• knowledge in a broad range of engineering topics;
• a foundation in the fundamentals of both mechanical and thermal systems;
• preparation for professional practice;
• preparation for lifelong learning;
• an appreciation for liberal learning.
The curriculum has been designed to provide strong technical preparation in mechanical engineering. Students enter the BSME program either as freshmen, as transfers from other schools such as community colleges, as transfers from Harpur College, or as part of a 3-2 program from the Department of Physics in Harpur College. The emphasis is on the application of engineering fundamentals rather than specialized areas within mechanical engineering. Care has been taken to ensure a balanced integration of theory, design and laboratory practice through the selection and sequencing of courses within the syllabus. Computer applications are an integral part of the total education program.
Some degree of specialization is permitted in the senior year, but the primary goal is to prepare the mechanical engineering bachelor of science graduate for a creative, lifelong engineering career, based on a thorough grounding in the fundamentals and skills used by the mechanical engineer, as well as motivation for continued self-education.
The department encourages students to earn an international studies certificate in parallel with the BSME. Students interested in this program should seek advice from the Watson School advising office prior to initial registration. Other program alternatives such as combined degrees in mechanical engineering and computer science are available to qualified students. A minor in computer science and other disciplines is also possible.
Qualified students are able to participate in engineering practice through internships that are available with a number of local companies.
Requirements for BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering
To receive the BS degree in mechanical engineering, students must complete either the lower division requirements of the Division of Engineering Design or have earned the degree of associate of science in engineering science, or its equivalent, as defined by the SUNY Two-Year Engineering Science Association (TYSEA). In addition, students must complete 66 credit hours in the upper-division program, with the distribution of credits as outlined below. Also required is an average of at least C (2.0 GPA) in mechanical engineering.
All Binghamton University freshmen and transfer students must also meet the General Education Requirement. For more details, refer to the General Education section of this Bulletin or consult your faculty adviser or the Watson School advising office.
| Junior Year/Semester I | credits |
| ME 311. Mechanics of Deformable Bodies | 3 |
| ME 331. Thermodynamics | 3 |
| ME 322. Dynamics in Mechanical Design | 3 |
| MATH 471. Mathematical Methods in Science II | 4 |
| Humanities or social sciences* | 4 |
| TOTAL | 17 |
| Junior Year/Semester II | |
| ME 303. Engineering Computational Methods | 3 |
| ME 351. Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| ME 361. Materials Processing | 3 |
| ME 372. Engineering Project Management | 4 |
| ME 392. Machine Design | 3 |
| TOTAL | 16 |
| Senior Year/Semester III | |
| ME 421. Mechanical Vibrations | 3 |
| ME 441. Heat Transfer | 3 |
| ME 491. Mechanical Engineering Lab | 3 |
| EE 493. Senior ProjectI | 4 |
| Technical elective | 3 |
| TOTAL | 16 |
| Senior Year/Semester IV | |
| ME 424. Control Systems in Mechanical Engineering | 3 |
| ME 494. Senior Project II | 4 |
| Technical elective | 3 |
| Technical elective | 3 |
| Humanities or social sciences* | 4 |
| TOTAL | 17 |
* Must be approved upper-division courses.
[ TOP ]
The Mechanical Engineering Department conducts graduate programs in the broad field of mechanical engineering. The program leading to the master of science degree provides a balance of advanced theory and practical knowledge necessary either for practice of the profession or for advancement to a doctoral program. The master of engineering program is designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to be effective in industry. In recognition of the high concentration of industry in the Binghamton area, this program has the flexibility required by part-time students and takes advantage of the industrial experience available. The master of engineering program enables students to combine a specialization in mechanical engineering with coursework in several related disciplines.
Within the broad field of mechanical engineering, students may specialize in one of the following areas: thermofluids, applied mechanics, applied mathematics or materials. Electronics packaging is a technical area of research concentration in the department. Specialization is achieved by selection of a set of courses and selection of the thesis topic and major professor.
The academic environment of the department is enriched by the appointment of adjunct faculty members employed in local industry. Under appropriate circumstances, thesis research activity may be carried out in industrial laboratories.
