Mechanical Engineering

For a detailed description of each of these courses, check the video tape index at the Gordon Library.

The second digit in mechanical engineering course numbers is coded as follows:

0 - General mechanical engineering
1 -
2 -
3 - Design
4 - Thermal - fluids
5 - Engineering mechanics
6 - Fluid mechanics - hydraulics
7 - Aerospace
8 - Materials
9 - Engineering experimentation

ME 1800. INTRODUCTION TO MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.

Cat. I
This course is designed to introduce the student to the engineering fundamentals of the most commonly encountered manufacturing processes. A thorough treatment of sketching, casting, welding, machining, and material properties are developed through a combination of class work and machine shop experience. Each student is required to sketch and fabricate his/her own prototype part. Experience is also provided in the area of automated process parameter selection through the use of microcomputers.
This course is recommended for all majors, for students who plan to utilize the machine shop facilities as part of their MQP work, or for those students who wish a fundamental background in materials processing.

ME 2300. INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN.

Cat. I
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: Calculus, MA 2051, PH 1110, ES 2501, and any programming language (BASIC, Fortran, Pascal, C).

ME 2434. INTRODUCTION TO THERMOFLUID SCIENCE.

Cat. I
This course unifies the basic principles of thermofluids. Conservation of mass, energy, and momentum are introduced, particularly for control volume analysis. Equations of state and constitutive relationships, entropy, and the Second Law are introduced to formulate solutions, and application of dimensional analysis is used for analysis of experimental data.
Background recommended: Calculus through differential equations.

ME 2820. MATERIALS PROCESSING.

Cat. I
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.

ME 3023. MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR AND MODELING PROPERTIES OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS.

Cat. I
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 stress-strain 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 includes: ES2501 (STATICS), ES2502 (stress analysis), ES3501 (continuum mechanics), and ES2001 (introduction to materials).

ME 3310. KINEMATICS OF MECHANISMS.

Cat. I
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.
Expected background includes calculus, differential equations, Statics (ES 2501) and Dynamics (ES 2503).

ME 3311. DYNAMICS OF MECHANISMS AND MACHINES.

Cat. I
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.
Expected background includes calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, Statics (ES 2501), Dynamics (ES 2503) and Kinematics (ME 3310).

ME 3320. DESIGN OF MACHINE ELEMENTS.

Cat. I
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.
Expected background includes basic mechanics such as provided in ME 3504, ES 2501 and ES 2503; materials selection such as provided in ME 1800 and ME 2820; and computer programming such as provided in CS 1001.

ME 3321. DYNAMIC MODELING.

Cat. I
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: Calculus, MA 2051, A 2971, ES 2501, ES2503, ME 3004, ME 3504.

ME 3422. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND ANALYSIS.

Cat. II
The links are examined among energy usage, population growth, and environmental impact. Various world energy scenarios are analyzed. Atmospheric transport and a global energy balance are used to model the Greenhouse effect. Issues of dosage/toxicity are explored. Indoor air quality is discussed. Modeling is emphasized throughout the course.

ME 3501. ELEMENTARY CONTINUUM MECHANICS.

Cat. I
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 includes: ES 2501, ES 2502, and calculus through the differential equations.

ME 3502. ADVANCED STRESS ANALYSIS.

Cat. I
An intermediate level course in stress analysis suitable for students in applied mechanics, design, and materials sciences.
Topics included are: non-symmetric bending, torsion of non-circular bars, pressure vessels, elastic stability, energy methods in mechanics, beams on elastic foundations and other advanced topics in stress analysis.
Knowledge of ES 2501, differential equations and ES 2502 is expected.

ME 3505. MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS.

Cat. I
This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of mechanical vibrations, which are important in the design and analysis of mechanical and structural systems subjected to time varying loads. The objective of the course is to expose the students to the mathematical modeling and analysis of mechanical systems under the action of dynamic loads.
Topics covered include: formulation of the equations of motion for flexible and deformable bodies using Newton's Laws, D'Lambert's Principle, and energy methods; prediction of natural frequency for single-degree-of-freedom systems, modeling the stiffness characteristics, damping, and other vibrational properties of a mechanical systems, some basics of frequency response analysis and Duhamel integral methods. The course is mainly focused on the analysis of single-degree-of-freedom systems, however, a basic introduction to multi-degree-of-freedom systems may also be considered.

ME 3506. REHABILITATION ENGINEERING.

Cat. I
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.
Prior background in stress analysis, dynamics, kinematics, design (ME 2300), materials processing and the basics of electrical engineering is recommended.

