Some Courses Of Mechanical Engineering
The second digit in mechanical engineering course numbers is coded as follows:
General mechanical engineering
Design
Thermal—fluids
Engineering mechanics
Fluid mechanics—hydraulics
Aerospace
Materials
Engineering experimentation
THE TECHNOLOGY OF ALPINE SKIING.
This course explores science and engineering issues associated with equipment and technique for alpine skiing, particularly racing. A diverse group of technical subjects related to engineering mechanics are discussed: tribology , beams, rigid body motion, material science, machining and biomechanics. Specifically we will examine: ski-snow interactions, technique for gliding, turning and stepping, selection of line in racing; equipment design, testing and performance; and ski injuries. We will also address issues in the epidemiology of skiing injuries, the calculation of the cost of ski injuries to society, the impact of ski equipment technology on litigation and the impact of litigation on equipment and trail design. This course will be offered in 2008-09 and in alternating years thereafter.
MATERIALS SELECTION AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.
This course is designed to introduce the student to the engineering fundamentals of the most commonly encountered manufacturing processes. A thorough treatment of manufacturing processes including forging, rolling, drawing, EDM, PM, welding, casting, and machining are developed through a combination of class work and manufacturing laboratory experience. The laboratory experience includes an experimental component measuring and analyzing a manufacturing process and system. Each student is required to fabricate and assemble his/her own Stirling engine. This course is recommended for all majors, for students who plan to utilize the manufacturing laboratory facilities as part of their MQP work, or for those students who wish a fundamental background in materials processing.
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN.
Real world engineering design problems usually have more than one correct solution. This course utilizes a realistic design process to introduce students to the methods and techniques for solving engineering problems. Lectures will support the design projects and may cover engineering economics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, mechanics, statistics, and basic circuits. No prior knowledge of fluids, heat transfer, economics, statistics or electrical circuits is required. Laboratory sessions will be used to build, test and demonstrate various designs. This course is designed for sophomores and juniors to provide a broad overview of engineering design. The course includes a significant writing component and makes extensive use of PCs for word processing, spread sheet calculations and programming.
Recommended background: Ordinary Differential Equations (MA 2051), mechanics (PH 1110), statics (ES 2501), any programming language.
ASTRONAUTICS.
Topics studied: Orbital mechanics including spacecraft maneuvering and station keeping, transfer orbits, and interplanetary transfers; space environment including characteristics of low earth highly elliptical and geosynchronous orbits; ascent and reentry trajectories.
Recommended background: Dynamics (ES 2503).
MATERIALS PROCESSING.
An introduction to material processing in manufacturing. This course provides important background for anyone interested in manufacturing, design engineering design, sales, or management. Processing of polymers, ceramics, metals and composites is discussed. Processes covered include: rolling, injection molding, forging, powder metallurgy, joining and machining. The relationships between materials, processes, processing parameters and the properties of manufactured parts are developed. During the course the students should develop the ability to choose materials, processes, and processing parameters for designing manufacturing procedures to take a prototype part to production. Recommended background: ME 1800 Materials Selection and Manufacturing Processes, and ES 2001 Introduction to Materials Science.
MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR AND MODELING PROPERTIES OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS.
This course is concerned with different types of material response to mechanical loads. The course studies the constitutive equations that are used to model the properties of engineering materials. The behavior of elastic, plastic, composite and visco-elastic materials is considered. Experiments describing materials behaviors will be conducted and the behavior will be modeled. Topics include: descriptions of material behavior, methods of determining the material parameters from experimental tests, behavior of different types of materials under simple states of loading and deformation such as tensile stressstrain response (elastic and plastic), and time-dependent behavior at room and elevated temperature (viscoelasticity and creep) are studied. Theories of failure and failure modes under monotonic and cyclic loading, fracture and fracture mechanics, and methods of modifying material behavior are discussed. These topics will be integrated in several material selection projects.
Recommended background: statics (ES 2501), stress analysis (ES 2502), continuum mechanics (ES 3501), materials (ES 2001). This course will be offered in 2007-08 and in alternating years thereafter.
KINEMATICS OF MECHANISMS.
An introduction to the synthesis and analysis of linkages, cams and gear trains is presented. The design process is introduced and used to solve unstructured design problems in linkage and cam design. Algebraic and graphical techniques to analyze the displacement, velocity and acceleration of linkages and cams are developed. Computer programs for the design and analysis of linkages are used by students. Results of student design projects are presented in professional engineering reports.
