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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.

University Academic Calendar

MEC 500 Introduction to Computer Integrated Design and Manufacturing

Topics include 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; concurrent engineering; Internet-based design and manufacturing.

Prerequisite: B.S. in engineering
Fall, 3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 501 Convective Heat Transfer and Heat Exchange
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.

Spring, 3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 502 Conduction and Radiation Heat Transfer

Heat conduction and conservation laws; formulation of conduction equations in differential
and integral forms; analytical solution techniques including Laplace transforms and separation of variables; scaling analysis; black body radiation, Kirchoff's law, analysis of heat conduction problems; analysis of radiative exchange between surfaces and radiative transport through absorbing, emitting, and scattering media.

Fall, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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.

Fall, alternate years, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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.

Spring, alternate years, 3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 506 Energy Management In Commercial Buildings

Topics include 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; ASHRAE codes; building controls; BACnet.

Prerequisite: B.S. in mechanical engineering or related fields
Fall, alternate years, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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 equations are treated.

Fall, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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 systems. Combinatoric methods and techniques for optimization of engineering design and systems/process analysis problems.

Prerequisite: MEC 507, Spring, alternate years, 3 credits , ABCF grading

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 diagrams, incremental code building, and testing at a beginner’s level. Features the concepts of abstract data types (ADT), encapsulation, inheritance, composition, polymorphism, operator and function overloading besides studying UML (Unified Modeling Language) as a graphical representational design technique. 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: B.S. in science or engineering
Spring, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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.

Summer, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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.

Fall, 3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 514 Advanced Fluid Mechanics: Introduction to Turbulence

Introductory concepts and statistical descriptions: kinematics of random velocity fields; equations of motion; experimental techniques: isotropic turbulence, closure problem; transport processes.

Prerequisite: MEC 512

Spring, alternate years, 3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 515 Emerging Energy Technologies

Basic physics, chemistry, and engineering of emerging energy technologies, including fuel cells, thermo-electrics, photovoltaics, batteries, hydrogen generation and storage, power electronics, and 'smart' grid. Lecture, group reports, and presentation skills will be practiced and evaluated.

Prerequisite: none

Spring, 3 credits

MEC 516 Energy Technologies Laboratory I

Experiments in the areas of IR imaging, heat pumps, batteries/power electronics, solar thermal, insulation, steam/gas turbine, and hybrid autos. The focus is on system efficiencies, system integration, and design for residential markets. Student groups are assigned laboratory projects to build experience applying various energy technologies to solve problems.

Co-requisite: MEC 520

Fall, 3 credits

MEC 517 Energy Technologies Laboratory II

Experiments in the areas of thermoelectric power, fuel cells, photovoltaics, wind turbines, hydrogen storage, hydrogen generation, and power electronics in addition to related project work. The focus is on system efficiencies, system integration, and design for residential markets. Student groups are assigned laboratory projects to build experience applying various energy technologies to solve problems.

Co-requisite: MEC 515

Spring, 3 credits

MEC 520 Energy Technology Thermodynamics

Following a review of engineering thermodynamics principles, the thermodynamics of power generation, heat pumps, electro-chemical systems, chemical reactions and combustion are explored in the context of sustainable energy development. Lecture, group reports, and presentation skills will be practiced and evaluated.

Prerequisites: none

Fall, 3 credits

MEC 521 Thermodynamics

This course begins with a review of the fundamental concepts and laws of classical 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 statistical thermodynamics, irreversible thermodynamics, radiation and photovoltaic energy conversion, biological thermodynamic processes, and other topics of current interest.

Spring, 3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 522 Building Energy Dynamics Technology

Building is treated as a time-dependent energy system, with its interactive components coupled through energy and mass flows under an environment defined in terms of sunlight, ambient air and wind, and natural light—and with its equipments which assist in meeting building-dweller’s comfort requirements. Major components discussed are thermal mass (both interior mass and envelope mass) and their thermal capacities, building envelopes and their heat transfer resistances, room air and its circulation and its heat exchange with thermal mass, and the transparent part of the envelope—the glazing or windows—and the incoming solar insolation passing through it during the day and the heat loss during the night time. Major equipments include lighting, air circulation system, cooling and heating equipments, solar thermal panel and solar PV panel, and other equipments including integrated electric and control units. The course focuses on the temperature-and-humidity condition and illumination required for the living/working space of buildings with the objective of creating—through a system-understanding of the building—in the short run energy efficient buildings that meet these two requirements involving minimal use of energy, and in the long run autonomous (self-sufficient) “organic” buildings that become integral parts of nature.

Spring, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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 507

Fall, alternate years, 3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 525 Product Design Concept Development and Optimization

This graduate course will concentrate on the design concept development of the product development cycle, from the creative phase of solution development to preliminary concept evaluation and selection. The course will then cover methods for mathematical modeling, computer simulation, and optimization. The concept development component of the course will also cover intellectual property and patent issues. The course will not concentrate on the development of any particular class of products, but the focus will be mainly on mechanical and electromechanical devices and systems. As part of the course, each participant will select an appropriate project to practice the application of the material covered in the course and prepare a final report.