ME 3512. INTRODUCTION TO THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD.

Cat. I
This course first introduces the concept of matrix structural analysis for uniaxial bars and beams. The finite element method is established by utilizing variational methods for problems in one- and two-dimensional stress analysis and heat conduction. The digital computer will be used throughout the class to gain hands-on experience in using finite element programs.
Students should have a background in calculus, differential equations, matrices and linear algebra and strength of materials.

ME 3711. AERODYNAMICS I.

Cat. I
A first course in the science and engineering of heavier-than-air flight vehicles.
Topics covered include: application of fluid mechanic and thermodynamic principles to study lift and drag, the effects of viscosity and compressibility, methods of estimating performance, and the elements of stability. The theory of airfoil circulation is developed and used to examine induced drag, downwash, ground effect and vortex wake turbulence.
Methods of characterizing and presenting airfoil performance data are developed and utilized to examine the performance of wings. Propulsion systems, including propellers and their effects on flight performance are discussed. Longitudinal, lateral and turning stability of aircraft are considered for both static and synamic conditions.
A background in basic thermodynamics and fluid dynamics is assumed.

ME 3713. ASTRONAUTICS.

Cat. I
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.
Prior knowledge of ES 2503 is assumed.

ME 3811. STRUCTURE OF MATERIALS.

Cat. I
An in-depth study of the microstructure and properties of alloy systems in current use.
Topics covered include: interpretation of microstructure and its relationship to engineering properties, and the design of microstructures. Among the alloy systems studied are low alloy steels, alloyed steels, cast irons, copper base alloys, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, nickel base superalloys and composites.
A knowledge of introductory material science equivalent to ES 2001 is assumed.

ME 3820. COMPUTER-AIDED MANUFACTURING.

Cat. I
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.
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.
Knowledge of manufacturing operations (ME 1800) and materials processing (ME 2820) is assumed, along with an elementary understanding of the programming concepts used for computers and logic devices.

ME 3823. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS.

Cat. I
A course designed for individuals interested in specific knowledge of the fundamentals of mechanical metallurgy.
Topics covered include: mechanics and microstructural fundamentals of elastic and plastic behavior of solids, strengthening mechanisms, elements of fatigue, high temperature deformation and creep, and fracture.
Knowledge equivalent to ES 2001, ME 1800 and ME 3504 is assumed.

ME 3824/3524. 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 are 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 stress-strain 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 includes: ES 2501 (STATICS), ES 2502 (stress analysis), ES 3501 (continuum mechanics), and ES 2001 (introduction to materials).

ME 3901. ENGINEERING EXPERIMENTATION.

Cat. I
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 cover areas of: heat transfer, flow measurement/visualization, force/torque/strain measurement, motion/vibration measurement, laser/fiber optics, and other selected topics.
Recommended background: mathematics through differential equations, basic courses in thermal sciences, engineering mechanics, computer science, and electrical engineering.

ME 4010. SEMINAR.

Cat. I
For students who will soon be entering the engineering profession.
Current thought on mechanical engineering and related engineering problems presented by staff members and visiting lecturers from the engineering profession. Emphasis is placed on the transition from engineering student to professional engineer.
Registration as a junior or senior is assumed; not for credit.

ME 4320. ADVANCED ENGINEERING DESIGN

Cat. I
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: ME 3310, ME 3311, ME 3320, ME 3504, ES 2001, ES 3001, ES 3003, ES 3004, ME 1800.

ME 4410. FLOW OF COMPRESSIBLE FLUIDS.

Cat. I
The application of basic thermodynamics and fluid mechanics to model the flow phenomena of compressible fluids. The assumptions leading to various flow models and the limits of these models are emphasized. The approach is, in the main, a one-dimensional control volume analysis, and the course is designed for engineering students.
Topics covered include: reversible flow, flow with heat transfer, flow with friction, normal and oblique shock waves, flow with chemical reaction, and flow with applied electric and magnetic fields.
A background in basic thermodynamics and fluid dynamics is assumed.

ME 4412. INTRODUCTION TO COMBUSTION.

Cat. II
This course will be an introduction to chemical and physical aspects of combustion.
Topics covered include thermodynamics of combustion, chemical kinetics, premixed flames, diffusion flames, ignition, detonation, pollutant formation, advanced and conventional combustion systems and combustion measurement techniques.
Course emphasis will be on developing basic understanding of combustion phenomena relevant to engineering applications of combustion. Computer programming and available software may be employed to solve combustion problems.
A background in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer is recommended. This course may be used toward a graduate degree by submission of an additional report based on a review of research literature as arranged with the instructor.