Recommended background: Ordinary Differential Equations (MA 2051), statics (ES 2501), dynamics (ES 2503).
DYNAMICS OF MECHANISMS AND MACHINES.
This course provides an in-depth study of forces in dynamic systems. Dynamic force analysis is developed using matrix methods. Computer programs are used to solve the sets of simultaneous equations derived by students for realistic, unstructured design problems. Inertial and shaking forces, elementary mechanical vibrations, torque-time functions, rotational and reciprocating balance and cam dynamics are covered using the internal combustion engine as a design example. Students execute unstructured design projects and prepare professional engineering reports on the results. Computers are used extensively to solve the dynamic equations.
Recommended background: Ordinary Differential Equations (MA 2051), statics (ES 2501), dynamics (ES 2503), kinematics (ME 3310), linear algebra. This course will be offered in 2008-09 and in alternating years thereafter.
DESIGN OF MACHINE ELEMENTS.
This is an introductory course in mechanical design analysis, and it examines stress and fatigue in many machine elements. Common machine elements are studied and methods of selection and design are related to the associated hardware. Topics covered include: combined stresses, fatigue analysis, design of shafts, springs, gears, bearings and miscellaneous machine elements.
Recommended background: mechanics (ES 2501, ES 2502, ES 2503), materials (ME 1800, ME 2820), computer programming (CS 1001).
DYNAMIC MODELING.
This course introduces students to the modeling and analysis of dynamic systems. A unified treatment of mechanical, electrical, fluid and thermal systems is presented using the bond graph modeling language. The creation of dynamic models and the analysis of model response is emphasized. Lecture topics include energy storage and dissipation elements, transducers, transformers, formulation of equations for a dynamic system and time response of linear systems. Computers are used extensively for both system modeling and analysis.
Recommended background: mathematics (MA 2051, MA 2071), fluids (ES 3004), mechanics (ES 2501, ES 2503).
This course will be offered in 2007-08 and in alternating years thereafter.
COMPRESSIBLE FLOW.
In this course, students are introduced to various compressibility phenomena such as compression (shock) and expansion waves. Conservation laws and thermodynamic principles are applied to the description of flows in which compressibility effects are significant. One-dimensional models are applied to analysis of flow in variable area ducts, normal and oblique shock waves, expansion waves, and flows with friction and heat addition. Numerous applications from engineering are investigated including supersonic inlets, rocket nozzles, supersonic wind tunnels, gas delivery systems, and afterburning jet engines.
Recommended background: thermodynamics (ES 3001 or CH 3510 ) and fluids (ES 3004) or equivalent.
ELEMENTARY CONTINUUM MECHANICS.
In typical mathematics courses, students learn principles and techniques by solving many short and specially prepared problems. They rarely gain experience in formulating and solving mathematical equations that apply to real life engineering problems. This course will give students this type of applied mathematical experience. The course emphasizes the application of basic laws of nature as they apply to differential elements which lead to differential equations that need to be solved; all of these ideas are used in higher level engineering science courses such as fluid mechanics, heat transfer, elasticity, etc. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the physical concepts in a problem, selecting appropriate differential elements, developing differential equations, and finding ways to solve these equations. Limitations on the mathematical solutions due to assumptions made will be considered.
Recommended background: Ordinary Differential Equations (MA 2051), statics (ES 2501), dynamics (ES 2503). This course will be offered in 2008-09 and in alternating years thereafter.
REHABILITATION ENGINEERING.
The course exposes the students to the use of technology to design devices to ameliorate the handicaps of individuals with disabilities. This course focuses on the design process for assistive devices including defining the problem, setting design criteria, developing preliminary designs, selecting, analyzing and testing a final design. Human factors are integrated into all phases of the design process. Topics include: ergonomics, physical and cognitive parameters that effect the user interface, safety, economics, reliability and esthetics. Design and analysis of devices used for mobility and in daily activities in residential, educational and vocational settings. Laboratory sessions will be used to develop conceptual designs that solve real problems.
Recommended background: mechanics (ES 2501, ES 2502, ES 2503), kinematics (ME 3310), design (ME 2300), materials (ME 1800, ME 2820), electrical engineering (ECE 3601).
