concurrent enrollment), 333, MTHSC 302 or EX ST 411.
M E 450, 650 Mechanical Vibrations 3(3,0) Mathematical analysis of physical problems in the vibration of mechanical systems. Topics include linear-free vibrations, forced vibrations, and damping in single degree of freedom systems, transient vibrations, critical speeds and whirling of rotating shafts, dynamic balancing, and multi-degree of freedom systems with lumped parameters. Preq: E M 202, M E 302, MTHSC 208.
M E 453, 653 Dynamic Performance of Vehicles 3(3,0) Introduces techniques for analyzing the dynamic behavior of vehicles. Types of vehicles to be considered are chosen from aircraft, surface ships, automobiles and trucks, railway vehicles, and magnetically levitated vehicles. Preq: M E 205, 305, or consent of instructor.
M E 454, 654 Design of Machine Elements 3(3,0) Design of common machine elements including clutches, brakes, bearings, springs, and gears. Optimization techniques and numerical methods are employed as appropriate. Preq: M E 306 or consent of instructor.
M E 455, 655 Design for Computer-Automated Manufacturing 3(3,0) Concepts of product and process design for automated manufacturing are considered. Topics include product design for automated manufacturing, inspection and assembly, using automation, industrial robots, knowledge-based systems and concepts of flexible product manufacture. Preq: M E 306, 404 (or concurrent enrollment), or consent of instructor.
M E (E C E) 456, 656 Fundamentals of Robotics 3(3,0) Introduction to the fundamental mechanics and control of robots, including their application to advanced automation. Topics include robot geometry, kinematics, dynamics, and control. Planar machine structures are emphasized, including methods using computer analysis. Application considerations include the design and operation of robot systems for manufacturing and telerobotics. Preq: M E 305, 416 (or concurrent enrollment), or consent of instructor.
M E (E C E) 457 Fundamentals of Wind Power 3(3,0) Introduces wind turbine systems, including wind energy potential and application to power generation. Topics include wind energy principles, wind site assessment, wind turbine components, power generation machinery control systems, connection to the electric grid, and maintenance. Preq: E C E 308 or 320 or consent of instructor.
M E 471, 671 Computer-Aided Engineering Analysis and Design 3(2,3) Students are exposed to geometric and solid modeling, finite elements, optimization, and rapid-prototyping. Students design an artifact, represent it on the computer, analyze it using FEA, then optimize before prototyping it. Emphasizes the use of computer-based tools for engineering design. Preq: ENGR 141, M E 202, or consent of instructor.
M E 493, 693 Selected Topics in Mechanical Engineering 1-6(1-6,0) Study of topics not found in other courses. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits, but only if different topics are covered. Preq: Consent of instructor.