Mechanical Engineering (MECH)

Professor Bahman Litkouhi

Chair of the Department

210. Introduction to Mechanical Systems and Components. This is an introductory course in mechanical enginnering. Topics include: a brief history of mechanical engineering; discussion of mechanical engineering principles and concepts; and a review of each of the important specialties within mechanical engineering. The course also covers:theory and operation of mechanical systems and components; basic measurement practices; and the use and operation of basic engineering tools. Three lectures. Fall or Spring. (Cr.2)

211. Introduction to Design. Introduction to the design process, engineering drawing concepts, and computer-aided drafting. In the area of design this course covers such topics as design methodology, project planning, quality function deployment, basic optimal design, material selection, engineering economics, and communication. Basic engineering drawing concepts are also covered along with computer applications such as solid modeling and computer drafting. Students are also required to complete a simple design and “build-it” project. One lecture hour, three-hour laboratory. Fall. Prerequisite: ENGS 116. (Cr.3)

230. Introductory Solid Mechanics. Analysis of stress and strain due to axial, torsional, and flexural loads; beams, shafts, columns. Elastic deformation under axial, flexural, and torsional loads. Statically determinate and indeterminate problems; principles of superposition and compatibility. Elastic column buckling. Three lectures. Spring. Prerequisite: ENGS 206. (Cr.3)

231. Solid Mechanics Laboratory. Application and verification of principles of mechanics of solids. Preparation of technical reports. Three hours. Spring. Corequisite: MECH 230. (Cr.1)

302. Thermodynamics. Analysis of Otto, Diesel, Bayton, Rankine, and refrigeration cycles; ideal gas mixtures; vapor-gas mixture; moist air processes; combusion. Students are required to complete a design project. Three lectures. Fall. Prerequisite: ENGS 205. (Cr.2)

311. Dynamic Systems. Vibration of simple systems, including the vibration of single degree of freedom mass-spring-dampers, seismic vibration, and the vibration of continuous and multidegree of freedom systems. Analysis of basic control schemes, root locus diagrams, Bode diagrams, and simple controllers. Three lectures. Fall. Prerequisites: MATH 203, ENGS 220. (Cr.3)

312. Mechatronics. A study of the interface between mechanical and electrical systems. Topics include:actuators; sensors; and interfacing elements. The actuators covered include pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical devices, with emphasis on the analysis associated with each system. The sensors portion covers the devices used to obtain information needed for system control, as well as a study of the necessary interfacing components. Other issues addressed will include power sources and operating practices. Three lectures. Fall. Corequisite: MATH 203. (Cr.3)

314. Engineering Analysis and Numerical Methods. A unified treatment of engineering analysis and numerical methods. Solutions of linear algebraic systems using both classical and numerical methods. Linear regression and the least squares methods of curve fitting. Roots of algebraic and transcendental equations. Fourier Series. Probability and statistics. Numerical integration and differentiation and solutions to ordinary and partial differential equations. Three lectures. Fall. Prerequisites: MATH 203, ENGS 116. (Cr.3)

318. Fluid Mechanics. Fluids properties; fluid statics; integral form of governing equations of fluid motion; dimensional analysis; internal flow (pipe flow); differential form of governing equations of fluid motion; external flow; introduction to boundary layer theory; flow around immersed bodies, fluid machinery; compressible flow; one-dimensional isentropic flow; normal and oblique shocks; Rayleigh and Fanno lines. Four lectures. Fall. Prerequisite: ENGS 206. (Cr.4)

323. Machine Design I. Fundamentals of mechanical design and statistical considerations. Materials and their properties. Application of failure theories. Design for static and fatigue strength. Design projects. Three lectures. Spring. Prerequisites: MECH 230. (Cr.3)

325. Heat Transfer. Conduction, convection and radiation as different modes of heat transfer. Steady and unsteady states. Combined effects. Applications. Three lectures. Spring. Prerequisites: ENGS 205, MECH 318. (Cr.3)

336. Manufacturing Processes. Introduction to metal cutting, and manufacturing processes such as turning, milling, and drilling. Other topics covered include metal shearing and forming, the economics of metal cutting and process planning, inspection and statistical quality control, automation in manufacturing and computer numerical control. Three lectures. Spring. Prerequisites: ENGS 201, MECH 230. (Cr.3)

337. Manufacturing Systems Laboratory. This lab gives hands-on practice in various computer aided manufacturing processes including CNC machinery, controls, and robotics. Three-hour laboratory. Spring. Prerequisite MECH 311 or 314. Corequisite: MECH 336. (Cr.0)

401. Mechanical Engineering Design I. Engineering design process, problem definitions, information sources, alternative solutions, technical and societal constraints. Group design project and report. One lecture hour, three design hours. Fall. Prerequisites: MECH 314, 318, 323, 325. (Cr.3)

402. Mechanical Engineering Design II. A continuation of MECH 401. The design project in MECH 401 may be expanded or a model may be built and tested. Students may also start a new project in consultation with faculty. Group or individual design project and report. One lecture, three design hours. Spring. Prerequisites: MECH 401 and permission of the Department Chair. (Cr.3)

405. Thermal/Fluids Laboratory. This laboratory course allows students to perform thermo/fluid experiments to underscore the material that they learn in the thermodynamic, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics classes. This laboratory course also has a component that teaches the students how to construct and perform their own experiments. The material covered in this section includes the mathematical design of an experiment, instrumentation, signal processing, statistical analysis, and data presentation. The students are also required to investigate a physical phenomenon experimentally. Three hour laboratory. One hour lecture. Fall. Prerequisites: MECH 302, 318, 325. (Cr.3)