PRINCIPLES OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Intended for students other than mechanical or manufacturing engineering students, this course is oriented towards developing competence in mechanical engineering concepts on the level that the technology interfaces directly with their own discipline. The course is designed specifically to help students meet that challenge through the development of a broad systems perspective and an understanding of the principal elements of mechanical engineering technology. The expectation is that students completing this course will be able to handle adequately the mechanical aspects of a broad range of application topics. In addition, and most important, they will be prepared to work effectively with mechanical engineers on the joint solution of complex problems. Topics covered during the course include, but are not limited to, the fundamentals of: statics, dynamics, kinematics, kinetics, materials, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, stress analysis, vibrations, error and uncertainty analysis, as well as current trends and future directions in solution methodologies, and will be illustrated with representative applications, such as, electrothermo- mechanical and viscoelastic systems, electronic packaging, and MEMS. Selected projects are included to emphasize the direct application of the information presented in lectures. Intended for non-Mechanical Engineering or non-Manufacturing Engineering majors.
Recommended background: MA 1021-1024, MA 2051, CH 1010, PH 1110/ 1111-PH1120/1121, or equivalent.
INTERMEDIATE FLUID DYNAMICS.
This course covers inviscid and viscous incompressible fluid dynamics at an intermediate level. Topics include: fluid kinematics and deformation; integral conservation laws of mass, momentum and energy for finite systems and control volumes; differential conservation laws of mass, momentum and energy; the Navier-Stokes equations and solution methods; the incompressible Euler equations and Bernoulli's equation; the streamfunction and the velocity potential; incompressible, inviscid, irrotational flow theory and solution methodology; elementary potential flows, the superposition principle and its applications to flows over solid bodies; two-dimensional incompressible, viscous boundary layer, Prandtl's theory, the Blasius solution and it's application; other analytical solutions for two-dimensional viscous and inviscid incompressible channel flows.
Recommended background: fluids (ES 3004) or equivalent.
AERODYNAMICS.
This course introduces students to the aerodynamics of airfoils, wings, and aircraft in the subsonic and supersonic regimes. Topics covered include: prediction of aerodynamic forces (lift, drag) and moments, dynamic similarity, experimental techniques in aerodynamics, Kutta-Joukowski theorem, circulation, thin airfoil theory, panel methods, finite wing theory, subsonic compressible flow over airfoils, linearized supersonic flow, and viscous flow over airfoils.
Recommended background: Fluid Mechanics (ES 3004) , Incompressible Fluid Dynamics (ME 3602) or equivalent.
AEROSPACE STRUCTURES.
This is a course in solid mechanics that covers stress analysis of aerospace structures. It begins with an overview of stress, strain, three-dimensional elasticity theory, and stress-strain relations for anisotropic materials. Advanced topics include general torsion of solid noncircular cross sections, torsion of thinwalled members, bidirectional bending of unsymmetric cross sections, shear flow in and shear center of thin walled multi-celled members, and buckling and stability of columns.
Recommended background: stress (ES 2502) or equivalent.
Students who have already taken and received credit for ME 4715 will not be able to also get credit for ME 3712.
EXPERIMENTAL METHODS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING.
This course is designed to meet the experimental design requirement for ME students. A course designed to develop analytical and experimental skills in modern engineering measurement methods, based on electronic instrumentation and computer-based data acquisition systems. The lectures are concerned with the engineering analysis and design as well as the principles of instrumentation, whereas the laboratory periods afford the student an opportunity to use modern devices in materials engineering experiments. Lecture topics include: review of materials and mechanical engineering fundamentals, and, among others, discussions of standards, measurement, and sensing devices, experiment planning, data acquisition, analysis of experimental data, and report writing. Laboratory experiments address both mechanical and thermal systems and instrumentation in materials engineering (temperature and pressure measurements in materials processing, measurement of strain and position in mechanical testing of materials.
Recommended background: mathematics (MA 2051), thermo-fluids (ES 3001, ES 3003, ES 3004), mechanics (ES 2501, ES 2502, ES 2503), materials (ES 2001).
COMPUTER-AIDED MANUFACTURING.
This introductory course in modern control systems will give students an understanding of the basic techniques, and the range of equipment used in most computer controlled manufacturing operations. The class work is reinforced by hands-on laboratories in the Robotics/CAM lab. Modeling and analysis of machining processes, and applications of PLC (programmable logic control) are included. Class topics include: Manufacturing Automation, Microcomputers for Process Monitoring and Control, Computer Numerical Control, Switching Theory and Ladder Logic, Transducers and Signal Conditioning, and Closed Loop Digital Control. The laboratories allow students to program and implement several types of the controllers, and will provide an introduction to the topic of industrial robotics.
