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All Graduate Courses
The following is a list of all the graduate courses offered by Mechanical Engineering Department. The details of newly added courses will be available at the SOLAR system.
MEC 500 Introduction to Computer Integrated Design and Manufacturing
Part design specification, Computer Aided Design (CAD), CAD-driven engineering
analysis, Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), integration of CAD/CAM, computer-integrated
manufacturing, industrial robotics, CAD driven inspection and measurement,
voncurrent engineering, Internet-based design, and manufacturing.
MEC 501 Convective Heat Transfer
Differential and integral formulation. Exact and approximate solutions.
Topics include parallel and boundary layer flows, similarity solutions,
external and internal flows, laminar and turbulent convection, and forced
and free convection.
Prerequisite: none, Spring, 3 credits
MEC 502 Conduction and Radiation Heat Transfer
Heat conduction and conservation law; intensity of radiation, black body
radiation, and Kirchoff's law, analysis of heat conduction problems; analysis
of radiative exchange between surfaces and radiative transport through absorbing,
emitting, and scattering media.
Prerequisite: none, Fall, 3 credits
MEC 504 Thermal Analysis and Design of Electronic Systems
Thermal characteristics of electronic components and systems, reliability
considerations, design concepts, basic modes of heat transfer and fluid
flow. Topics of applied heat transfer: heat exchanger boiling and condensation,
cooling techniques, cooling at various packaging levels, thermal elastic
effects, thermal network, computations for electronic systems.
Prerequisite: none, Fall, alternate years, 3 credits
MEC 505 Modeling and Simulation for Materials Processing and Manufacturing
Importance of modeling and simulation; interface between computer models
and actual processes; microscopic versus macroscopic models; continuum models;
thermo-fluid models, chemical transport, magnetic and electrical effects,
and stress field; simulation schemes: finite difference versus finite element
methods; software development; post processing: graphical representation,
video animation; case studies; melting/solidification bulk crystal growth;
thin film deposition.
Prerequisite: none, Spring, alternate years, 3 credits
MEC 506 Energy Management In Commercial Buildings
Basic heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system design and
selection for commercial buildings. Includes both low-rise and high-rise
buildings. Selection of central plant components and equipment, calculation
of space heating and cooling load, computer techniques for estimating annual
energy consumption, design tools for reducing energy consumption.
Prerequisite: none, Fall, 3 credits
MEC 507 Mathematical Methods In Engineering Analysis I
An introduction to the use of mathematical analysis techniques for the solution
of engineering analysis problems and the simulation of engineering systems.
Both continuous and discrete methods are covered. Initial and boundary value
problems for ordinary and partial differential equaitons are treated.
Prerequisite: none, Fall, 3 credits
MEC 508 Mathematical Methods In Engineering Analysis II
A continuation of the material covered in MEC 507. Introduction to and application
of numerical analysis techniques used in engineering such as finite elements
and fast Fourier transforms. Determination of response characteristics of
dynamic system. Combinatoric methods and techniques for optimization of
engineering design and systems/process analysis problems.
Prerequisite: none, Spring, 3 credits
MEC 509 Computer-Aided Analysis of Thermal/Fluid Systems
This course exposes students to various kinds of CFD and thermal analysis
software for modeling and simulation of flow and thermal processes/systems.
After a brief introduction of the basic Governing equations for fluid flow
and heat and mass transfer, the course deals with the treatment of initial
conditions and boundary conditions and popular discretization methods. Hands-on
usage of representative commercial software; accuracy of predictions; interface
with geometric modeling packages; computer graphics, visualization and animation.
Application problems to be selected from poping system design, heat exchangers,
HVAC, elctronic systems, materials processing. The emphasis of this course
is on the use of commercial software.
Prerequisite: none, Spring, 3 credits
MEC 510 Object-Oriented Programming for Scientists and Engineers
Practical introduction to C++ and object oriented programming for a first
programming course for scientists and engineers. Covers basics of application
software development such as problem decomposition, structure charts, object
modeling, class disgrams, incremental code building, and testing at a beginner's
level. Features an array of case studies to show how engineering problems
are solved using object oriented programming. The course follows the evolution
of programming ideas from the use of a single function to the use of structural
charts and functions to modularize, and finally to the use of object-oriented
programming.