Each student in the MSME program must select and obtain the consent of a full-time ME faculty member to serve as his or her adviser. The student will work with the adviser to create a study plan and fill out the MSME Proposed Course of Study Form. With the cooperation of the adviser, the student forms a research committee to supervise the student’s work. The research committee is composed of the adviser as the chairman and two other technically qualified members, at least one of whom must be a full-time ME faculty member. An up-to-date biographical sketch must be provided to the director of graduate studies for any proposed committee member who is not a full-time ME faculty member. The student then fills out the MSME Research Committee Registration Form and obtains the signed approval from the director of graduate studies and the chairman of the department.
The processes of adviser selection, study plan creation and research committee formation should be completed by the end of the student’s first semester of full-time study. (For part-time students the process of adviser selection, study plan creation and research committee formation should be completed before the student has completed three graduate courses.) Copies of both the MSME Proposed Course of Study Form and the MSME Research Committee Registration Form must be filed with the director of graduate studies (for department files) and the Dean’s Office (for Watson School files).
Degree Requirements for the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
The student must complete a minimum of eight adviser-approved graduate courses, exclusive of the thesis. Six of the eight courses must be ME courses, as follows:
1. The student selects from ME offerings to satisfy a three-course core curriculum of:
a. an advanced mathematics course (e.g., ME 535).
b. a numerical analysis, computational mathematics or computational materials science course (e.g., ME 517, ME 536, ME 541, ME 609).
c. a continuum mechanics course (e.g., ME 510, ME 511, ME 554).
2. Three of the remaining five required courses must be ME courses, chosen in the student’s area of emphasis.
3. Two adviser-approved technical electives (these courses may be taken outside the ME department).
4. The student must have adviser approval of each element in his or her course of study.
The student must maintain at least an overall B average (GPA 3.0/4.0 or better) for his or her graduate coursework to be eligible for the MSME degree.
Research
The student must complete a research thesis. The written thesis and an oral
presentation defending the thesis must be approved by the student’s research
committee before he or she is eligible for the MSME degree.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
All rules of the Graduate School apply regarding probation and academic
jeopardy, except probation may not last more than two semesters.
Financial Support
MSME students receiving financial support in the form of a teaching
assistantship or a research assistantship are normally eligible to receive a
tuition scholarship. This is arranged by the student’s adviser and the Dean’s
Office. All of those receiving financial support must be registered as full-time
students.
1. Four graduate mechanical engineering courses in the student’s chosen area of emphasis;
2. Four approved elective graduate courses. These courses must be approved by the director of graduate studies. Students may take these courses in a variety of departments such as other departments in the Watson School (EE, CS, SSIE), or in the Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Management departments;
3. Two-course sequence in Engineering Practice (WTSN 573 and 574).
The student must maintain at least an overall B average (GPA 3.0/4.0 or better) for his or her graduate coursework to be eligible for the MEng degree.
For more information on the MEng degree, see also the School-Wide graduate program section of the Bulletin.
Doctoral Program in Mechancial Engineering
The PhD in mechanical engineering is described above under "Graduate Information."[ TOP ]
NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, graduate courses carry three credits.
ME 271. ENGINEERING MECHANICS spring only, 5 cr
Statics; equilibrium of particles and bodies, equivalent force system,
centroid, moment of inertia, trusses, friction, kinematics of particles and
rigid bodies, kinetics of particles and rigid bodies plane motion. Prerequisite:
a first course in calculus-based physics.
ME 273. ENGINEERING MECHANICS/STATICS spring only, 2 cr.
Statics portion of ME 271, half-semester course. Prerequisite: a first
course in calculus-based physics or consent of instructor.
ME 291. MECHANICAL PHENOMENA LABORATORY fall only, 2 cr.
Introduction to measurement of physical phenomena such as temperature,
strain, fluid flow, pressure and thermal capacity. Physical properties of
materials, conservation of energy and momentum examined. Prerequisite: PHYS 131.
ME 302. ENGINEERING ANALYSIS
Methods employed in engineering problem solving. Methods drawn from advanced
topics in calculus, numerical methods, and probability and statistics. Case
studies drawn from engineering disciplines used to apply the mathematical
techniques. Prerequisite: calculus through differential equations.
ME 303. ENGINEERING COMPUTATIONAL METHODS
Engineering applications of numerical analysis covering topics in curve
fitting, root solving, systems of algebraic equations and ordinary differential
equations. Topics in computing practice, including programming and graphics and
visualization. An introduction to computer-aided engineering (CAE) software
packages. Prerequisite: ME 302 or MATH 471, or consent of department chair.
