School of Engineering

Course Descriptions

Mechanical Engineering (ME) Graduate Courses

To view the complete schedule of courses for
each semester, go to Cardinal Station.

ME 502: Introduction to Elec. Packaging and MEMS

3.00 Credits

no description available

ME 503: Structural Mechanics

3.00 Credits

A fundamental engineering course that introduces elasticity and mechanics analyses of solid structures, whose topics include: 3-D stresses and strains; stress and strain relations; Airy's stress function; 2-D elasticity problems; stress concentrations; failure criteria; introduction to plasticity, fracture and fatigue; bending, torsion and combined loading on structural elements; strain energy and energy method; introduction to the finite element method; plates and shells; buckling.

ME 504: Finite Element Methods

3.00 Credits

Introduction to finite element problems in solid mechanics and diffusion. Finite element model construction applying direct and variational principle formulations; Rayleigh-Ritz and Galerkin methods. General solution procedures for 1-, 2-, and 3-dimensional problems; isoparametric elements. Design process with finite elements; use of finite element computer program for analysis and design of complex systems. Substructure and reduction methods for efficient computation. Introduction to dynamic system treatment; numerical integration methods.

ME 507: Mechanical Systems and Control

3.00 Credits

Mathematical modeling of dynamic systems; basic principles of feedback; the root-locus and frequency-response design methods. MATLAB used for analysis and design problems. Prerequisite: ME 344 or Graduate Student Status.

ME 510: Modern Control Systems

3.00 Credits

Analysis of control systems in state space, control system design via pole placement, design of state estimators, quadratic optimal control systems design. MATLAB used extensively for analysis and design problems.

ME 512: Digital Controls

3.00 Credits

Fundamentals of digital signal processing, computer interfacing, system dynamic responses, s to z domain transformation, digital controllers in z domain, system identifications and design projects.

ME 521: CFD and Numerical Heat Transfer

3.00 Credits

Introduction to CFD and its applications. Review of elementary numerical analysis. Introduction to the finite volume approach. Solution to the Navier-Stokes equations in volicity/stream function form. Solution to the Navier-Stokes equations in primitive variables: the MAC method. Solving the Navier-Stokes and heat equations. Introduction to turbulent, multiphase and combustion modeling.

ME 526: Alternative Energy Engineering

3.00 Credits

no description available

ME 529: Environmental Protection for Energy Systems

3.00 Credits

no description available

ME 530: Applied Energy Systems

3.00 Credits

A first course in applied energy systems and technologies, which reviews the fundamentals of thermal-fluid sciences and discusses their applications to power, propulsion, heating, cooling, refrigeration, and cryogenic systems. It is a course in applied thermodynamics that considers the important internal and external combustion heat engine cycles, heat pump cycles, and their associated applied components and systems. A comprehensive overview of energy consumption, production, and reserves in the USA and the world is also discussed. Emphasis is placed on the quantitative analysis of performance of various applied energy systems and processes, and on the tradeoffs necessary for improved effectiveness and environmental acceptability.

ME 532: Design of Power and Propulsion Systems

3.00 Credits

A practical design-oriented course dealing with propulsion and power-producing components and systems, including internal combustion engines, fossil fuel-fired power plants, nuclear/hydroelectric power plants, gas turbine engines, nozzles and jet propulsion, spacecraft, and direct energy converters. Open-ended design and computer problems are assigned.

ME 533: Energy Conservation and HVAC

3.00 Credits

A practical, design-oriented course dealing with heating, cooling, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC). Emphasizes psychometrics and building heating and cooling loads. Open-ended design and computer problems are assigned.

ME 534: Design of HVAC and Refrigeration

3.00 Credits

A practical, design-oriented course dealing with heating, cooling, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), and refrigeration and cryogenic components and systems. Emphasizes HVAC and refrigeration equipment and performance. Various design methodologies, from simple approximation methods to comprehensive computer simulation packages, are introduced. Open-ended design and computer problems are assigned.

