Mechanical Engineering Major

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MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (Mech Engr)
Offered by the Departments of Engineering Mechanics.

Mech Engr 312. Thermal Fluids Systems Engineering I.  First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics applied to open and closed systems; basic modes of heat and work processes, with concentration on conduction. Mass and momentum conservation, entropy balance. Cycle concepts as applied to Carnot cycle. Properties of thermodynamic substances, including phase diagrams, ideal gases, and pure substances. Fundamental aspects of fluid statics. Bernaulli and mechanical energy equations. Laboratory methods and application. Emphasis on developing problem solving methods applied to thermal-fluids systems, and on communication skills.

Mech Engr 325. Engineering System Dynamics. Modeling, analysis and design of multi-domain engineering systems including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, instrumentation and control elements. Models are developed based on tracking power interactions between system components. Mathematical models are developed in state space form and are investigated both analytically and numerically. System response to initial conditions and forcing functions is examined. Tools are introduced to predict system stability, behavior and response to parameter variation. Nonlinear models and elementary control systems are introduced.

Mech Engr 341.Thermal Fluids Systems Engineering II.   Continuation of Mech Engr 312.  1st and 2nd Laws of Thermodynamics applied to open systems.  Basic engineering plant component analysis, to include isentropic efficiencies.  Navier-Stokes equations and applications.  Fluid flow and heat transfer boundary layer applications.  Convection heat transfer, with a concentration on heat exchangers.  Dimensional analysis, modeling, and similitude.  Laboratory methods and applications.  Emphasis on developing problem solving methods applied to thermal-fluids systems, and on communications skills.  Laboratory methods and applications.

Mech Engr 370. Introduction to Machine Design. Introduction to static failure theories and fatigue. Analysis and design of machine components including shafts, hydrodynamic and rolling element bearings, spur gears, clutches, brakes and springs. Design of joints using screws, bolts and welds. Emphasis on stress analysis and design trade-offs.

Mech Engr 396. Mechatronics. An integration of mechanical and electrical design, applying the design process to develop an integrated electromechanical system autonomously controlled by a microprocessor. Electrical system development topics include digital logic, actuator control, sensor integration and signal conditioning. Group design projects throughout the semester leading to the integrated final project.

Mech Engr 441. Thermal Fluids Systems Engineering III.  Radiation heat transfer. Numerical methods applied to selected problems in heat transfer and fluid mechanics. Introduction to basic power cycles (Rankine, Otto, Diesel, Brayton, etc.). Psychrometric processes. 1-D compressible flow with application to turbomachinery and varying area channels, to include normal shocks. Analysis of turbomachinery. Laboratory methods and applications. Emphasis on developing problem solving methods applied to thermal fluids systems, and on communication skills.

Mech Engr 467. Energy Conversion. Applications of the first and second laws of thermodynamics to the major energy converters including steam plants, internal combustion engines and turbojet engines. Additional topics may include combustion analysis, energy storage, refrigeration and alternate energy sources.

Mech Engr 490. Automotive Systems Analysis for the Engineer. An analysis of the modern automobile as an engineering system. Engineering concepts applied to the design, maintenance and integration of automotive subsystems. Analysis of power plants, clutches, transmissions, drive trains, suspension systems, steering and braking dynamics and overall vehicle performance including economy.

Mech Engr 491. Capstone Design Project I. Capstone engineering design experience for the engineering mechanics and mechanical engineering majors. Emphasis placed on the design process, complete analysis and technical communication in the creative development of a mechanical system. The system is designed, fabricated and tested against performance specifications determined by faculty members.

Mech Engr 492. Capstone Design Project II. Capstone engineering design experience for the engineering mechanics and mechanical engineering majors. Emphasis placed on the design process, complete analysis and technical communications in the creative development of a mechanical system. The system is designed, fabricated and tested against performance specifications determined by faculty members

Mech Engr 499. Independent Study. Individual study, research, of design on a topic established with the permissions of the department head.