Mechanical Engineering

ME 220        Kinematics and Mechanisms (3)

Synthesis and analysis of mechanisms using analytical and graphical methods, covering the synthesis of linkages and other mechanisms, and the analysis of position, velocity, acceleration and force of mechanisms. Introduces the principles behind the operation of various machine elements and their associated design and analysis techniques. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ESC 120 and ESC 210.

 

ME 310        Design and Manufacturability (3)

Development of the detailed process knowledge for key manufacturing processes including: manual and machine assembly, machining, injection molding, thermoforming, and casting. Topics discussed include the required tools, machines, process physics, and materials behavior associated with each of the manufacturing processes leading to the final product. Prerequisites: ESC 120 and ESC 230.

 

ME 320        Fluid Mechanics (3)

An introduction to the fundamentals of fluid mechanics, including: physical properties of fluids, hydrostatics, conservation laws with both control volume analysis and differential analysis, Bernoulli’s equation, potential flows, simple viscous flows (solved with Navier-Stokes equations), dimensional analysis, conduit flow, boundary layers and an introduction to compressible flow. Prerequisites: MAT 253 and MAT 260.

 

ME 330        Engineering Thermodynamics I (3)

Basic thermodynamics concepts, properties of pure substances, first and second law analysis of systems and control volumes, exergy analysis, and introduction to vapor power systems. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: CHE 130, ESC 220 and MAT 260.

 

ME 340        Engineering Thermodynamics II (3)

Analysis and modeling of propulsion and power systems, including combustion, compressible flow nozzles, chemical equilibrium, moist air systems, PV devices and fuel cells. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: ME 330

 

ME 390        Machine Design (3)

Design and analysis of standard mechanical components for static and fluctuating loads. Specification of components such as shafts, bearings, and power transformers. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: ESC 230, ESC 240 and ME 310.

ME 410        Heat Transfer (3)

An introduction to heat and mass transfer phenomena commonly found in the practice of engineering. The study of the fundamental heat transfer mechanisms of conduction, convection, radiation exchange, and mass transfer. The mathematics of heat transfers in single and two dimensions and under steady and transient flows are discussed and applied using a wide set of problems. Applications of the principles of heat transfer to heat exchangers and pipe flows are presented. An introduction to mass transfer and diffusion is included. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ME 320 and ME 330.

 

ME 420 Thermal Sciences Laboratory (2)

Reinforcement and enhancement of the student’s understanding of the fundamentals of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer learned in ME 320, 330 and 380 respectively. Experiments conducted are designed to demonstrate the applications of the basic fluid and thermal science principles and to provide a more intuitive and physical understanding of these disciplines. The work is accomplished in groups; individual written reports and oral presentations are required. Prerequisites: ME 320, ME 330 and ME 380.

 

ME 422        Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (3)

The analysis and design of heating air conditioning systems. Topics include: psychometrics, comfort & health, heating and cooling loads, solar radiation, air distribution systems and refrigeration. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: ME 410.

 

ME 424        Computational Fluid Dynamics (3)

An introduction to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) which provides a basic understanding of how CFD problems are set and which factors affect the success and failure of a CFD analysis. Included topics are: the mathematical and physical fundamentals of CFD, formulation of CFD problems, basic principles of numerical approximation (including: grids, consistency, convergence, stability, and order of approximation) methods of discretization with focus on finite difference and finite volume techniques, methods of solution of transient and steady-state fluid mechanics and heat transfer problems, commonly used numerical methods for heat transfer and fluid flows, plus a brief introduction into turbulence modeling. Prerequisites: ME 320, MAT 450 and MAT 460.

 

ME 425        Sustainable Energy: Choosing Among Options (3)

The technical, economic, environmental and physical resources constraints of energy sources are discussed in terms of both national and global development needs. The current states of both non-renewable and renewable technologies are presented in terms of their potential contribution to sustainable energy resources required for continued viable economic development. Prerequisite: ME 330, or senior standing or permission of instructor.