ME 311. MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES
Basic principles of stress and strain of members subject to axial, shearing,
bending, torsion and combined loads. Mohr’s circle. Mechanical properties of
engineering materials. Sheer and moment diagrams. Deflection of beams.
Introduction to energy methods. Prerequisite: engineering science statics.
ME 322. DYNAMICS IN MECHANICAL DESIGN
Velocity and acceleration of particles in moving coordinate systems.
Newtonian dynamics of systems of particles. Newtonian dynamics of rigid bodies
in three dimensions. Introduction to analytical dynamics, virtual work and
Lagrange’s equations. Prerequisite: ME 271 or equivalent.
ME 331. THERMODYNAMICS
Properties of pure substances. Concepts of work and heat, fundamental laws
of thermodynamics; closed and open systems. Entropy and entropy production.
Carnot and Clasius statements. Gas mixtures. Prerequisites: calculus-based
physics on heat and mechanics and calculus through differential equations.
ME 351. FLUID MECHANICS
Hydrostatics, kinematics, potential flow, momentum and energy relations.
Bernoulli equation. Real fluid phenomena, laminar and turbulent motion boundary
layer, lift and drag. Prerequisites: ME 331 and MATH 471 or equivalent.
ME 361. MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
Selection and processing of materials. Analysis and design for common
manufacturing processes, including machining, forming, casting and joining.
Processing of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Current trends in
manufacturing and non-traditional machining processes. Laboratory experience
involving materials characterization and processing. Prerequisites: WTSN 272 or
consent of department chair.
ME 372. ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGEMENT 4 cr.
Introduction to project selection and project control. Topics include: basic
engineering economics (present worth, discounted cash flow, etc.), feasibility
studies, cost estimating, risk analysis, project planning, scheduling and
control. Open-ended projects with multiple alternatives strongly emphasized.
Professional practice factors in management of projects. Prerequisite: junior
standing or consent of department chair.
ME 392. MACHINE DESIGN
Application of fundamental principles of mechanics and strength of materials
to machine design problems. Topics include fatigue, stress concentrations,
failure theories, application to design of bolts, springs and other types of
component design. Decision making and engineering judgment for open-ended
problems are emphasized. Prerequisite: ME 311.
ME 412. STRUCTURAL MECHANICS 3 cr. technical elective
This course is a bridge between elementary solid mechanics and the theory of
elasticity. Topics covered include advanced beam and torsion analysis, frame
analysis, thick cylinders, energy methods and other topics from structural and
solid mechanics. Prerequisite: ME 311.
ME 417. INTRODUCTION TO THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD technical elective
Review of linear elasticity, introduction to calculus of variations and
variational principles of elasticity. These techniques are used in developing
the finite element theory and analysis of plane stress/strain, plates, trusses
and beams, as well as problems from other areas of mechanical engineering, such
as heat transfer and vibration. Prerequisite: ME 311.
ME 421. MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS
Free vibration of mechanical systems, damping, forced harmonic vibration,
support motion, vibration isolation, response due to arbitrary excitation,
systems with multiple degrees of freedom, normal modes, free and forced
vibrations, vibration absorber, application of matrix methods, numerical
techniques, computer applications. Prerequisites: ME 271 and MATH 471 or
equivalent.
ME 422. ACOUSTICS technical elective
Propagation of sound. Acoustic wave equation. Reflection of sound waves from
boundaries. Sound transmission through walls. Room acoustics, reverberation and
absorption in enclosures. Sound generation, loudspeaker design. Sound radiation
from complex surfaces. Bioacoustics. Prerequisite: calculus through differential
equations.
ME 424. CONTROL SYSTEMS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Introduction to classical and modern control systems as they relate to
mechanical engineering. Modeling, analysis and design of control systems. State
space techniques are introduced. Prerequisite: ME 421 or consent of department
chair.
ME 433. GAS DYNAMICS technical elective
Introduction to basic equations of compressible flow. Wave propagation in
compressible media. Isentropic flow, normal and oblique shock waves. Prandtl
Meyer flow. Effects of friction and heat transfer. Prerequisites: ME 331 and
351.
ME 434. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING technical elective
Mathematical modeling of chemistry and microbiology as applied to
environmental engineering processes. Mass transfer and mixing. Biological waste
treatment, sedimentation, filtration, membranes, disinfection, adsorption. Flow
in porous media, groundwater flows. Water pollution, oil spills. Prerequisite:
ME 351.
