Mechanical Engineering (MENG)

* MENG 099b / MB&B 099b / MCDB 099b / PHYS 099b / SCIE 099b, Introduction to Research Methods in Physics and Biology: Preparing for a First Research ExperienceSimon Mochrie

Spanning both the classroom and laboratory, this seminar course provides an immersive introduction to scientific research. Students build practical laboratory skills, computational competency, and begin to build fluency in the structures and modes of communication that define modern research. The course also facilitates identification of a laboratory mentor and devising a research proposal (with mentorship) for competitive summer research fellowship applications. This class is open to first-year students, interested in any STEM major, who have no prior research experience. This course does not count toward major requirements. Enrollment limited to first-year students. Preregistration required; see under First-Year Seminar Program. 
MW 2:30pm-3:45pm

MENG 185a or b, Mechanical DesignStaff

A course designed for potential majors in mechanical engineering, with units on design methodology, statics, mechanics of materials, and machining. Includes a design project. Prerequisite: physics at the level of PHYS 180, or permission of instructor.  SC0 Course cr
HTBA

MENG 211a or b, Thermodynamics for Mechanical EngineersStaff

Study of energy and its transformation and utilization. First and Second Laws for closed and open systems, equations of state, multicomponent nonreacting systems, auxiliary functions (H, A, G), and the chemical potential and conditions of equilibrium. Engineering devices such as power and refrigeration systems and their efficiencies. Prerequisites: PHYS 180 or 200, and MATH 115.  QR, SC
HTBA

MENG 280a, Mechanical Engineering I: Strength and Deformation of Mechanical ElementsDiana Qiu

Elements of statics; mechanical behavior of materials; equilibrium equations, strains and displacements, and stress-strain relations. Elementary applications to trusses, bending of beams, pressure vessels, and torsion of bars. Prerequisites: PHYS 180 or 200, and MATH 115.  QR, SCRP
MW 9am-10:15am

MENG 285a, Introduction to Materials ScienceJan Schroers

Study of the atomic and microscopic origin of the properties of engineering materials: metals, glasses, polymers, ceramics, and composites. Phase diagrams; diffusion; rates of reaction; mechanisms of deformation, fracture, and strengthening; thermal and electrical conduction. Prerequisites: elementary calculus and background in basic mechanics (deformation, Hooke's law) and structure of atoms (orbitals, periodic table).  QR, SCRP
TTh 9am-10:15am

MENG 286La or b, Solid Mechanics and Materials Science LaboratoryStaff

This course introduces undergraduate students to a variety of microstructure characterization and mechanical testing techniques for engineering materials. It offers hands-on laboratory projects that enable students to investigate the relationship between the mechanical behavior of materials and their microstructure. Topics include bending and hardness tests, processing of materials, and fracture. The course uses several characterization methods, including scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, x-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, nanomechanical testing, and tensile testing. Prerequisite: MENG 285SCRP0 Course cr
HTBA

MENG 287b, Intermediate Mechanical DesignJoran Booth

This is a hands-on, project-based course in mechanical design. Students work on design projects that expose them to a variety of manufacturing techniques, including laser cutting, 3D printing, machining, and soldering. Completing these projects gives students the opportunity to hone many practical skills, including computer-aided design, parametric modeling, creating webpages, and programming microcontrollers. Throughout the semester, students create a design portfolio that showcases their projects. Prerequisite: MENG 185.
MW 1pm-2:15pm

* MENG 320a / ENRG 320a / ENVE 320a, Energy, Engines, and ClimateAlessandro Gomez

The course aims to cover the fundamentals of a field that is central to the future of the world. The field is rapidly evolving and, although an effort will be made to keep abreast of the latest developments, the course emphasis is on timeless fundamentals, especially from a physics perspective. Topics under consideration include: key concepts of climate change as a result of global warming, which is the primary motivator of a shift in energy supply and technologies to wean humanity off fossil fuels; carbon-free energy sources, with primary focus on solar, wind and associated needs for energy storage and grid upgrade; and, traditional power plants and engines using fossil fuels, that are currently involved in 85% of energy conversion worldwide and will remain dominant for at least a few decades. Elements of thermodynamics are covered throughout the course as needed, including the definition of various forms of energy, work and heat as energy transfer, the principle of conservation of energy, first law and second law, and rudiments of heat engines. We conclude with some considerations on energy policy and with the "big picture" on how to tackle future energy needs. The course is designed for juniors and seniors in science and engineering. Prerequisite: MENG 211 or permission from the instructor.  SC
TTh 9am-10:15am