407. Solid Mechanics. Review of principles of solid mechanics and vector methods. Stress-strain-temperature relations, residual stresses and stress concentrations. Beam and column behavior, shear center, torsion of non-circular members, buckling and energy methods. Three lectures. Prerequisites: MECH 230, MECH 314, 323. (Cr.3)

408. Mechanical Engineering Projects I. Individual student research or design projects. Where applicable, computer methods, experimental work, and literature study will be used. Proposal and report required. Six to nine hours of project. (Taken only with approval of advisor and chair of department.) Prerequisites: MECH 314, 318, 323, 325. (Cr.3)

410. Mechanical Engineering Projects II. Individual student research or design projects. A continuation of MECH 408 for students who have successfully pursued a research or design project and wish to continue it for a full year. Proposal and report required. Six to nine hours of project. (Taken only with the approval of advisor and chair of department.) Prerequisite: MECH 401 or MECH 408. (Cr.3)

414. Engineering Economy and Project Management. This course provides a background in company operation and management tools. These include:economics; project planning; forecasting; decision analysis; inventory control; and network analysis. Emphasis will be placed on solving practical problems by using software tools such as Excel and other appropriate analysis tools. Three lectures. Fall. Prerequisite: Senior Status*. (Cr.3)

415. Analysis and Design of Mechanisms. Mechanism terminology. Graphical kinematics, concepts of freedom systems. Gears and cams. Analytical synthesis: two and three precision point synthesis. Structure and use of a general computer program for kinematic analysis. Two lectures, two-hour computer laboratory. Prerequisites: ENGS 220, MECH 211. (Cr.3)

422. Thermal/Fluids System Design. Design and selection of basic components of typical thermal/fluids systems such as heat exchanger, pumps, compressors, and turbines. System synthesis and optimization. Individual or group design projects. Three lectures. Spring. Prerequisites: MECH 302, 318, 325. (Cr.3)

424. Machine Design II. Design of mechanical elements such as screws, bearings, gears, shafts, clutches, brakes, belts and chains. Design projects. Three lectures. Fall. Prerequisite: MECH 323. (Cr.3)

425. Analysis of HVAC Systems. Air conditioning systems; moist air properties and conditioning processes indoor air quality, comfort and health; heat transmission in building structures; space heat load; cooling load; energy calculations. Three lectures. Fall. Prerequisite: MECH 302, 325. (Cr.3)

427. Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering. Special topics in mechanical engineering of current interest to undergraduate students; subject matter and prerequisite will be announced in advance of particular semester offering. Three lectures. Prerequisite: Senior Status*. (Cr.3)

428. Internal Combustion Engines. Spark ignition and compression ignition cycles; gas cycles with arbitrary heat addition, heat loss, and mass loss; fuel air combustion thermodynamics; air, fuel and exhaust flows; combustion and emission; fuels, additives, and lubricants; engine performance. Three lectures. Prerequisite: MECH 302. (Cr.3)

429. Design of HVAC Systems. Design of piping in HVAC systems; pumps and compressors, and their selection; fans, air distribution in buildings and duct design; heat exchangers; refrigeration systems. Three lectures. Prerequisite: MECH 425. (Cr.3)

432. Computer-Aided Design. Design process using CAD software. Solid modeling, finite element modeling and simulation. Students are required to design an original project in one or more of the following areas: solid mechanics, mechanisms, or heat transfer. Two two-hour laboratories. Spring. Prerequisites: MECH 323, 336. (Cr.3)

435. Legal Aspects of Engineering. An interdepartmental course covering basic legal doctrines, professional-client relationship, design and practice problems. Topics include American judicial system, contracts, quasicontracts, agency, licensing, client obligations, construction process, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. Three lectures. Prerequisite: Senior Status*. (Cr.3)

436. Fundamentals of Engineering. Review of the fundamental principles of engineering. Preparation to qualify as a licensed professional engineer. Specific attention is placed on review of the principles that are the basis for questions on the Fundamentals of Engineering examination. Prerequisite: Senior Status* (Cr.3)

446. Manufacturing Systems. Group projects emphasizing design for manufacturing, manufacturing system simulation, and prototype fabrication. Concurrent with projects are lectures on modern manufacturing technologies. Two lectures and two-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: MECH 336. (Cr.3)

512. Energy Conversion. Review of steam power; gas turbines; and combustion of hydrocarbon fuels; coal and fluidized bed; power generation using solar energy; solar energy for heating and cooling of buildings; solar cells; windmills; geothermal energy; ocean thermal energy; hydrogen economy; fuel cells; magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) energy conversion. Prerequisite: Senior Status*. (Cr.3)

516. Fluid Machinery. Review of fundamentals of fluid mechanics, dimensional analysis in fluid machinery; classification and characteristics of fluid machinery (positive displacement, radial, mixed flow, and axial); efficiencies, incompressible flow machines (pumps and hydraulic turbines); cavitation; compressible flow machines (compressors and gas turbines); choking and surge. Prerequisite: Senior Status*. (Cr.3)

*A prerequisite of “Senior Status” means that all junior mechanical engineering courses must have been successfully completed. Exceptions require the approval of the department chair.