ME 4429. THERMODYNAMIC APPLICATIONS AND DESIGN.

Cat. I
This course builds on the fundamentals of thermodynamics.
Topics include: vapor power and gas cycles, propulsion and devices such as pumps, turbines, heat exchangers, compressors, cryogenics. Availability analysis. Thermal design.
Previous knowledge of thermodynamics , fluid mechanics and heat transfer is recommended.

ME/BE 4504. BIOMECHANICS.

Cat. II
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: Differential and integral calculus, ordinary differential equations, ME 2504, and familiarity with the concepts of mechanics.
This course will be offered in 1995-96 and in alternate years thereafter.

ME 4505. ADVANCED DYNAMICS.

Cat. I
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 three-dimensional 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.
Knowledge of introductory dynamics utilizing the vector approach is assumed, such as material covered in ES 2503.

ME 4520. ANALYTICAL METHODS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING.

Cat. I
This course presents some selected advanced mathematical concepts and procedures and their applications for analyzing complicated practical problems of mechanical engineering. Applications of these advanced analytical methods are illustrated for design and response prediction of mechanical systems, for processing of experimental data, and for mathematical modeling of physical phenomena involved. Mathematical tools such as linear algebra, differential equations, harmonic analysis, probability theory, and dimensional analysis are presented and illustrated by various examples in mechanical engineering including: analysis of equilibrium states, stability of static and dynamic systems, dynamic response of mechanical systems, and modern signal analysis. Analytical procedures and physical interpretation of the solutions are emphasized. Problems presented in the course are selected from different disciplines within mechanical engineering such as biomechanics, design, materials science, applied mechanics, thermo-fluids, etc.
Background recommended: ES 2501, ES 2502, ES 2503, differential equations, and ME 3501.

ME 4530. COMPUTATIONAL METHODS IN

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING.

Cat. I
This course teaches the students how to analyze and solve complicated mechanical engineering problems utilizing state-of-the-art numerical analysis methods and digital computer. Some fundamental numerical schemes such as roots of algebraic and transcendental equations; solution of simultaneous algebraic equations; matrix analysis; curve fitting and data interpolation; numerical integration and differentiation; numerical solution of differential equations; symbolic manipulation and numerical solution of linear and nonlinear differential equations; Fourier and frequency response analysis; eigenvalue problems; and other numerical analysis problems are considered. Emphasis will be on modeling, numerical formulation and numerical and symbolic solution of practical problems in mechanical engineering. Fundamentals of FORTRAN programming are also included.
Recommended background includes: ES 2501, ES 2502, ES 2503, differential equations, and linear algebra.

ME 4602. INTERMEDIATE FLUID DYNAMICS.

Cat. I
A second course in fluid mechanics concerned with the application of basic principles. Applications include velocity potentials and stream functions, fluid machinery, pipe networks and unsteady flow. The equations of viscous flow are developed with applications including exact solutions, energy, dissipation and introductory boundary layer theory.
Background recommended: ES 3004.

ME 4604. FLUID MECHANICS OF MACHINES.

Cat. II
Introduction to the principles and applications of turbo-machines.
Topics covered include: vortex flow relations, blade element analysis, cavitation, dimensionless coefficients, ideal and actual fans, pumps and turbines, and operation of pumps and fans in various systems.
A knowledge of fluid mechanics equivalent to ES 3004 is assumed.
This course will be offered in 1995-96 and in alternate years thereafter (or more often depending on interest).

ME 4605. COMPUTATIONAL FLUID MECHANICS.

Cat. I
This course serves as an introduction to the use of finite-difference methods to solve fluid flow problems.
Topics covered include: difference approximations; truncation error and consistency; the development of finite-difference equations from partial differential equations using Taylor series, polynomial fitting, integral methods, and control volumes; algebraic mapping and irregular grid generation; stability; inviscid flow solutions using Gaussian elimination, Thomas' algorithm, Gauss-Seidel, and Successive Over-Relaxation; boundary layer solutions using Dufort-Frankel and Crank-Nicolson; Navier-Stokes solutions using the vorticity transport-stream function and primitive variable approaches.
Students should have a background in fluid mechanics equivalent to ME 3602 and some computer programming background.

ME/BE 4606. BIOFLUIDS.