Recommended background: manufacturing (ME 1800), materials processing (ME 2820), elementary computer/logic device programming.
ENGINEERING EXPERIMENTATION.
A course designed to develop analytical and experimental skills in modern engineering measurement methods, based on electronic instrumentation and computer-based data acquisition systems. The lectures are concerned with the engineering analysis and design as well as the principles of instrumentation, whereas the laboratory periods afford the student an opportunity to use modern devices in actual experiments. Lecture topics include: review of engineering fundamentals and, among others, discussions of standards, measurement and sensing devices, experiment planning, data acquisition, analysis of experimental data, and report writing. Laboratory experiments address both mechanical and thermal systems and instrumentation in either traditional mechanical engineering (heat transfer, flow measurement/visualization, force/torque/strain measurement, motion/vibration measurement) or materials engineering (temperature and pressure measurements in materials processing, measurement of strain and position in mechanical testing of materials). Each year students will be notified which type of experiments will be used in each term offering. Students may also consult with their academic advisor or the Mechanical Engineering department office.
Recommended background: mathematics (MA 2051), thermo-fluids (ES 3001, ES 3003, ES 3004), mechanics (ES 2501, ES 2502, ES 2503), materials (ES 2001).
ADVANCED ENGINEERING DESIGN.
This course integrates students' background in ME in a one-term design project that is usually taken from a local company. Students must organize themselves and the project to successfully realize a product that meets customer needs. Activities include problem definition, design analysis, mathematical modelling, CAD modelling, manufacturing, testing, liaison to vendors, customer relations, marketing, technical management, purchasing, report writing, and oral presentations.
Recommended background: mechanisms (ME 3310, ME 3311), stress analysis (ES 3502), design (ME 3320), thermo-fluids (ES 3001, ES 3003, ES 3004), materials (ES 2001), manufacturing (ME 1800).
MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS.
This course introduces students to the modeling and analysis of mechatronic systems. Creation of dynamic models and analysis of model response using the bond graph modeling language are emphasized. Lecture topics include energy storage and dissipation elements, transducers, transformers, formulation of equations for dynamic systems, time response of linear systems, and system control through open and closed feedback loops. Computers are used extensively for system modeling, analysis, and control. Hands-on projects will include the reverse engineering and modeling of various physical systems. Physical models may sometimes also be built and tested.
Recommended background: mathematics (MA 2051, MA 2071), fluids (ES 3004), thermodynamics (ES 3001), mechanics (ES 2501, ES 2503)
THERMOFLUID APPLICATION AND DESIGN.
This course integrates thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer through the use of design projects involving modern technologies, such as electronic cooling, vapor compression power cycles, and turbines. Activities include problem definition, design creation and analysis, mathematical modeling, cost analysis and optimization.
Recommended background: thermofluids (ES 3001, ES 3003, ES 3004) and an introduction to design.
INTEGRATED THERMOMECHANICAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS.
Current state-of-the-art computer based methodologies used in the design and analysis of thermomechanical systems will be presented and illustrated by selected laboratory demonstrations, and used in projects. Projects will include thermal, mechanical, electronic, and photonic loads of steady state and dynamic nature and will integrate design, analysis, and testing. Students will prepare a technical report and present their results. Topics will include, but not be limited to, thermomechanics of fiber optic telecommunication cables, high-energy beam interactions with materials, shape memory alloys, microelectronics, MEMS and mechatronics.
Recommended background: MA 2051, ES 2001, ES 2502, ES 3003, ECE 3601, ME 3901, and an introduction to design.
This course will be offered in 2008-09 and in alternating years thereafter.
BIOMECHANICS.
This course emphasizes the applications of mechanics to describe the material properties of living tissues. It is concerned with the description and measurements of these properties as related to their physiological functions. Emphasis on the interrelationship between biomechanics and physiology in medicine, surgery, body injury and prostheses. Topics covered include: review of basic mechanics, stress, strain, constitutive equations and the field equations, viscoelastic behavior, and models of material behavior. The measurement and characterization of properties of tendons, skin, muscles and bone. Biomechanics as related to body injury and the design of prosthetic devices.
Recommended background: mechanics (ES 2501, ES 2502, ES 2503, ME 3501), mathematics (MA 2051).