* MENG 325a, Machine Elements and Manufacturing ProcessesJoran Booth

This course provides students a working knowledge of two fundamental topics related to mechanical design: machine elements and manufacturing processes. Machine elements refer one or more of a range of common design elements that transmit power and enable smooth and efficient motion in mechanical systems with moving parts. This course introduces the most common of these elements and gives students the tools to systems design with them. Topics include common linkages, gearing, bearings, springs, clutches, brakes, and common actuators such as DC motors. Manufacturing processes are necessary for the mechanical design engineer to effectively perform her or his duties; they provide an understanding of how the parts and systems that they design are fabricated, allowing “Design for Manufacturing” principles to be taken into account in the product development process. Students learn the basics of common commercial manufacturing processes for mechanical systems, including low-volume processes such as machining to high-volume processes such as casting (metal parts), molding (plastic parts), and stamping (sheet metal parts).    Prerequisites: Extensive CAD experience. MENG 185 and MENG 280 recommended.
MW 1pm-2:15pm

MENG 361a, Mechanical Engineering II: Fluid MechanicsMitchell Smooke

Mechanical properties of fluids, kinematics, Navier-Stokes equations, boundary conditions, hydrostatics, Euler's equations, Bernoulli's equation and applications, momentum theorems and control volume analysis, dimensional analysis and similitude, pipe flow, turbulence, concepts from boundary layer theory, elements of potential flow. Prerequisites: ENAS 194 or equivalent, and physics at least at the level of PHYS 180.  QR, SCRP
MW 11:35am-12:50pm

* MENG 363Lb, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics LaboratoryStaff

Hands-on experience in applying the principles of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. Integration of experiment, theory, and simulation to reflect real-world phenomena. Students design and test prototype devices. Prerequisites: MENG 211 and 361.  WR, SC0 Course cr
HTBA

MENG 383a, Mechanical Engineering III: DynamicsAhalya Prabhakar

Kinematics and dynamics of particles and systems of particles. Relative motion; systems with constraints. Rigid body mechanics; gyroscopes. Prerequisites: PHYS 180 or 200, and MATH 120 or ENAS 151.  QR, SC
MWF 10:30am-11:20am

MENG 385b, Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Structure of MaterialsJan Schroers

This advanced-level course focuses on the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of materials and how they define structure and properties. We first discuss thermodynamics relevant to materials. This includes thermodynamic laws, auxiliary functions to develop convenient equations of state to describe equilibrium, Gibbs Free Energy (G), experimental determination of G, model calculations of G such as ideal solutions and regular solutions, using G curves to construct equilibrium conditions, phase diagram constructions, reading of phase diagrams. We then focus on solidification which we develop from the phenomena of undercooling, nucleation and growth.  Combining both, allows us to predict microstructures formed during solidification far and close to equilibrium. We also discuss glass formation, the case when nucleation and growth can be suppressed, and the liquid freezes upon cooling into a glass. Prerequisite: MENG 285.  0 Course cr
TTh 9am-10:15am

MENG 389b, Mechanical Engineering IV: Fluid and Thermal Energy ScienceBeth Anne Bennett

Fundamentals of mechanical engineering applicable to the calculation of energy and power requirements, as well as transport of heat by conduction, convection, and radiation. Prerequisites: MENG 211, 361, and ENAS 194; or permission of instructor.  QR, SC
MW 2:30pm-3:45pm

MENG 390Lb, Mechatronics LaboratoryMadhusudhan Venkadesan

Hands-on synthesis of control systems, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Review of Laplace transforms, transfer functions, software tools for solving ODEs. Review of electronic components and introduction to electronic instrumentation. Introduction to sensors. Mechanical power transmission elements. Programming microcontrollers. PID control. Prerequisites: ENAS 194 or equivalent, ENAS 130, and EENG 200; or permission of instructor.  QR
F 10:30am-1:30pm, MW 1pm-2:15pm

MENG 400a or b, Computer-Aided EngineeringStaff

Aspects of computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM). The computer's role in the mechanical design and manufacturing process; commercial tools for two- and three-dimensional drafting and assembly modeling; finite-element analysis software for modeling mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems. Prerequisite: ENAS 130 or permission of instructor.  QR
HTBA