ME 435. APPLIED AERODYNAMICS technical elective
Application of basic principles of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics to the
aerodynamics of flight. The course deals with concepts of lift, drag,
aerodynamic moments, dynamics of flow fields about bodies, including theory of
airfoils and wings. Analytical techniques for predicting aircraft performance
are presented. Prerequisites: ME 331 and 351.
ME 436. FUNDAMENTALS OF TRIBOLOGY technical elective
Friction (phenomena, mechanisms and related topics of surface topography and
temperature), wear (classification and identification, quantitative laws), and
lubrication (as a remedy of friction and wear). The design of tribological
machine components and the application of tribology in manufacturing processes.
Prerequisites: ME 392 and WTSN 272 or equivalent.
ME 437. ENERGY ENGINEERING technical elective
Applies the principles of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow and
materials behavior in describing the design and operation of energy production
and conversion facilities. Gas and vapor power cycles. Limiting factors and
alternative solutions for applications such as electric power generation,
transportation vehicles and industrial heat sources. Prerequisites: ME 331, 351
and 311. Prerequisite or corequisite: ME 441.
ME 441. HEAT TRANSFER
Introduction to fundamentals of heat transfer. Topics in conduction, forced
and free convection, mixed modes (e.g. extended surfaces), heat exchangers,
radiation. Development and use of analytic and empirical expressions in terms of
dimensionless parameters. Prerequisites: ME 331 and 351 or consent of department
chair.
ME 452. FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING technical elective
Study of the basic mechanical and electrical properties of the human body,
including the dynamics of the cardiovascular system, the dynamics of limbs in
locomotion and other activities; measurement of physiological parameters.
Anatomy and physiology of these biological systems. Design of prosthetic
devices. Prerequisite: senior standing in engineering.
ME 471. MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS DESIGN technical elective
Basic course in competitive design and engineering of productive systems.
Topics include engineering economics, product design, process design,
automation, facility design, quality assurance. Prerequisite: senior standing.
ME 481. COMPUTER-AIDED ENGINEERING
Fundamentals of computer graphics, interactive graphics, introduction to
CAD, modeling, analysis and optimization. Introduction to finite element method
and use of standard packages for design problems. Dynamic simulation.
Prerequisite: ME 392.
ME 491. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LAB
A modular laboratory course in which the topics of controls, fluids, heat
transfer and solid mechanics are the subject for the experimental modules.
Prerequisite: senior standing in mechanical engineering.
ME 492. ASSISTIVE DEVICE technical DESIGN elective
Review of formal design principles. Case studies, project simulations, one
major design/build project of an assistive device for an external client.
ME 493. SENIOR PROJECT I fall, 4 cr.
Group project emphasizing definition and planning for solution of industrial
problem. Achievement of prototype or interim design in preparation for final
design or product/process realization in ME 494. Prerequisite: senior standing
in mechanical engineering.
ME 494. SENIOR PROJECT II spring, 4 cr.
Coordination of group project with unique industrial problem. Analysis,
design, experimentation may be brought to bear on solution. Realization of
results from final design of product or process with critical evaluation by
judging panel. Prerequisite: ME 493.
ME 396/496. INDUSTRIAL INTERNSHIP var. cr.
Engineering professional experience. Daily log book, memo reports and a
formal final report required. Prerequisite: consent of department chair.
ME 397/497. INDEPENDENT STUDY var. cr.
Individual study under direct supervision of a faculty member.
Prerequisites: approval of proposed subject by the faculty member and department
chair.
NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, graduate courses carry three credits.
* Pending Graduate Council approval.
ME 506. VEHICLE CONTROL AND SIMULATION fall, odd-numbered years
Concepts of modeling and simulation of vehicle dynamics are developed with
particular emphasis on real-time simulation. The digital simulation of the
continuous system is developed as a discrete dynamic system that can be
filtered, tuned, stabilized, controlled, analyzed and synthesized. Also included
are coordinate transformation techniques for multi-degree of freedom systems and
numerical integration techniques in the context of real-time applications. A
term project is included that involves the simulation of the dynamics of a
vehicle such as an aircraft or a land vehicle. Prerequisite: BS degree in
engineering or physics, or consent of department chair.
ME 510. CONTINUUM MECHANICS fall
An introductory course emphasizing basic concepts. The initial part of the
course is devoted to cartesian tensor calculus. Next the study includes stress,
deformation, strain, flow and the general laws of change. Constitutive laws for
fluid, elastic and plastic media are formulated. An objective is to develop the
student’s ability to formulate mechanical problems in engineering and science.