ME 535: Design and Optimization of Thermal Systems

3.00 Credits

This course deals with the numerical evaluation of the inevitable trade-offs associated with any thermodynamic or heat transfer system. A distinction will be made between workable and optimal systems. Several manual solutions will be required to ensure that the physics of the system and solution techniques are well understood. A primary analytical tool that will be used for system simulation and evaluation will be the engineering equation solver (EES) program. Although no computer language will be required for simulations, prior experience with windows and spreadsheets will be helpful. Optimal system analysis will include, at least, one calculus method and one search method. Applications will include power and refrigeration systems, electronics cooling, etc.

ME 536: Thermal Environmental Engineering

3.00 Credits

Indoor air quality: standards and regulations; major indoor pollutants (sources, health effects, control strategies); air cleaning processes. Thermal comfort. Open-ended design project by students to determine comfort and IAQ requirements in residential and industrial buildings.

ME 537: Air Pollution and Control

3.00 Credits

A practical, comprehensive course for students interested in energy systems and environmental engineering. It discusses the cause, source, and effect of various primary pollutants, such as particulates, SOx, NOx, CO, VOCs, solid waste, and nuclear waste, and secondary pollutants such as photochemical smog, 03-depleting chemicals, acid gases, and greenhouse gases, from stationary and mobile energy systems. Discussions also include the working principle, performance characteristics, and method of analysis of engineering control equipment and processes for the above pollutants. This course emphasizes the design approach to pollution problems from an applied engineering viewpoint. Open-ended design problems will be assinged and a field trip to a local power plant will be arranged.

ME 539: Combustion and Incineration

3.00 Credits

This course discusses the fundamentals of combustion science and processes, and its engineering applications to combustion and incineration systems. The topics include combustion thermodynamics and chemical kinetics; characterization of fuels and chemical wastes; premixed and diffusion flames; ignition, extinction, deflagration, and detonation; environmental impacts due to combustion and incineration; modern combustion technologies and devices; incineration technologies and systems; and pollutants removal from combustors and incinerators.

ME 541: Conduction and Radiation

3.00 Credits

no description available

ME 543: Heat Exchanger: Design and Analysis

3.00 Credits

Fundamental analysis, thermodynamic evaluation and design/modeling of both single-phase and two-phase heat exchangers. Discussion of various applications, including compact heat exchangers and high heat flux applications. Students will be required to solve open-ended design problems.

ME 544: Intro to Multiphase Systems

3.00 Credits

Introduction to physical systems consisting of more than one phase or component. Classification of multiphase systems, technological applications. Dispersed vs. separated multiphase systems. Size distribution. Particle-fluid interaction. Multiphase system equations. Introduction to numerical modeling. Introduction to complex multiphase systems: suspensions, emulsions, and sprays.

ME 547: Intermediate Thermodynamics

3.00 Credits

Mass, energy and entropy balances; entropy, irreversibility, and availability (exergy); equations of state and general thermodynamic relations; gas mixtures and liquid solutions; phase equilibrium and stability; applications.

ME 548: Intermediate Heat Transfer

3.00 Credits

The course presents the fundamentals as well as applications of heat transfer for graduate students in engineering. It discusses the basic concepts, material properties, governing laws, and solution techniques for conduction, convection, and thermal radiation. Topics include 1-D/multi-D steady conduction, conduction in composites, insulation, heat transfer fins, unsteady conduction; fluid flows and forced convection, free convection, boiling and condensation, engineering correlation, heat exchanges; blackbody and shape factors, radiation properties, radiant exchange between surfaces, radiation shields, solar/space applications; combined modes of heat transfer.

ME 549: Intermediate Fluid Mechanics

3.00 Credits

Introduction, basic definitions, and properties of fluids. Conservation laws for a closed system. Conservation laws for an open system. Fluid kinematics. Inviscid incompressible flow. Viscous incompressible flow. Introduction to compressible flow.