Prerequisite: none, 3 credits
MEC 511 Mechanics of Perfect Fluids
Lagrangian and Eulerian frames. Dynamical equations of momentum and energy
transfer. Two-dimensional dynamics of incompressible and barotropic perfect
fluids and of the compressible perfect gas. Conformal mapping applied to
two-dimensional fluid dynamics. Jets and cavities. Surface waves, internal
waves. Perfect shear flows.
Prerequisite: none, Spring, 3 credits
MEC 512 Mechanics of Viscous Fluids
The role of viscosity in the dynamics of fluid flow. The Navier-Stokes equations,
low Reynolds number behavior including lubrication theory, percolation through
porous media, and flow due to moving bodies. High Reynolds number behavior
including steady, unsteady, and detached boundary layers jets, free shear
layers, and wakes. Phenomenological theories of turbulent shear flows are
introduced.
Prerequisite: none, Fall, 3 credits
MEC 514 Advanced Fluid Mechanics: Introduction to Turbulence
Introductory concepts and statistical descriptions. Kinematics of random
velocity fields. Equations of motion and their interpretation. Experimental
techniques: isotropic turbulence and the closure problem. Transport processes
in a turbulent medium. Turbulent jets, wakes, and boundary layers.
Prerequisite: MEC 512, Spring, alternate years, 3 credits
MEC 521 Thermodynamics
This course begins with a review of the fundamental concepts and laws of
classical thermodynamics and with a short introduction to statistical thermodynamics.
Then the thermostatic theory of equilibrium states and phase transitions
is treated, followed by the thermodynamic theory of processes and cycles
of simple and composite systems, including heat engines. Special topics
may include irreversible thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and other topics
of current interest.
Prerequisite: none, Spring, 3 credits
MEC 524 Computational Methods for Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer
Introduction of finite difference, finite volume and finite element methods
for incompressible flows and heat transfer. Topics include explicit and
implicit schemes, accuracy, stability and convergence, derived and primitive-variables
formulation, orthogonal and non-orthogonal coordinate systems. Selected
computer assignments from heat conduction, incompressible flows, forced
and free convection.
Prerequisites: MEC 511, MEC 512, Spring, alternate years, 3 credits
MEC 525 Product Design Concept
Development and Optimization
The formulation of design problems frequently encountered in mechanical
systems as optimization problems. Theory and application of methods of mathematical
programming for the solution of optimum design problems. Procedures for
attacking a new design problem, formulation of design concepts into analyzable
models, applications of interactive computer software, and related topics
will also be emphasized.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor, Fall, alternate years, 3 credits
MEC 528 Introduction to Experimental Stress Analysis
The concepts of three-dimensional stress and strain, their transformation laws, and their mutual relationships are discussed in details. Results from theory of elasticity as pertinent to experimental stress analysis are also presented. Experimental techniques studied include two-dimensional photoelasticity, resistance strain gauge, moiré method, brittle coating, and analog methods. The application of different techniques to the measurement of stress and strain in models as well as actual structures is demonstrated. Students form small groups and each group is assigned different laboratory projects to gain experience in various experimental stress analysis methods.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor, Fall, 3 credits
MEC 532 Mechanical Vibration I
ntroduction to vibration analysis of structures and machines. Includes free
and forced response of linear lumped parameter systems, modal analysis of
one- and two-dimensional continua, elements of nonlinear vibration analysis,
methods of active and passive vibration control, and spectral analysis of
randomly excited vibration.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Spring, 3 credits
MEC 535 Engineering Stress Analysis
Provides and overview of stress analysis for
practicing engineers and scientists.
Spring, 3 credits, ABCF grading
MEC 536 Mechanics of Solids
A unified introduction to the fundamental principles, equations, and notation
used in finite deformation of solids, with emphasis on the physical aspects
of the subject. Cartesian tensor representation of stress, principal values,
finite strain, and deformation. Conservation of mass, momentum, and energy.