Prerequisite: undergraduate mechanical engineering curriculum or equivalent, or
consent of department chair.
ME 511. ELASTICITY fall
Topics covered include three-dimensional analysis and representation of
stress and strain, development of governing equations of elastic media,
applications of these equations to two- and three-dimensional problems.
Prerequisite: mechanics of materials or consent of department chair.
ME 512. ENERGY METHODS IN APPLIED MECHANICS
Energy methods lend themselves to both conceptual and computational
treatment of mechanical phenomena. Variational principles constitute the basis
of several numerical methods such as the Rayleigh-Ritz, which in turn nurtures
finite element theory. The course ties together the principles of minimum
potential energy, complementary energy, virtual work, Hamilton, etc., and
applies them to structural analysis. Prerequisites: mechanics of materials, or
consent of department chair.
ME 513. PLATES AND SHELLS
Analysis of plates acted upon by forces in their plane. Bending theory of
plates. Applications to circuit board design. Rectangular and circular planes.
Approximate methods: Ritz, finite element differences. Large deflection, thermal
stresses in plates. Orthotropic plates. Membrane theory of shells. Bending
theory of cylindrical shells. Pressure vessels and space vehicle structures.
Prerequisites: differential equations and ME 311 or equivalent, or consent of
department chair.
ME 514. PLASTICITY
Fundamentals of deformation and strength concepts of isotropic materials.
Plastic stress-strain relations, criteria for yielding under multiaxial stress
and properties of the yield surface under loading and unloading schemes.
Hardness tests and forging problems. Elasto-plastic deformation of torsional and
flexural members, hollow spheres and thick-walled tubes. Slip-line analysis for
indentation problems, and limit analysis for frame structures and plates. Finite
element theory with applications and practical programming experience in a
convenient FEM code. Dynamic plasticity experimental methods are discussed.
Prerequisites: solid mechanics and calculus courses, or consent of department
chair.
ME 516. MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ELECTRONIC PACKAGING
First part of the course is devoted to general concepts: thermal stress and
its associated problems in multimaterial assemblies. Layered solids subjected to
flexure and local pressure. Analytical tools: theory and experiment. Finite
element methods. Mechanical behavior of solder. The second part: first-level
packaging, chip bonding; the module flip chip structures; encapsulation.
Second-level packaging: stresses and strains in module attachment; pin-in-hole
and surface solder joints. Analysis of circuit cards and boards. Thermal,
flexural and dynamic loading. Third-level packaging: attachments and connectors;
shock and vibration. Introduction to thermal management. Prerequisites: calculus
and mechanics of materials.
ME 517. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS I spring
An introductory course in the finite element method dealing with the
fundamental principles. Problems solved in the areas of solid mechanics,
structures, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Use of standard FE software such
as ANSYS. Prerequisite: undergraduate course in mechanics or consent of
department chair.
ME 518. ADVANCED MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
Review of equilibrium, compatibility and constitutive laws. Bending and
torsion problems. Energy methods. Variational formulations. Stability of elastic
systems. Prerequisite: ME 311 or equivalent, or consent of department chair.
ME 523. ADVANCED DYNAMICS
The course deals with the fundamentals of mechanics. It is designed for
students in engineering practice and students contemplating further in-depth
study in mechanics. Topics included are: 1) mechanics of particles and systems
of particles;
2) D’Alembert’s principle and LaGrange’s equations; 3) kinematics of rigid
body motion; 4) multi-reference frames; 5) rigid body equations of motion —
Euler equations; 6) applications. Prerequisite: ME 322 or equivalent, or consent
of department chair.
ME 524. ADVANCED MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS spring, odd- numbered years
This course deals with the fundamentals of dynamics as applied to
mechanically vibrating systems. Equations of motion for systems with multiple
degrees of freedom are developed in order to determine natural modes of
vibration of discrete systems. Approximate methods of solution, e.g., Rayleigh-Ritz,
Galerkin’s method, etc., are discussed. Vibration of continuous systems, e.g.,
free and forced vibration of strings, bars, beams and plates are considered.
Numerical approaches including the finite element method are applied to
continuous systems. Prerequisite: ME 421 or equivalent, or consent of
departmental chair.