ME 550: Combustion and Waste Management

3.00 Credits

Dual-level course in energy systems and environmental engineering. Discusses fundamental sciences and practical applications of combustion of fossil fuels, and incineration and management of wastes. Applied combustion and incineration systems, such as car and jet engines, boilers and furnaces/kilns, incinerators, waste-to-energy plants, and land-fill waste management facility will also be discussed. Prerequisite: Graduate students or ME upper classmen).

ME 551: Infrared Systems

3.00 Credits

no description available

ME 552: Introduction to Flight Dynamics

3.00 Credits

Aspects of fluid flow - boundary layers, laminar and turbulent flow; subsonic and supersonic flow - shock waves and Mach Number; Bernoulli's equation and dynamic pressure; air resistance - form drag and skin friction; aerodynamic lift and airfoils - stagnation point, pressure coefficient, center of pressure and pitching moments; wing characteristics - downwash and induced drag; introduction t propulsion. Prerequisite: ENGR 331 or equivalent.

ME 554: Aerospace Design

3.00 Credits

no description available

ME 557: Advanced Dynamics

3.00 Credits

Multiple methods for obtaining equations of motion for rigid multibody systems. Topics to be covered will include the differentiation of vectors, kinematics, mass distribution, energy functions, and formulation of the equations of motion.

ME 558: Introduction to Ocean Engineering

3.00 Credits

no description available

ME 560: Introduction to Acoustics

3.00 Credits

no description available

ME 561: Acoustics & Wave Propagation

3.00 Credits

Vibrating systems; simple, damped, and driven oscillators; strings; bars; membranes and plates. Plane, cylindrical, and spherical waves in a fluid: transmission, refraction, reflection, and absorption. Radiation from point, line, and piston sources.

ME 562: Advanced Acoustics

3.00 Credits

no description available

ME 564: Structural Acoustics

3.00 Credits

no description available

ME 565: Acoustics I

3.00 Credits

no description available

ME 566: Advanced Vibrations and Structural Dynamics I

3.00 Credits

Free and forced vibrations of single degree of freedom systmes under a variety of time dependent loads. Damping in structures. Unit impulse response functions. Frequency domain analysis. Free and forced vibrations of multi degree of freedom systems. Modal Analysis, eigenvalues, eigenvectors. Numerical integration, time history analysis, and modal analysis of MDOF systems. Introduction to vibration of continuous systems.

ME 572: Computer Controlled Mechanical Systems

3.00 Credits

Introduction to computer control. Analysis and design of multi-input multi-output digital controllers in the z-domain. Stability, controllability, and observability analysis. Parameter identification. Design and testing of various computer control systems. Prerequisite: ME 507.

ME 580: Introduction to MEMS and Microfabricatiion

3.00 Credits

This course presents an introduction to the principles, fabrication techniques, applications, and design issues/constraints of MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS). Students will gain an understanding of microfabrication techniques for MEMS including photolithography, surface and bulk micromaching, LIGA, and other processes. Transduction mechanisms for sensors and actuators (coupling between thermal, mechanical, and electrical domains) and micro-scale engineering design issues will also be discussed in detail.

ME 582: Introudction to Mechanical Fundamentals of Electronic Systems

3.00 Credits

An introduction to mechanical fundamentals required for designing reliable electronic systems. The focus will be on the fundamental principles of semiconductor devices, circuit theory and electrical design considerations, electronic packaging technologies, effect of materials compatibility, manufacturing processes, thermal stress, mechanical stress, environmental effects on product performance, failure analysis, reliability prediction, durability and cost.

ME 584: Introduction to Nanotechnology

3.00 Credits

As nanotechnology becomes increasingly important in the 21st century, there will be increasing demand for graduates with strong interdisciplinary education in this area. With this in mind, the objective of this course is to introduce nanotechnology and its applications. Focus will be on defining nanotechnology, presenting a history of nanotechnology development and projecting its potential impact on the 21st century, nano-materials, nano-fabrication and nano-engineering, nano-mechanics, applications of nanotechnology, challenges in research and development of nanotechnologies, and the role of mechanical engineers in the exciting field of nanotechnology.