Formulation of stress-strain relations in elasticity, and compatibility
relations. The use of general orthogonal coordinate systems in the equations
governing solids. Principles of virtual displacement and virtual work.
Prerequisite: none, Fall, 3 credits
MEC 539 Introduction to Finite Element Methods
Theory of finite element methods and their application to structural analysis
problems. Matrix operations, force and displacement methods. Derivation
of matrices for bars, beams, shear panels, membranes, plates, and solids.
Use of these elements to model actual structural problems. Weighted residual
techniques and extension of the finite element method into other areas such
as heat flow and fluid flow. Laboratory sessions introduce use of the computer
in solving finite element problems. Programs for the solution of force and
displacement method problems are configured. A computer project consisting
of the solution and evaluation of a structural problem is required.
Prerequisite: none, Spring, alternate years, 3 credits
MEC 540 Mechanics of Engineering Structures
An introduction to variational principles of mechanics and the development
of approximation methods for the solution of structural mechanics problems.
Linear nonlinear theories of beams and thin plates are developed along with
their framework for numerical solutions. An introduction of the general
theory of structural stability is presented along with its application to
the buckling and initial postbuckling behavior of beams and plates.
Prerequisite: none, 3 credits
MEC 541 Elasticity
Formulation of boundary value problems. Compatibility equations and reciprocal
theorem. Torsion of noncircular cross-sections. Fundamental solutions for
two- and three-dimensional domains. Potential function formulations. Use
of integral transforms and complex variable approaches. Formulation and
solution of problems in thermoelasticity.
Prerequisite: MEC 536, Spring, 3 credits
MEC 543 Plasticity
Stress and deformation of solids: yield criteria and flow rules for plasticity
deforming olids; the notion of a stable inelastic material; static and dynamic
analysis of plastic bodies under mechanical and thermal loadings; use of
load bounding theorems and the calculation of collapse loads of structures;
the theory of the slip-line field.
Prerequisite: MEC 541, Fall, alternate years, 3 credits
MEC 552 Mechanics of Composite Materials
The course is concerned with the analysis of layered composite materials
subject to mechanical loads. Cartesian tensor calculus is used. Homogeneous
anisotropic media are studied first. The effect of layering is then analyzed.
Applications to plates and shell are studied and analytical methods of solution
are given. Numerical analysis of composite solids is also considered using
finite difference and finite element methods.
Prerequisite: MEC 536, Fall, alternate years, 3 credits
MEC 560 Advanced Control Systems
Analytical methods applied to the design of multivariable linear control
systems. Introduction to linear system theory: linearization, solution of
linear matrix differential equations, stability, controllability, absorbability,
transformations to canonical forms. Formulation of control objectives. Deterministic
state observer. Full-state feedback control based on pole assignment and
linear quadratic optimization theory. Linear systems with stochastic inputs
and measurement noise. The response of linear systems to random input; stochastic
state estimator (Keyman filter); separation principle of stochastic control
and estimation; system robustness.
Prerequisite: none, Spring, alternate years, 3 credits
MEC 567 Kinematic Analysis and Synthesis of Mechanisms
Introduction, mechanism structure, basic concepts of mechanisms, canonical
representation of motion. Kinematic analysis, algebraic method, vector-loop
method, complex number method, spherical and spatial polygon method, matrix
method, dual-number quaterion method, screw coordinate method, line coordinate
method, motor algebra method, type synthesis, number synthesis, coupler
curves, curvature theory path generation, finite displacement theory, rigid
body guidance, function generation, computer-aided mechanisms analysis and
synthesis.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor, Spring, alternate years, 3 credits
MEC 568 Advanced Dynamics
Newtonian and Lagrangian mechanics of rigid bodies; kinematics, inertia
tensor, principle of momentum, principle of virtual work, potential and
kinetic energy, equations of motion, extraction of information from the
equations of motion, and application to engineering problems.