ME 526. VIBRATION AND NOISE CONTROL spring, even- numbered years
Summary of methods for controlling vibration and noise. Vibration-damping
treatment design, including auxiliary mass dampers and constrained layer
dampers. Fundamentals of noise radiation and propagation. Sound transmission
through walls. Sound absorption and muffler design. Reverberation and room
acoustics. Prerequisite: graduate standing or grade of B or higher in ME 421 or
equivalent.
ME 527. MECHATRONICS
Review of classical mechanics and electromagnetics. Operation of electric
motors. Mechanical response of piezoelastic materials. Review of classical
control. Current research in sensors and actuators. Signal conditioning. Design
of active and passive vibration damping systems. Applications. Prerequisite:
graduate standing in electrical or mechanical engineering or physics, or consent
of department chair.
ME 530 (also IE 530). MAN-MACHINE SYSTEMS fall, even-numbered
years
This course presents a systems-engineering characterization of the human
operator and his or her interaction with simple and complex machines, such as
airplanes and ground vehicles. Topics include human perception, information
measurement, manual control and mathematical modeling of the human operator.
Modern control theory is employed to characterize the man-machine system.
Prerequisite: BS in engineering or approval of department chair.
ME 534. ANALYSIS AND CONTROL OF MECHANICAL SYSTEMS spring, 4 cr.
Presents the fundamentals of control theory applied to mechanical and
industrial engineering problems. The emphasis of the course is in the
mathematical modeling and analysis of the dynamics of mechanical systems such as
aircraft, large space structures, robots, etc. Assignments given to model these
systems, analyze the dynamics and define the requirements for control of these
devices. The concentration is on analysis as opposed to design. Digital
simulations are a major tool for the analysis, which employs both classical and
stale space techniques. Prerequisite: BS in mechanical or industrial
engineering, or consent of department chair.
ME 535. ANALYTICAL METHODS
A survey and discussion of some of the most important and useful analytical
methods for analyzing a wide variety of engineering and scientific problems.
Topics include solution of partial differential equations, including methods for
linear equations; eigenfunction expansions and separation of variables; topics
in multi-variable calculus, including vector analysis; and selected topics in
linear algebra, integral transforms and functions of a complex variable. Each of
the methods is introduced in the context of real, applied problems and then
illustrated with typical engineering applications. Prerequisites: ordinary
differential equations, ME 302 or equivalent.
ME 536. NUMERICAL MODELING OF PHYSICAL PHENOMENA
Efficient and effective methods for solving differential equations
numerically. Single and multi-step methods for initial value problems for
ordinary differential equations, matrix and shooting methods for two-point
boundary value problems, and shooting methods for eigenvalue-eigenfunction
problems (for resonant frequency and mode shape calculations). Finite difference
methods for partial differential equations, including the heat, wave and
potential equations. Explicit and implicit methods, methods for non-linear
equations, iterative methods and various methods to accelerate the convergence
of the approximate solutions. Prerequisite: MATH 471 or ME 302, or equivalent,
and programming in Matlab.
ME 541. COMPUTATIONAL HEAT TRANSFER fall
Fundamentals of computational heat transfer as they relate to conduction and
convection. Applications oriented and designed for students in engineering
practice and students contemplating further in-depth study. Prerequisites:
undergraduate heat transfer, fluid mechanics and differential equations, or
consent of department chair.
ME 542. HEAT TRANSFER CONVECTION spring
Topics include: 1) conservation principles in momentum and energy; 2)
differential equations of the boundary layer-momentum and energy for laminar and
turbulent flows; 3) momentum transfer-external and internal flows; 4) heat
transfer-external and internal flows; 5) influence of temperature-dependent
fluid properties; 6) convective heat transfer at high velocities; 7)
free-convection boundary layers. Prerequisite: undergraduate course in heat
transfer, or consent of department chair.
ME 551. INVISCID FLOW fall
Euler equations, vorticity dynamics, two-dimensional and three-dimensional
potential theory, fundamental solutions, conformal mapping, boundary element
formulations. Applications include slender bodies, wing theory, natural flight
and propulsion mechanisms. Prerequisites: undergraduate fluid mechanics and ME
535 concurrently, or consent of department chair.