This course will be offered in 2007-08 and in alternating years thereafter.
ADVANCED DYNAMICS.
This course completes a sequence of sophomore, junior and senior courses in Dynamic Systems, i.e., ES 2503, ME 3505, and ME 4505, which are essential in an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering curriculum. An advanced course intended to emphasize the development and applications of dynamics in threedimensional space. Problem solutions emphasize the use of vector algebra, matrix methods and differential equations with a goal of developing the student's ability to translate physical problems into mathematical models. Topics covered include: three-dimensional kinematics using rotating and stationary frames of reference, development of force, energy and momentum equations governing general particle and rigid body systems. Applications of equations to rigid, elastic, and fluid problems.
Recommended background: dynamics (ES 2503).
This course will be offered in 2008-09 and in alternating years thereafter.
MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS.
This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of mechanical vibrations, which are important for design and analysis of mechanical and structural systems subjected to time-varying loads. The objective of the course is to expose the students to mathematical modeling and analysis of such systems Topics covered include: formulation of the equations of motion using Newton's Laws, D'Alembert's Principle and energy methods; prediction of natural frequency for single-degree-of-freedom systems; modeling stiffness characteristics, damping and other vibrational properties of mechanical systems; basic solution techniques by frequency response analysis and convolution integral methods. Examples may include analysis and design for transient passage through resonance; analysis and design of vibration measurement devices; introductory rotordynamics. The course is mainly focused on analysis of single-degree-of-freedom systems, however a basic introduction into multidegree-of-freedom systems is also presented. Computer-based project may be suggested.
Recommended background: Ordinary Differential Equations (MA 2501), Statics (ES 2501), Dynamics (ES 2503).
INTRODUCTION TO THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD.
This course serves as an introduction to finite element analysis (FEA) for stress analysis problems. Finite element equations are developed for several element types from stiffness and energy approaches and used to solve simple problems. Element types considered include spring, truss, beam, two-dimensional (plane stress/strain and axisymmetric solid), three-dimensional and plates. Stress concentrations, static failures, and fatigue failures are considered for each element type. Emphasis will be placed on knowing the behavior and usage of each element type, being able to select a suitable finite element model for a given problem, and being able to interpret and evaluate the solution quality. A commercial, general-purpose finite element computer program is used to solve problems that are more complex. Projects are used to introduce the use of FEA in the iterative design process.
Recommended background: Mathematics (MA 2051, MA 2071), Mechanics (ES2501 & ES 2502 or CE2000 & CE2001).
BIOFLUIDS.
This course emphasizes the applications of fluid mechanics to biological problems. The course concentrates primarily on the human circulatory and respiratory systems. Topics covered include: blood flow in the heart, arteries, veins and microcirculation and air flow in the lungs and airways. Mass transfer across the walls of these systems is also presented.
Recommended background: continuum mechanics (ME 3501), fluids (ES 3004). This course will be offered in 2008-09 and in alternating years thereafter.
AIRBREATHING AND ROCKET PROPULSION.
This course provides the fundamental analysis of airbreathing and rocket propulsion engines, and components. The course addresses the associated thermofluid dynamics and performance. Topics covered include: thermofluid dynamics of airbreathing and rocket propulsion engines; ideal turbojets and ramjets; ideal nozzle flow and performance; combustion and expansion in chemical rockets; performance of engine components.
Recommended background: thermodynamics (ES 3001 or CH 3510), fluid mechanics (ES 3004 or ME 3602), compressible fluids (ME 3410 or ME 3711) or equivalent. Students who have taken and received credit for ME 4717 or ME4716 will not be able to receive credit for ME4711.
SPACECRAFT DYNAMICS AND CONTROL.
The course covers broad topics in spacecraft attitude dynamics, stability and control. The course includes a review of particle and two-body dynamics and introduction to rigid body dynamics. Orbital and attitude maneuvers are presented. Attitude control devices and momentum exchange techniques such as spinners, dual spinners, gravity gradient, and geomagnetic torques are presented. Attitude sensors/actuators are presented and the attitude control problem is introduced. Gyroscopic instruments are introduced and demonstrated in the laboratory. Open-loop stability analysis for a variety of equilibrium conditions is discussed. Control using momentum exchange and mass expulsion (thrusters) devices is discussed.