Cat. II
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.
A background in continuum mechanics (ME 2504) and fluid mechanics equivalent to ME 3602 is assumed.
This course will be offered in 1995-96 and in alternate years thereafter.

ME 4712. AERODYNAMICS II.

Cat. I
This course introduces the study of performance and dynamic behavior of vehicles moving through fluids.
Topics covered include: subsonic and supersonic performance of aircraft and rockets, external flow fields, aerodynamic heating, shock and expansion patterns, control surface interaction, and real gas effects, aerodynamic stability including interaction with structural dynamics. Applications to flutter, dynamic stability, and control system performance.
A background in aerodynamics is assumed.

ME 4714. PROPULSION I.

Cat. I
This course provides a study of air breathing and rocket engines for aircraft, rockets and spacecraft.
Topics covered include: thermodynamic cycles and fluid dynamics of gas turbines, electric, and nuclear power sources and related conversion devices such as propellers, nozzles, compressors, turbines, and diffusers, combustion and burning characteristics of solid and liquid propellants, liquid propellant fuel systems, and combustion instabilities.
A background in aerodynamics and thermodynamics is assumed.

ME 4715. AEROSPACE MATERIALS AND DESIGN.

Cat. I
Aircraft and space vehicle structural design including finite element analysis, modal analysis, and thermal loading along with traditional and composite material characteristics and selection for atmospheric and space environment are studied. Flutter, transient response, and large structure dynamics are typical examples used.
A background in engineering mechanics and aerodynamics is assumed.

ME 4724. HIGH SPEED FLOW.

Cat. I
This course will introduce the students to the physical phenomena associated with flows at supersonic/hypersonic speeds. Emphasis will be placed on the hypersonic limit and various models developed to treat the continuum flow at this limit.
Topics covered include: characterization of hypersonic flow, normal shock relations, the piston analogy and shock tube equations, oblique shock waves and expansion fans at the hypersonic limit, similarity methods, the Newtonian model, Mach number independence of the inviscid equations, small disturbance theory for planar and axially symmetric bodies, lift and drag coefficients, dynamics of the viscous portion of the flow, and real gas effects.
A background in basics thermodynamics, fluid mechanics (ME 3602), and compressible flow (ME 4410) is recommended.

ME 4813. CERAMICS.

Cat. I
A course which develops an understanding of the structure-property relationships in ceramic materials. Content of interest to individuals interested in selecting and using ceramics as engineering materials. Limited material included on theory and practice of producing the initial shape.
Topics covered include: bonding and configuration of atoms in crystalline and noncrystalline materials, phase diagrams, microstructures, and macrostructures. Mechanical, optical and thermal properties as related to structure.
Knowledge of introductory materials science equivalent to ES 2001 is assumed.

ME/BE 4814. BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS.

Cat. II
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.
Knowledge of introductory materials science is assumed.
This course will be offered in 1995-96 and in alternate years thereafter (or more often depending on interest).

ME 4815. INDUSTRIAL ROBOTICS.

Cat. I
This course introduces the student to the field of industrial automation. Topics include: kinematics, dynamics, mechanics, sensors, end effectors and parts presentation devices. Programming languages, system design and safety issues are also covered. This course is a combination of lecture, laboratory and project work, and utilizes industrial robots. Theory and application of robotic systems will be emphasized.
A background in kinematics, dynamics, computer programming, and a first course in electrical engineering is assumed.

ME 4816. MATERIALS OPTIMIZATION FOR ENGINEERS.

Cat. I
A course designed to synthesize the students' background in materials science and engineering for selecting materials and processing methods in realistic applications. Case studies will cover a wide range of applied problems encountered in materials engineering. Current literature for newer materials and processes will be used.
Recommended background includes ME 2820, ME 3811 and ME 3823.

ME 4821. CHEMISTRY, PROPERTIES, AND PROCESSING OF PLASTICS.

Cat. I
Topics covered include: polymer chemistry, physical and chemical properties, processing methods, selection of materials, comparisons of plastics with metals, design considerations, and new materials. Laboratory studies are included. Use of current literature is stressed.
Knowledge of introductory materials science (ES 2001) and materials processing (ME 2820) is assumed.

ME 4822. SOLIDIFICATION PROCESSING.

Cat. II
A course designed for in-depth study of industrial processes based on liquid-solid transformation. Fundamentals are developed and applied to commercial processes.
Topics covered include: quantitative treatment of casting and processes, semi-solid forming, laser welding, rapid solidification, spray forming, compocasting and other emerging technologies, which utilize liquid-solid transformations. Library and laboratory work are included.
General understanding of heat flow, fluid flow, diffusion and metallography are desirable.
This course will be offered in 1995-96 and in alternate years thereafter (or more often depending on interest).