ME 552. MECHANICS OF LUBRICATION I spring, even- numbered years
The course studies the mechanics of fluid film lubrication. Topics of
discussion include the basic assumptions and derivation of Reynolds equation;
the three mechanisms (wedge action, squeeze action and external pressurization)
of fluid film lubrication; the analysis and design of journal and thrust
bearings under static and dynamic loads; whirl instability in journal bearings;
pneumatic instability in externally pressurized gas bearings; cavitation of
liquid lubricant films; and thermal effects in bearings. Prerequisite: usual
undergraduate mechanical engineering curriculum, or consent of department chair.
ME 553. PHYSICOCHEMICAL HYDRODYNAMICS spring, odd- numbered years
Diffusion, random walk, chemical thermodynamics, phase diagrams,
thermocapillary phenomena, diffusive-convective flows, chemically reacting
flows, interfacial stability, microhydrodynamics. Applications in materials
processing, biological and chemical systems, electronics packaging.
Prerequisites: undergraduate fluid mechanics, ME 535, or consent of department
chair.
ME 554. VISCOUS FLOW spring
Various topics in viscous incompressible fluid flow. Navier-Stokes
equations, boundary layers, vorticity, Stokes flow, lubrication approximation,
Hele-Shaw flow, capillarity, thin films, interfacial stability. Prerequisites:
undergraduate fluid mechanics, ME 535, or consent of department chair.
ME 561. PHYSICAL METALLURGY OF ALLOY SYSTEMS
Course deals with the physical metallurgy of several important metallic
alloy systems. Alloys discussed include: steels, aluminum, copper, titanium,
refractory metals. Role of processing and microstructure on properties is
emphasized. The basic concepts of phase transformations, diffusion, surfaces and
interfaces, and defect structures are discussed with emphasis on applications.
Prerequisite: an introductory course in materials science or materials
engineering, or consent of department chair.
ME 562. MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS
A study of the response of materials to applied stresses, especially
stress-induced failures. Relationship between structure and properties, with
emphasis on microstructural changes and failure. Macroscopic and microscopic
concepts of fracture mechanics, fatigue, creep and their interactions. Emphasis
on design applications and failure analysis. Prerequisites: undergraduate
courses in mechanics of materials and materials science, or consent of
department chair.
ME 565. CORROSION OF METALS AND ALLOYS
Fundamental aspects of metallic corrosion in aqueous environments and
applications to practical engineering problems. Electrochemical thermodynamics
and kinetics; application of polarization theory to uniform corrosion;
mechanisms of non-uniform corrosion; metallurgical aspects of corrosion failures
and prevention. Prerequisite: undergraduate course in materials engineering, or
consent of department chair.
*ME 571 (also SSIE 576). MANUFACTURING PROCESSES I
Equilibrium and non-equilibrium microstructure arising from liquid-solid
processing of materials. Casting of metal alloys, fusion welding of metals,
injection molding of polymers and brazing/soldering of metals. Prerequisite: an
introductory course in materials science/engineering, or consent of department
chair. Courses in strength of materials and heat transfer are desirable.
*ME 572 (also SSIE 577). MANUFACTURING PROCESSES II
The role of mechanical and thermal forces on the solid state fabrication of
materials is studied. Fabrication processes analyzed include extrusion, forging,
particulate (powder) processing, rolling, sheet forming and wire drawing. The
related thermal treatments such as heat treating and sintering are discussed. A
variety of materials classes are exemplified, such as in continuous annealing of
steel, ceramic powder processing and metal powder injection molding.
Prerequisite: an introductory course in materials science/engineering or consent
of department chair. Courses in strength of materials and heat transfer are
desirable.
ME 574. PRINTED WIRE BOARD MANUFACTURING
Course deals with materials for printed wire boards, processes like
lithography, drilling, plating, etching and test requirements and procedures for
PWB testing. Prerequisite: undergraduate course in physics, chemistry and
manufacturing processes, related experience or consent of department chair.
ME 580. SPECIAL TOPICS
Topics vary from semester to semester.
A. Mechanics and Design
B. Thermofluids
C. Materials
ME 597. INDEPENDENT STUDY 1-4 cr.
Independent study supervised by a mechanical engineering faculty member.
Student must obtain consent of instructor, who then determines description of
program, number of credits (variable), frequency of meeting and location.
Appropriate paperwork must be submitted to the advising office in order to
complete registration.
ME 598. ME PROJECT
Literature review, mechanical engineering development or other projects as
defined by the project committee. Formal bound report for department library.
ME 599. THESIS RESEARCH
Training in the methods of research. Varied computer modeling, hardware
development and experimentation as determined by the MSME thesis committee. Oral
examination required. Bound thesis goes in University Libraries.