ME 592: Experimental Vibration and Acoustics

3.00 Credits

Properties of acoustic and vibration sensors and actuators, collection of large data sets using robotically positioned transducers, automated data acquisition and signal processing. Post-processing techniques including statistical analysis, reduction of multi-dimensional data sets, and image generation. Comparison of experimental results with theoretical predictions of acoustic and vibration behavior. Prerequisite: ME 392 or graduate status.

ME 622: Turbulence

3.00 Credits

This course presents the fundamentals of turbulence. Topics include: introduction and motivation, statistical techniques for analysis, mean flow dynamics (Reynolds decomposition), Kolmogorov's theory, instrumentation, classical turbulent flowshear layers, jets, wakes, boundary layers (pipe flow) and introduction to numerical simulation of turbulent flows. Prerequisite: ENGR 331 or equivalent.

ME 640: Advanced Thermodynamics

3.00 Credits

Advanced topics in thermodynamics: energy and exergy analysis of open systems; entropy, irreversibility, and availability; equations of state and general thermodynamic relations; gas mixtures and liquid solutions; phase equilibrium and stability; external-field effects; low temperature thermodynamics; introduction to irreversible thermodynamics; and direct energy conversion. Prerequisites: ME 530 or Graduate Student Status.

ME 642: Advanced Heat Transfer

3.00 Credits

Specialized topics in heat transfer. The topics will be selected based on the interest of the students. Prerequisite: ME 548.

ME 645: Advanced Fluid Dynamics

3.00 Credits

Specialized topics in fluid mechanics. The topics will be selected based on the interest of the students. Prerequisite: ME 549.

ME 647: Multiphase Flows

3.00 Credits

Fundamental laws, physical interactions and dimensionless parameters, governing momentum transfer equations, solution techniques, and industrial, applications of multiphase flow processes, including gas-solid, gas liquid, and liquid-solid systems. Emphasis is primarily placed on particle-fluid interactions. Prerequisite: ME 549.

ME 648: Heat Exchangers-Theory and Applications

3.00 Credits

Transport properties and dimensionless parameters; heat exchanger classification, heat exchanger design; UA-LMTD and ,-NTU methods; fouling; header design; flow regimes in two-phase heat transfer; pressure drop and heat transfer correlations for boiling and condensation. Applications include double pipe heat exchangers, shell and tube heat exchangers, compact heat exchangers, evaporators, and condensers. Prerequisites: ME 548 or Graduate Student Status.

ME 651: Advanced Topics of Infrared Systems

3.00 Credits

This course is intended to provide a comprehensive review of Surveillance and Reconnaissance (S&R) imaging system modeling and performance prediction. The goal of S&R systems is to provide information-detection, classification and identification of objects and features based on image characteristics. Given a set of information requirements, the system designer and operator must design and operate a system in a manner that will provide the required information. They thus require the ability to model and predict the performance of S&R systems based on design attributes and measurable operating parameters. Performance is defined in terms of the ability of users to extract the desired information. System descriptions, S&R modeling history, system characteristics, and performance models are all provided. While there are many texts describing imaging systems in the realm of linear shift invariant systems, target acquisition, driving and flying, there are few texts that address the specific design and analysis techniques used with S&R imaging systems. In particular, the emphasis here is on validated prediction of human observer performance. Prerequisite: ME 551 or graduate status.

ME 654: Computational Structural Mechanics

3.00 Credits

Introduction to Finite Elements. Finite Element model construction applying direct and variational principles. Condensation techniques. Isoparametric elements. Introduction to dynamic models. Coupled problems: structural-electromagnetic systems and fluid-structure interactions. Numerical integration methods. Prerequisite: ME 503.

ME 656: Optimal Control

3.00 Credits

Linear quadratic Gaussian optimal control; linear quadratic regulator; introduction to robust control; gain margin, phase margin; H-2, H-infinity controller. Prerequisites: ME 510 or Graduate Student Status.