Prerequisites: Undergraduate electrical or mechanical engineering and/or science training

Fall, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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 detail. Results from theory of elasticity as pertinent to experimental stress analysis are also presented. Experimental techniques studied include two-dimensional photoelasticity, resistance strain gauge, moire methods, holographic interferometry, and speckle photography. 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: MEC 362 or equivalent

3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 529 Introduction to Robotics: Theory and Applications

Topics: robot components and mechanatronic aspects of robotics (sensors, actuators, and
effectors, system integration); rotation, translation, rigid-body transform; robotics foundations in kinematics and inverse kinematics, dynamics, serial and parallel manipulators and their duality, introduction to mobile robots and LEGO Robotics, control theories, motion planning, trajectory generation, grasping and manipulation, robotic programming language, industrial robotics, manufacturing automation, and societal impacts. Include hands-on projects.

Spring, 3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 530 Applied Stress Analysis

A study of linear elastic solids with emphasis on internal stress analysis. Simple boundary value problems at plane structures are analyzed with various solution techniques. Major topics are stress and strain tensors, linear elasticity, principle of virtual work, torsion, stress functions, stress concentration, elementary fracture, and plasticity.

3 credits, OPT

MEC 532 Mechanical Vibration I

Fundamentals of vibrations and control of vibrations of structures and dynamic systems. Topics include one dof systems and responses, multiple dof systems and responses, classical feedback control theory, modern state-space feedback control theory, application of control methodology in structure and systems under vibration and dynamics; introduction of optimal control theory; feedforward control; and distributed transducers for active control of vibration.

Fall, every year, 3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 535 Engineering Stress Analysis
Provides an 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.

Fall, 3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 539 Introduction to Finite Element Methods

(Formerly Finite Element Methods in Structural Analyses.) 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.

Spring, alternate years, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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 and 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.

3 credits, ABCF grading

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 , ABCF grading

MEC 543 Plasticity
Stress and deformation of solids: yield criteria and flow rules for plasticity deforming solids; the notion of a stable inelastic material; static and dynamic analysis of plastic bodies under mechanical and thermal loading; 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, ABCF grading

MEC 550 Mechatronics

An introduction to the design, modeling, analysis, and control of mechatronic systems (smart systems comprising mechanical, electrical, and software components). Fundamentals of the basic components needed for the design and control of mechatronic systems, including sensors, actuators, data acquisition systems, microprocessors, programmable logic controllers, and I/O systems, are covered. Hands-on experience in designing and building practical mechatronic systems are provided through integrated lab activities.

Fall, every year, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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 or Spring, alternate years, 3 credits , ABCF grading

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, observability, 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 (Kalman filter); separation principle of stochastic control and estimation; system robustness.

Fall or spring, alternate years, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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 quaternion 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, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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.

Fall, 3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 570 Introduction to Engineering Tribology

Focus is on the fundamentals of tribology, the science of surfaces in relative motion, with an introduction to friction, lubrication, and wear. The basics of tribology science: engineering surfaces, contact mechanics, lubrication theory, wear processes and modeling, wear properties of materials, and tribology test methods will be covered. Analysis of tribological aspects of machine components and bearings. Industrial case studies will be presented to place the topics in context to industry and society.

Spring, every year, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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

Fall or Spring, alternate years, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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.

Fall or Spring, alternate years, 3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 575 Introduction To Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
An introduction to the fundamental knowledge and experience in the design and manufacture of 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 transducers.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Spring, 3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 576 Microfluidics and Microscale Heat Transfer

Topics: flow/control of liquids/gases at small length scales; deviation from classical fluid behavior; boundary conditions/scaling laws at small scales; microscopic flow of heat at small length- and time-scales; application to MEMS devices, heat transfer in microelectronics devices, ultra-fast laser processing.

Prerequisite: B.S. in engineering or Department approval

Fall, alternate years, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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; special 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 discussed regarding the design of series versus parallel sytems.

Fall or Spring, alternate years, 3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 579 Optical Measurement

Introduction to optical measurement and its applications to the fields of solid mechanics, design and manufacturing, and thermal and fluid systems. Topics include fundamentals of optics, lasers, and detectors, dimensional and surface metrology, machine vision, measurement of temperature, concentration, and density, and optical techniques for stress analysis and nondestructive testing.

3 credits, ABCF grading

MEC 580 Manufacturing Processes

The relationship between product design and manufacturing. Materials properties and influence. Introduces traditional and nontraditional manufacturing processes and their capabilities and limitations. Measurement inspection, reliability, and quality engineering. Economic impact of modern process engineering. Hands-on experience in the fundamentals of machining including, metrology tools, saw, sheet metal working, drilling, reaming, taping, turning, boring, milling, welding, and rapid prototyping.

Spring, 3 credits, ABCF grading

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 Opto Electro Mechanical 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.

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

ABCF grading

MEC 599 Research

Fall, spring, and summer, 1-12 credits, S/U grading

May be repeated for credit

MEC 630 Special Topics in Fluid Mechanics
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.