ME 609. COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS
Fundamentals of computational fluid mechanics as they relate to viscous,
laminar and turbulent flows. Applications oriented and designed for students in
engineering practice and students contemplating further in-depth study.
Prerequisite: graduate fluid mechanics in heat transfer, or consent of
department chair.
ME 618. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS II
This is a second-level course in the understanding of the FEM. The course
material covers variational formulations, non-linear static and dynamic
analysis, transient problems and other specialized features of applying the
finite element method to solve engineering problems. The FE code ANSYS and/or
CAEDS is used to solve the projects assigned in the course. Prerequisite: ME 517
or equivalent, or consent of department chair.
ME 627. RANDOM VIBRATIONS fall, odd-numbered years
Methods for analyzing the response of vibrating systems with random inputs.
Correlation and spectral methods for discrete and continuous vibrating
structures. Analysis of non-linear systems using equivalent linearization,
Gaussian closure and the Fokker-Plank equation. Applications include
flow-induced vibrations, response of distributed systems to spatially random
fields, reliability analysis and high-cycle fatigue life predictions.
Prerequisites: graduate course in mechanical vibration and a course in ordinary
differential equations, or consent of department chair.
ME 628. ADVANCED KINEMATICS
This is an advanced course in modern kinematics and design of mechanisms
with emphasis on numerical design methods. Analysis of spatial mechanisms in
terms of position, motion and force are studied. Mobility, rigid body guidance,
function generation, path generation and optimal synthesis of mechanisms are
also covered. The above involves use of vector mechanics, computers (both
writing and using software packages), and computer simulation of large
displacement dynamics in two and three dimensions. Prerequisites: ME 322 or a
first course in kinematics, vector analysis, ordinary differential equations and
FORTRAN, or consent of departmental chair.
ME 629. NON-LINEAR SYSTEMS DYNAMICS
Introduction and examples of non-linear systems from various branches of
science and engineering. Non-linear second-order systems, phase-plane analysis.
Stability of linear and non-linear systems; Liapunov’s criteria, Popov’s
frequency method, limit cycles. Approximate techniques: perturbation and
averaging methods. Computational methods in non-linear analysis. Prerequisite:
ME 524 or equivalent, or consent of department chair.
ME 654. TRANSPORT PHENOMENA IN MATERIALS PROCESSING fall, odd- numbered
years
The role of transport phenomena in materials processing. Topics include
chemical thermodynamics, diffusion in solids and fluids, transport, capillary
phenomena, phase transformations, moving boundary problems. Applications draw
from casting of metal alloys, fusion welding of metals, injection molding of
polymers and brazing/soldering of metals. Prerequisite: undergraduate fluid
mechanics, ME 535 or consent of department chair.
ME 655. PERTURBATION METHODS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Application of perturbation methods to problems in engineering mechanics.
Regular perturbation expansions, method of matched (and composite) expansions
and method of multiple time scales are applied to problems drawn from such areas
as vibrations, fluid mechanics, heat conduction and solid mechanics.
Prerequisites: undergraduate course in mechanics, ME 535 or consent of
department chair.
ME 658. STABILITY AND BIFURCATION THEORY
Stability and bifurcation in evolution problems. Scalar autonomous problems,
classification of points, exchange of stability, isolated solutions, breaking of
bifurcation. Two-dimensional autonomous problems, eigenvalue-eigenvectors.
Projection methods. Bifurcation of periodic solutions, Hopf bifurcations,
stability. Conservative and gradient systems. Prerequisite or corequisite: ME
535 or consent of department chair.
ME 680. ADVANCED SPECIAL TOPICS
Topics vary from semester to semester.
A. Mechanics and Design
B. Thermofluids
C. Materials
ME 697. ADVANCED INDEPENDENT STUDY
ME 698. PRE-DISSERTATION RESEARCH
Exploratory research oriented toward PhD dissertation.
ME 699. DISSERTATION
Research for and preparation of PhD dissertation.
ME 700. CONTINUOUS REGISTRATION
Required to maintain matriculation through any spring or fall semester when
no other courses are taken. If the minimal one-credit registration is not
maintained, student must reapply for admission.
ME 701. PRACTICUM FOR RESEARCH AND TEACHING ASSISTANTS every semester
Required for all funded graduate assistants. Research or teaching supervised
by faculty adviser.
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