MENG 403b, Introduction to Nanomaterials and NanotechnologyCong Su

Survey of nanomaterial synthesis methods and current nanotechnologies. Approaches to synthesizing nanomaterials; characterization techniques; device applications that involve nanoscale effects. Prerequisites: ENAS 194 and MENG 285, or permission of instructor.  SC
TTh 9am-10:15am

MENG 404b / BENG 404b, Medical Device Design and InnovationDaniel Wiznia and Steven Tommasini

The engineering design, project planning, prototype creation, and fabrication processes for medical devices that improve patient conditions, experiences, and outcomes. Students develop viable solutions and professional-level working prototypes to address clinical needs identified by practicing physicians. Some attention to topics such as intellectual property, the history of medical devices, documentation and reporting, and regulatory affairs.  0 Course cr
MW 4pm-5:15pm

MENG 425b, Advanced Design and Analysis of MachinesRonald Adrezin

There are many useful, classic mechanisms that require a single actuator to operate.  These include four-bar mechanisms, slider-cranks, cam-followers, and scotch-yokes. In this course, students learn to design (synthesize) classic mechanisms. They also learn how to analyze the kinematics and kinetics of important machines. While systems based on single actuators are common, the course then introduces the dynamics of multiple degree-of-freedom machines such as robotic actuators. This course focuses on planar systems and students learn to write equations of motion of robots that can roll forward with multiple articulating linkages. Students design and analyze using SolidWorks and solve equations with Matlab. A project is designed, analyzed, built, and tested utilizing a microcontroller and 3D printer. Prerequisites: ENAS 130, MENG 325.
MW 7:30pm-8:45pm

MENG 441a / ENAS 441a, Applied Numerical Methods for Differential EquationsBeth Anne Bennett

The derivation, analysis, and implementation of numerical methods for the solution of ordinary and partial differential equations, both linear and nonlinear. Additional topics such as computational cost, error estimation, and stability analysis are studied in several contexts throughout the course. Prerequisites: MATH 115, and 222 or 225, or equivalents; ENAS 130 or some knowledge of Matlab, C++, or Fortran programming; ENAS 194 or equivalent. ENAS 440 is not a prerequisite.  QR
MW 9am-10:15am

MENG 443a / EENG 443a, Fundamentals of Robot Modeling and ControlIan Abraham

This course introduces fundamental concepts of robotics, optimal control, and reinforcement learning. Lectures cover topics on state representation, manipulator equations, forward/inverse kinematics/dynamics, planning and control of fully actuated and underactuated robots, operational space control, control via mathematical optimization, and reinforcement learning. The topics focus on connecting mathematical formulations to algorithmic implementation through simulated robotic systems. Coding assignments provide students experience setting up and interfacing with several simulated robotic systems, algorithmic implementation of several state-of-the-art methods, and a codebase for future use. Special topic lectures focus on recent developments in the field of robotics and highlight core research areas. A final class project takes place instead of a final exam where students leverage the codebase they have built throughout the course in a robot problem of their choosing. Experience with differential equations, linear algebra, and basic understanding of dynamics is required. Basic coding experience in e.g., python, c++, c, are also required. Juniors and seniors preferred.
TTh 4pm-5:15pm

MENG 463b, Theoretical Fluid DynamicsJuan de la Mora

Derivation of the equations of fluid motion from basic principles. Potential theory, viscous flow, flow with vorticity. Topics in hydrodynamics, gas dynamics, stability, and turbulence. Prerequisite: MENG 361 or equivalent.  QR, SCRP
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

MENG 464b, Forces on the NanoscaleUdo Schwarz

Modern materials science often exploits the fact that atoms located at surfaces or in thin layers behave differently from bulk atoms to achieve new or greatly altered material properties. The course provides an in-depth discussion of intermolecular and surface forces, which determine the mechanical and chemical properties of surfaces. In the first part, we discuss the fundamental principles and concepts of forces between atoms and molecules. Part two generalizes these concepts to surface forces. Part three then gives a variety of examples. The course is of interest to students studying thin-film growth, surface coatings, mechanical and chemical properties of surfaces, soft matter including biomembranes, and colloidal suspensions. Some knowledge of basic physics, mathematics, chemistry, and thermodynamics is expected.  SC0 Course cr
MW 11:35am-12:50pm