 

ME 430        Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos (3)

An introduction to the theory and phenomenology of nonlinear dynamics and chaos in dissipative systems. The content is structured to be of general interest to undergraduates in engineering, science and mathematics. The course concentrates on simple models of dynamical systems, their relevance to natural phenomena and methods of data analysis and interpretation. The emphasis is on nonlinear phenomena which may be described by a few variables that evolve with time. Prerequisites: PHY 201, MAT 253

 

ME 440        Analytical Dynamics (3)

Advanced analytical methods of classical dynamics are taught, and connections are made between classical and modern mechanics. The emphasis is placed on using the methods of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics to model and analyze dynamic systems. Prerequisite: ESC 240

 

ME 446        Modeling and Control of Dynamic Systems (3)

Design and analysis of feedback control for mechanical and electro-mechanical dynamic systems. Topics include system modeling, transfer function, Laplace transform, block diagram and signal-flow graph, control system characteristics and performance, stability analysis, root locus method, Bode diagram, state-space equations, linearization, and feedback control schemes. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: ESC 240.

 

ME 449        Finite Element Analysis (3)

Modern analysis techniques used to investigate a variety of systems in engineering and science. Computational models of problems are developed using energy concepts, structural mechanics, and matrix operations. The methods used are implemented using a general finite element program and the accuracy of the results is evaluated. The learned theoretical approach is applied to common structural elements such as trusses, beams, frames, and plates. Prerequisites: ESC 230, MAT 260, and MAT 253.

 

ME 450        Microelectromechanical Systems (3)

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) covers fundamental topics including: materials properties, fabrication techniques, basic structure mechanics, sensing and actuation, circuit and system, packaging, calibration and testing. Explores applications such as: micro-sensors and actuators, micromanipulation, microfluid systems and biomedical systems. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ESC 220, ECE 260, MAT 260.

 

ME 460        Modeling of Metal Cutting Processes (3)

Using state-of-the-art analysis techniques, common metal cutting processes such as turning, milling and drilling are studied. Modeling, stability and machined surface accuracy are discussed. Topics covered include cutting force models, regenerative chatter and predictive models for chatter-free processes. Prerequisites: ESC 240, ME 310

 

ME 471        Introduction to Mobile Robotics (3)

The fundamentals of mobile robotics are taught. The emphasis is placed on robot mobility which allows a mobile robot to move through an environment to perform its tasks, covering the aspects of locomotion, sensing, localization and motion planning. Also covered are computer modeling and programming of mobile robots. Prerequisite: ESC 240

 

ME 472        Fundamental Principles of Robot Manipulators (3)

The fundamental principles of robot manipulators are taught, including the kinematics, dynamics, trajectory generation and control. Also covered are computer modeling and analysis of robot manipulators, and programming of robot manipulators. Prerequisite: ESC 240

 

ME 480        Capstone Design I (3)

This is the first course of a two-semester sequence (fall and spring) for seniors intended as a “capstone” design project where students have the opportunity to utilize the broad range of their undergraduate experience in a realistic team design project. Projects are selected to provide interaction with industry sponsor(s) and cross-fertilization of ideas and to simulate anticipated future professional experience for the team members. Written specifications, literature review, planning, and completion of the selected project are required for graduation. The product of each project is a comprehensive report or design proposal having both global and detail completeness. The project may involve development of cost information necessary to effect construction and may involve construction and commissioning of the designed apparatus. Six hours of class time per week is scheduled to accommodate: lectures, team working sessions, team meeting times and oral presentations. Prerequisites: Senior standing or permission of the Mechanical Engineering advisor.

 

ME 482        Capstone Design II (3)

This is the second course of a two-semester sequence (fall and spring) for seniors intended as a “capstone” design project where students have the opportunity to utilize the broad range of their undergraduate experience in a realistic team design project. Projects are selected to provide interaction with industry sponsor(s) and cross-fertilization of ideas and to simulate anticipated future professional experience for the team members. Written specifications, literature review, planning, and completion of the selected project are required for graduation. The product of each project is a comprehensive report of design proposal having both global and detail completeness. The project may involve development of cost information necessary to effect construction and may actually involve construction and commissioning of the designed apparatus. Six hours of class time per week is scheduled to accommodate: lectures, team working sessions, team meeting times and oral presentations. Prerequisites: ME 480 and Senior standing or permission of the mechanical Engineering advisor.