ME 657: Advanced Dynamics

3.00 Credits

A more in-depth study of material covered in ME 557. Multiple methods for obtaining equations of motion for rigid multibody systems, based on Kane's method. Topics to be covered will include the differentiation of vectors, kinematics, mass distribution, energy functions, and formulation of the equations of motion. Prerequisites: Graduate Student Status.

ME 660: Intermediate Acoustics

3.00 Credits

The course will cover issues related to linear acoustics that stem from an understanding of the acoustic wave equation. The topics include acoustic metrology, attenuation of sound, radiation and reception, wave-guides human hearing and transduction. These analytic concepts will be applied to applied topics including musical instruments, audio, and biomedical ultrasound. Prerequisite: Graduate student status.

ME 661: Acoustics Metrology & Materials

3.00 Credits

Topics covered in this class include both passive and active acoustical measurements. The passive measurements, covered in the first quarter of the class and will include digital audio recording, environmental noise, reverberation in architectural spaces and radiated sound power measurement. The remainder of the semester will focus on active technics where a computer-generated sound is broadcast and then recorded after it has interacted with some target or environment. This section of the class will start with a discussion of excitation signals including pulses, chirps and noise as well as speaker / microphone characterizations. With this background established we will then cover acoustic materials and impedance tube measurements of surface impedance, reflection, and absorption. Experimental results will be compared to published values and simple model of acoustic interaction with porous materials. Prerequisite: ME 561 or equivalent.

ME 664: Modal Analysis

3.00 Credits

Theoretical modal analysis. Random vibrations. Estimation of natural frequencies and mode shapes from experimental data. Experimental techniques for vibration measurements. Vibration sensors. Signal processing and data handling. Prerequisite: ME 666.

ME 665: Acoustics II

3.00 Credits

no description available

ME 666: Advanced Vibrations and Structural Dynamics II

3.00 Credits

Vibration of single degree of freedom systems. Multi-degrees of freedom systems. Introduction to modal analysis: natural frequencies and mode shapes. Distributed parameter systems: vibration of beams and plates. Analytical dynamics: LaGrange equations and Hamilton's principle. Prerequisites: ME 344 or Graduate Student Status.

ME 667: Acoustics III

3.00 Credits

no description available

ME 668: Active and Passive Vibration Control

3.00 Credits

Passive surface damping treatments: visco-elastic materials and sandwich structures. Active damping treatments. Application of optimal control techniques to vibration reduction. Adaptive control techniques. Magnetic damping treatments. Prerequisites: ME 507, ME 666.

ME 669: Nonlinear Vibration

3.00 Credits

This course includes derivation of nonlinear equations of motion for large amplitude mechanical vibrations (such as of beams and plates) but focuses on the analysis of the dynamics of nonlinear oscillators (such as Duffing, Van der Pol, and Mathieu/Hill equations). Topics considered include phase-plane analysis and stability, asymptotic and perturbation methods such as Lindstedt-Poincaré, multiple scales, and Krylov-Bogoliubov-Mitropolsky, the harmonic balance method, external excitation, primary and secondary resonances; parametric excitation, Floquet theory, and multi-degree of freedom systems including nonlinear normal modes and center manifold theory.

ME 701: Finite Element Method: Theory and Applications

3.00 Credits

The course describes the fundamentals of finite element theory. Finite Element formulations for various physical systems are derived through variational forms of energy functionals. Finite elements for elastic structures, porous materials, piezo-electric materials, fluid and thermal systems are analyzed with emphasis on interaction phenomena and coupled behaviors.

ME 703: Advanced Problems in Vibration and Acoustics

3.00 Credits

Topics include longitudinal and transverse waves in solids: bars, plates, and cylindrical shells; dispersion and impedance. Sound radiated by vibrating structures, effect of fluid loading on structural vibrations, sound-induced vibrations and fluid/structure interactions.

ME 704: Advanced Problems in Vibrations and Acoustics II

3.00 Credits

A follow on course to ME 703. Continued discussion in topics of longitudinal and transverse waves in solids: bars, plates, and cylindrical shells; dispersion and impedance. Sound radiated by vibrating structures, effect of fluid loading on structural vibrations, sound-induced vibrations and fluid/structure interactions.