Recommended background: Astronautics (ME 2713). Suggested background includes concepts of control theory as covered in Control Engineering I (ES 3011), and concepts of particle dynamics as covered in Intermediate Mechanics (PH 2201) or Introduction to Dynamic Systems (ES 2503).
ADVANCED MATERIALS WITH AEROSPACE APPLICATIONS
This course covers topics on the design, fabrication and behavior of advanced materials used in structural and propulsion components of aerospace vehicles. The design, fabrication, and properties of polymer, metal and ceramic matrix composites used in aerospace structures are presented. The fabrication and behavior of aluminum and titanium alloys used in propulsion components as well as the processing and performance of Nickel-based superalloys are also presented. The fundamentals of coatings for high temperature oxidation, hot corrosion, and thermal protection are introduced. Recommended background: Introduction to Materials Science (ES 2001), Stress Analysis (ES 2502) or equivalent.
AIRCRAFT DYNAMICS AND CONTROL.
The goal of this course is for students to develop, analyze, and utilize models of aircraft dynamics, and to study various aircraft control systems. Topics include: review of linear systems, longitudinal and lateral flight dynamics, simulation methodologies, natural modes of motion, static and dynamic aircraft stability, and aircraft control systems (such as autopilot design, flight path control, and automatic landing). Other topics may include: vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles and rotorcraft.
Recommended background: Fundamentals in Dynamics (ES2503 or PH 2201), and Control theory (ES3011) or equivalent.
GUIDANCE, NAVIGATION AND COMMUNICATION.
This course broadly covers methods and current enabling technologies in the analysis, synthesis and practice of aerospace guidance, navigation, and communication and information systems. Topics covered include: position fixing and celestial navigation with redundant measurements, recursive navigation, and Kalman filtering; inertial navigation systems, global position systems, and Doppler navigation; orbit determination; atmospheric re-entry; communication architectures, data rates, and communication link design; tropospheric and ionospheric effects on radio-wave propagation; pursuit guidance and ballistic flight.
Recommended background: fundamental orbital mechanics (ME2713), electricity and magnetism (PH1120, PH1121) or equivalent.
AIRCRAFT DESIGN.
This course introduces students to design of aircraft systems. Students complete a conceptual design of an aircraft in a term-long project. Students must establish design specifications, develop and analyze alternative designs, and justify their design in a written report. The design project incorporates fundamentals of aerodynamics, structures, aircraft performance, aircraft stability, and propulsion into a capstone design experience. The design project culminates in a Conceptual Design Review with oral presentations and a written final report. Design teams, software tools, and technical communication are emphasized.
Recommended background: intermediate fluid mechanics (ME 3602), subsonic aerodynamics (ME 3711), air breathing propulsion (ME 3716), aerospace structures (ME 4715).
This course will be offered in 2007-08 and in alternating years thereafter.
SPACECRAFT AND MISSION DESIGN.
This course introduces students to design of spacecraft, spacecraft subsystem and space missions. Topics covered in lectures address mission classification and the space environment, the design of subsystems that include spacecraft power and propulsion, attitude dynamics and control, structural, thermal, and communication. Lectures are in parallel with a term-long conceptual design of a spacecraft, spacecraft subsystem or space mission. The design project culminates in a Conceptual Design Review with oral presentations and a written final report. Design teams, software tools, and technical communication are emphasized.
Recommended background: fluid mechanics (ES 3004), heat transfer (ES 3003), control engineering (ES 3011), astronautics (ME 2713), rocket and spacecraft propulsion (ME 3715), aerospace structures (ME 4715). This course will be offered in 2008-09 and in alternating years thereafter.
AUTOMOTIVE MATERIALS AND PROCESS DESIGN
This course focuses on materials used in the automotive industry. Students complete a term-long project that integrates design, materials selection and processing considerations. Activities include: problem definition, development of design specifications, development and analysis of alternative designs, conceptual designs and materials and process selection. Students will consider cost, and environmental impact of alternative material choices. Students will present their results in intermediate and final design reviews.
Recommended background: materials science (ES 2001), stress analysis (ES 2502), or equivalent. This course will be offered in 2008-09 and in alternating years thereafter.
CERAMICS AND GLASSES FOR ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS.
This course develops an understanding of the processing, structure, property, performance relationships in crystalline and vitreous ceramics. The topics covered include crystal structure, glassy structure, phase diagrams, microstructures, mechanical properties, optical properties, thermal properties, and materials selection for ceramic materials. In addition the methods for processing ceramics for a variety of products will be included.