Prerequisite: none, Fall, alternate years, 3 credits
MEC 571 Analysis and Design of Robotic Manipulators
Introduction to robot manipulators from the mechanical viewpoint, emphasizing
fundamentals of various mechanisms and design considerations. Kinematics
on 2D and 3D manipulators; statics and dynamics; motion planning; control
fundamentals; algorithms development; computer-graphics simulation of manipulators;
current applications.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor, Spring, alternate years, 3 credits
MEC 572 Geometric Modeling for CAD/CAM
The deCasteljua algorithm, Bernstein polynomials, and Bezier curves. Spline
curves. Polynomial interpolation and cubic spline interpolation. Rational
Bezier and B-spline curves. Parametric surface patches. Parametric line
constructs. Geometric continuity and geometric splines. Applications of
geometric modeling methods in CNC machining, motion animation, and robotics.
Prerequisite: none, Spring, 3 credits
MEC 575 Introduction To Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
An introduction to the fundamental knowledge and experience in the design
and manufacture aof microsystems. Emphasis will be placed on the methodologies
for design, fabrication, and packaging of microsystems, An overview on fabrication
and manufacturing technologies for producing microsystems will also be covered.
Interdisciplinary nature of MEMS will be emphasized via various engineering
principles ranging from mechanical and electrical to materials and chemical
engineering. Introduction of the working principles of micro actuators,
sensors, and transducsers.
Prerequisite: none, Spring, 3 credits
MEC 576 Microfluidics and Microscale Heat Transfer
Flow and control of liquids and gases at very small length scales; deviation
from classical fluid behavior; boundary conditions and scaling laws at small
scales; microscopic flow of heat at small length-and time-scales; application
to MEMS devices, heat transfer in microelectronics devices, and ultrafast
laser processing.
Prerequisite: none, Fall, 3 credits
MEC 578 Reliability And Life Prediction of Electromechanical Systems
The modes of failure and the factors that play a role in the failure of
mechanical components are presented. Failure modes and failure theories
for brittle and ductile materials are introduced; specail emphasis will
be placed on the fatigue and fracture of materials. Distinctions will be
drawn between the behavior of single crystal versus polycrystalline materials
and versus ductile and brittle materials. Reliability issues will be siscussed
regarding the design of series versus parallel sytems.
Prerequisite: none, Fall, 3 credits
MEC 579 Optical Measurement
Optics and laser technologies play an increasingly important role today
in mechanical engineering. The objective of this course is to train mechanical
engineers in the fundamentals of optics and lasers and how optics and laser
technologies can be used to solve various problems in the fields of solid
mechanics, design and manufacturing, and thermal and fluid systems. Topics
include fundamentals of optics and lasers, dimensional and surface metrology,
machine vision, measurement of temperature, concentration, and density,
optical techniques for stress analysis and nondestructive testing, and laser
material processing.
3 credits, ABCF grading
MEC 580 Manufacturing Processes
Process and materials of manufacture: metal cutting, forming, stamping,
forging, welding, powder metallurgy; classification and fabrication characteristics
of metals and composites; plastics; adhesives. Introduction to nonconventional
manufacturing processes.
Prerequisite: none, Fall, 3 credits
MEC 584 Quality Engineering
3 credits, ABCF grading
MEC 585 Total Quality Management
Concepts of TQM and quality improvement
methods to attain world-class performance in
business operations. Topics include policy
deployment, process improvement methodology,
daily work management, quality story
methodology, six sigma, poka-yoke, ISO,
Deming and Baldridge Awards criteria.
Spring, 3 credits, ABCF grading
MEC 591 Industrial Project in OptoElectroMechanical Systems Engineering
A student carries out a detailed design of an
industrial project in OEMS engineering. A
comprehensive technical report of the project
and an oral presentation are required.
Prerequisite: Permission of director and
instructor
Fall, 3 credits, ABCF grading
MEC 597 Graduate Research and Study in Manufacturing
Independent research or project in the area of manufacturing processes or
systems.
Prerequisite: students specializing in Manufacturing, 1-6 credits
MEC 599 Research
Research work towards a thesis in M.S.