ME 4832. CORROSION AND CORROSION CONTROL.

Cat. II
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.
Knowledge of introductory materials science (ES 2001) is assumed.
This course will be offered in 1995-96 and in alternating years thereafter.

ME 4840. PHASE TRANSFORMATION.

Cat. I
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.
Knowledge of materials science equivalent to ES 2001, ME 2820 and ME 3811 is assumed.

ME 4850. THERMODYNAMICS OF MATERIALS.

Cat. I
Classical and atomistic thermodynamics are developed and applied to the behavior of solids, liquids and gases. Phase equilibria and phase diagrams are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the gas phase reactions and reactions between solids and gases as well as the behavior or solutions. Applications to Materials Engineering processes and phenomena are discussed.
Recommended background: ES 2001 and CH 1020.

ME 4922. THEORY AND PRACTICE OF LASER INSTRUMENTATION.

Cat. I
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 through MA 2051, ME 3901; a knowledge of the material covered in PH 1140 is desirable.

#4 IS/P. SPECIAL TOPICS.

Cat. I
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.


Graduate Mechanical Engineering Courses of Interest to Undergraduates


ME 510. LASER ENGINEERING SCIENCE AND APPLICATIONS.

(Prerequisite: mathematics through differential equations, basic courses in mechanical engineering, computers, programming.)
In this course, a unified account of the present-day knowledge of lasers and their applications in varied professional and industrial fields will be given through a series of in-class lectures and laboratory demonstrations. Special attention will be given to factors that must be evaluated when a laser system is being devised for a specific application. Course coverage will include: types of lasers and their characteristics, shaping of laser beams, measurement of laser beam parameters, transmission of laser beams, interaction of laser beams with materials, mathematical modeling of laser processes, laser processing of materials, fiber-optic applications of lasers, laser metrology, and related topics.

ME/CE 524. INTRODUCTION TO THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD.

(Prerequisite: Elementary differential equations, solid mechanics and heat flow.)
This course is an introduction to the basic theory of the finite element method.
Topics to be covered include: matrix structural analysis, Ritz and weighted residual approximations, development of the variational form of differential equations, and solutions over the discretized domain. The technique will be developed in detail for the one and two dimensional equilibrium problems. Examples will focus on elasticity and heat flow with reference to broader applications. Students will be supplied microcomputer programs and will gain experience in solving real problems.

ME 546. HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER.

(Prerequisite: ES 3003.)
Boundary layer theory. Heat and momentum transfer in laminar and turbulent flow. Diffusion in stationary and flow systems. Conduction and radiation, selected topics including current developments.

ME 561. ADVANCED FLUID MECHANICS.

(Prerequisite: ME 3602 or equivalent.)
An introduction to graduate level fluid mechanics beginning with a review of description methods, fluid properties, and conservation equations. Outer (inviscid) motions such as flow about objects, vortex motion, gravity waves, and forces on objects in unsteady flows, are considered. The equations governing the motion of viscous fluids are derived, and it is shown how exact solutions suggest inner (boundary layer) methods. Flows of non-Newtonian fluids, shear flows, duct flows, unsteady flow, Ekman drift, similarity, and digital methods are among applications considered.

ME 582. MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS

(Prerequisites: ME 4849 and ME 3823 or equivalent.)
Theory of strengthening mechanisms with emphasis on dislocation theory for single and multiphase alloys and composite structures. Application of theory to produce engineered structures.

MFE 520. ENGINEERING ANALYSIS OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

This course introduces the student to the analytical techniques applicable to manufacturing processes, particularly in the area of metal-working. Fundamentals of Stress-Strain, Principal Stresses, Yielding and Plasticity. Determination of loads from stress distributions and from considerations of metal flow, concept of slop line fields, estimation of upper and lower bounds. Detailed examination of several metal working processes, such as drawing of round bars and flat strips, rolling of slabs and strips, extrusions. Examples from metal cutting will also be examined.

MFE 540. DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURABILITY

This course will examine the problems of cost determination and evaluation of processing alternatives in the Design-Manufacturing Interface. Approaches for introducing manufacturing capability knowledge into the product design process are covered, with emphasis on part and process simplification, analysis of alternative manufacturing methods based on anticipated volumes, and design for automated assembly.


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