ME 721: Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics

3.00 Credits

Numerical solution of inviscid flow equations, Navier-Stokes equations, boundary layer equations, and turbulent flows. Emphasis on grid generation. . Practice problems with commercial codes. Prerequisite: ME 521.

ME 726: Advanced Combustion and Multiphase Systems

3.00 Credits

Based on the interest of the students, this course discusses in detail a few selected, advanced topics in one of the following subareas: gas-sold suspensions, fluidization, gas-liquid systems, slurry flows, coal combustion, ICEs, boilers and fuels, incineration systems, and multiphase mechanics. Emphasis is placed on training students in independent study and in grasping the forefront of the particular research field. Final project by students. Prerequisites: ME 539, 544.

ME 728: Advanced Problems in Pollution Control

3.00 Credits

Based on the interest of the students, this course discusses in detail a few selected, advanced topics in one of the following application areas: air pollutants emission control, indoor air quality control, wastewater treatment, water quality control, soil contamination and remediation, incineration of chemical waste, and microbiological treatment of waste. Emphasis is placed on training students in independent study and in grasping the forefront of the particular research field. Final project by students. Prerequisite: ME 537.

ME 733: Turbulent Flows

3.00 Credits

Nature of turbulence and the formulation of governing equations. Application to free shear and wall flows, statistical description of turbulence, spectral dynamics, turbulence modeling, experimental methods. Final project by students. Prerequisite: ME 645.

ME 741: Advanced Problems in Thermal Science

3.00 Credits

Based on the interest of the students, this course discusses in detail a few selected, advanced topics in one of the following subareas: applied thermodynamics, advanced thermodynamics, heat conduction, convective heat/mass transfer, thermal radiation, heat/mass exchangers, and heat transfer enhancement. Emphasis is placed on training of students in independent study and in grasping the forefront of the particular research field. Final project by students. Prerequisite: ME 548.

ME 751: Advanced Topics in Vibration Control

3.00 Credits

Finite element modeling of beams, rods, plate and shells with shape memory or piezo-electric actuators. Experimental validations. Surface damping treatment and active constrained layer damping. Variable structure control and LMS control. Prerequisites: ENGR 503, ME 566 or ME 666.

ME 752: Advanced Topics in Mechanics

3.00 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the phenomena of nonlinear oscillations. Emphasis is placed on identifying the phenomena from a physical perspective, understanding their behavior, and obtaining approximate closed-form solutions that define the essential characteristics of their behavior. Results are compared to those obtained from similar linear systems. Examples are limited to single-degree-of-freedom systems, in order to enable sufficiently rigorous study of some of the most common phenomena. This course serves as an introduction to more advanced study in the nonlinear oscillations of multi-degree-of-freedom and continuous systems, nonlinear control, and chaos theory. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

ME 754: Advanced Computational Structural Analysis

3.00 Credits

Vibration of discrete systems, the eigenvalue problem, discrete systems, continuous systems, discretization of continuous systems, the finite element method, condensation methods and sub-structure synthesis. Final project by students. Prerequisite: ME 654. Prerequisite: ME 504.

ME 756: Advanced Problems in Controls

3.00 Credits

Topics include optimal control of continuous and discrete systems, linear quadratic regulator and tracking, Riccati equations and eigenstructure of Hamiltonian, and robust control techniques for linear systems (H4 and H2). Adaptive control techniques with emphasis on real-time parameter estimation, mode reference adaptive and self-tuned systems. Nonlinear control analysis and design using feedback linearization and variable structure control. Final project by students. Prerequisite: ME 512.

ME 760: Advanced Topics in Acoustics

3.00 Credits

Research oriented course focused on sound environments. This course covers ocean and atmospheric acoustics as well as architectural acoustics. This course also includes topics related to nonlinear phenomenon such as shock wave propagation and parametric arrays. Prerequisite: ME 560

ME 761: Acoustic Imaging

3.00 Credits

no description available