Prerequisite: advisor's permission, variable and repetitive credit
MEC 630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637 Special and Advanced
Topics Courses
The subject matter of each special topics course varies from semester to
semester, depending on the interests of students and staff. Advanced topics
and specialized topics will be discussed, particularly those of current
interest. 3 credits, repetitive
MEC 630 Special Topics in Fluid Mechanics
MEC 631 Special Topics in Heat Transfer
MEC 632 Special Topics in Statistical Mechanics
MEC 633 Special Topics in Thermodynamics
MEC 634 Advanced Topics in Kinematics and Dynamics of Machines
MEC 635 Advanced Topics in Nonlinear Dynamic Systems
MEC 636 Advanced Topics in Mechanical Vibration
MEC 637 Special Topics in Precision Engineering
MEC 641 Fracture Mechanics
The mechanics of brittle and ductile fracture in engineering materials are
studied. Major subjects are linear elastic fracture, elastic-plastic fracture,
and fatigue crack analysis. Topics also include stress intensity factor,
energy release rate, J-integral, HRR-field, stability of crack growth, dynamic
fracture, creep fracture, interface and three-dimensional cracks, and other
topics associated with current engineering applications.
Prerequisite: MEC 541, Spring, alternate years, 3 credits
MEC 651 Advanced Finite Element Analysis
Finite element method for the analysis of continuous media. In-depth discussion
of penalty method, integration technique, and differential equation solver.
Computer implementation of finite element code in nonlinear elastic, elastic-plastic
materials, and dynamic problems. Major topics are 2-D and 3D element formulations,
stress update algorithms, Newton-Raphson iterative technique, and explicit/implicit
time integration schemes.
Prerequisites: MEC 541, MEC 539, Fall, alternate years, 3 credits
MEC 671 Optical Methods for Experimental Stress Analysis
Theory and applications of moire methods (in-plane, shadow, reflection,
projection, and refraction moire techniques) for measuring static and dynamic
deformation of 2D and 3D models, bending of plates and shells, and temperature
distribution or refraction index change in fluids. Other topics: holographic
interferometry, laser speckle interferometry, and current research activities
of the field.
Prerequisite: none, Spring, 3 credits
MEC 696 Special Problems in Mechanical Engineering
Conducted jointly by graduate students and one or more members of the faculty.
Prerequisite: advisor's permission, 1-6 credits and repetitive credit
MEC 697 Practicum in Teaching I
Every T.A. must register for this course.
Fall, spring, 0 credits, S/U grading
MEC 698 Practicum in Teaching II
Practicum in teaching under faculty
supervision.
1-3 credits, S/U grading, May be repeated for credit.
MEC 699 Dissertation Research
Research work toward a Ph.D. thesis.
Prerequisite: advisor's permission, variable and repetitive credit
MEC 700 Dissertation Research off Campus–
Domestic
Prerequisite: Must be advanced to candidacy
(G5); major portion of research will take
place off campus, but in the U.S. and/or U.S.
provinces (Brookhaven National Lab and
Cold Spring Harbor Lab are considered on
campus); all international students must
enroll in one of the graduate student insurance
plans and should be advised by an International Advisor
Fall, spring, and summer, 1-9 credits, S/U grading. May be repeated for credit.
MEC 701 Dissertation Research off Campus– International
Prerequisite: Must be advanced to candidacy
(G5); major portion of research will take
place outside the U.S. and/or U.S. provinces;
domestic students have the option of the
health plan and may also enroll in
MEDEX; international students who are in
their home country are not covered by
mandatory health plan and must contact the
Insurance Office for the insurance charge to
be removed; international students who are
not in their home country are charged for the
mandatory health insurance (if they are to
be covered by another insurance plan, they
must file a waiver by the second week of
classes; the charge will only be removed if
the other plan is deemed comparable); all
international students must receive clearance
from an International Advisor
Fall, spring, and summer, 1-9 credits, S/U
grading.
May be repeated for credit.
MEC 800 Full Time Summer Research
Summer, 0 credits, S/U grading