Recommended background: ES 2001 or equivalent. This course will be offered in 2008-09 and in alternating years thereafter.
BIOMATERIALS.
A course specializing in material selection and special problems associated with biomedical engineering. Topics covered include: fundamentals of metals, plastics, and ceramics and how they can be applied to biomedical applications. Case histories of successful and unsuccessful material selections. Current literature is the primary source of material.
Recommended background: materials (ES 2001).
INDUSTRIAL ROBOTICS.
This course introduces students to robotics within manufacturing systems. Topics include: classification of robots, robot kinematics, motion generation and transmission, end effectors, motion accuracy, sensors, robot control and automation. This course is a combination of lecture, laboratory and project work, and utilizes industrial robots. Through the laboratory work, students will become familiar with robotic programming (using a robotic programming language VAL II) and the robotic teaching mode. The experimental component of the laboratory exercise measures the motion and positioning capabilities of robots as a function of several robotic variables and levels, and it includes the use of experimental design techniques and analysis of variance.
Recommended background: manufacturing (ME 1800), kinematics (ME 3310), control (ES 3011), and computer programming.
PLASTICS.
This course develops the processing, structure, property, performance relationships in plastic materials. The topics covered include polymerization processes, chain structure and configuration, molecular weights and distributions, amorphous and crystalline states and glass-rubber transition. The principles of various processing techniques including injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming and calendaring will be discussed. The physical and mechanical properties of polymers and polymer melts will be described with specific attention to rheology and viscoelasticity. Pertinent issues related to environmental degradation and recyclability will be highlighted.
Recommended background: ES2001 or equivalent.
This course will be offered in 2007-08 and in alternating years thereafter.
CORROSION AND CORROSION CONTROL.
An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the different forms of corrosion and the fundamentals of oxidation and electro-chemical corrosion. Topics covered include: corrosion principles, environmental effects, metallurgical aspects, galvanic corrosion, crevice corrosion, pitting, intergranular corrosion, erosion corrosion, stress corrosion, cracking and hydrogen embrittlement, corrosion testing, corrosion prevention, oxidation and other high-temperature metal-gas reactions.
Recommended background: materials (ES 2001).
This course will be offered in 2007-08 and in alternating years thereafter.
PHYSICAL METALLURGY.
Fundamental relationships between the structure and properties of engineering materials are studied. Principles of diffusion and phase transformation are applied to the strengthening of commercial alloy systems. Role of crystal lattice defects on material properties and fracture are presented. Strongly recommended as a senior-graduate level course for students interested in pursuing a graduate program in materials or materials engineering at WPI, or other schools.
Recommended background: materials (ES 2001, ME 2820, ME 3811).
FOOD ENGINEERING.
An introductory course on the structure, processing, and properties of food. Topics covered include: food structure and rheology, plant and animal tissues, texture, glass transition, gels, emulsions, micelles, food additives, food coloring, starches, baked goods, mechanical properties, elasticity, viscoelastic nature of food products, characteristics of food powders, fat eutectics, freezing and cooking of food, manufacturing processes, cereal processing, chocolate manufacture, microbial growth, fermentation, transport phenomena in food processing, kinetics, preserving and packaging of food, testing of food.
Recommended background: ES2001 or equivalent.
This course will be offered in 2008-09 and in alternating years thereafter.
THEORY AND PRACTICE OF LASER INSTRUMENTATION.
This course introduces and analyzes the fundamentals of optical and image processing techniques applicable to engineering measurements. Optical instrumentation is widely used in high precision position, vibration, and inspection applications in the industrial environment. The goal of this course is to provide a rigorous background in the basic principles preparing the student for the more advanced courses on laser instrumentation. The course will include both in-class lectures and laboratories. Topics to be covered include: accelerated review of light, waves, and polarization; basic building blocks including lenses, detectors, optical components, and fiber optics; interferometry and coherence; basic holography and speckle; infrared temperature measurement; stress birefringence; basic video, imaging, and digital image processing.
Recommended background: mathematics (MA 2051), experimentation (ME 3901).
Suggested background: physics (PH 1140).
This course will be offered in 2008-09 and in alternating years thereafter.
SPECIAL TOPICS.
For students who wish to pursue in depth various mechanical engineering topics. Topics covered include: theoretical or experimental studies in subjects of interest to mechanical engineers. Registration as a junior or senior is assumed.