MENG 466a, Engineering AcousticsStaff

Wave propagation in strings, membranes, plates, ducts, and volumes; plane, cylindrical, and spherical waves; reflection, transmission, and absorption characteristics; sources of sound. Introduction to special topics such as architectural, underwater, psychological, nonlinear, and musical acoustics, noise, and ultrasonics. Prerequisite: ENAS 194.
MW 7pm-8:15pm

* MENG 469a, AerodynamicsJuan de la Mora

Review of fluid dynamics. Inviscid flows over airfoils; finite wing theory; viscous effects and boundary layer theory. Compressible aerodynamics: normal and oblique shock waves and expansion waves. Linearized compressible flows. Some basic knowledge of thermodynamics is expected. Prerequisite: MENG 361 or permission of instructor.  QR, SC
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

* MENG 471a and MENG 472b, Special Projects IStaff

Faculty-supervised one- or two-person projects with emphasis on research (experiment, simulation, or theory), engineering design, or tutorial study. Students are expected to consult the course instructor, director of undergraduate studies, and/or appropriate faculty members to discuss ideas and suggestions for topics. Focus on development of professional skills such as writing abstracts, prospectuses, and technical reports as well as good practices for preparing posters and delivering presentations. Permission of advisor and director of undergraduate studies is required. Students are required to attend a 75-minute section once per week.
MW 4pm-5:15pm

* MENG 473a and MENG 474b, Special Projects IIStaff

Faculty-supervised one- or two-person projects with emphasis on research (experiment, simulation, or theory), engineering design, or tutorial study. Students are expected to consult the course instructor, director of undergraduate studies, and/or appropriate faculty members to discuss ideas and suggestions for topics. These courses may be taken at any time during the student's career and may be taken more than once. Prerequisites: MENG 471 or 472; permission of adviser and director of undergraduate studies.
HTBA

MENG 475a / ENAS 475a, Fluid Mechanics of Natural PhenomenaAmir Pahlavan

This course draws inspiration from nature and focuses on utilizing the fundamental concepts of fluid mechanics and soft matter physics to explain these phenomena. We study a broad range of problems related to i) nutrient transport in plants, slime molds, and fungi and the adaptation of their networks in dynamic environments, ii) collective behavior and chemotaxis of swimming microorganisms, and iii) pattern formation in nature, e.g. icicles, mud cracks, salt polygons, dendritic crystals, and Turing patterns. We also discuss how our understanding of these problems could be used to develop sustainable solutions for the society, e.g. designing synthetic trees to convert CO2 to oxygen, developing micro/nano robots for biomedical applications, and utilizing pattern formation and self-assembly to make new materials. Prerequisite: MENG 361.
MW 11:35am-12:50pm

MENG 487La, Mechanical Design: Process and Implementation IJoran Booth

This course is the first half of the capstone design sequence (students take MENG 488 in the spring semester of the same academic year) and is a unique opportunity to apply and demonstrate broad and detailed knowledge of engineering in a team effort to design, construct, and test a functioning engineering system. The lecture portion of the class provides guidance in planning and managing your project, as well other topics associated with engineering design. This course sequence requires quality design; analyses and experiments to support the design effort; and the fabrication and testing of the engineered system; as well as proper documentation and presentation of results to a technical audience. Prerequisites: MENG 280, MENG 325, MENG 361. MENG 185 and MENG 390 are strongly suggested.  RP
TTh 1pm-3pm

MENG 488Lb, Mechanical Design: Process and Implementation IIJoran Booth

This course is the second half of the capstone design sequence (students take MENG 487 in the fall semester of the same academic year) and is a unique opportunity to apply and demonstrate broad and detailed knowledge of engineering in a team effort to design, construct, and test a functioning engineering system. The lecture portion of the class provides guidance in planning and managing your project, as well other topics associated with engineering design. This course sequence requires quality design; analyses and experiments to support the design effort; and the fabrication and testing of the engineered system; as well as proper documentation and presentation of results to a technical audience. Prerequisites: MENG 487, MENG 280, and MENG 361. MENG 185 and MENG 325 are strongly suggested.  ½ Course cr
TTh 1pm-3pm

MENG 492b, Electronic and Optical Properties of Energy MaterialsDiana Qiu

This class explores the electronic and optical properties of materials from the perspective of electronic and molecular structure with a special focus on the microscopic origin and design of properties of interest for energy harvesting, storage, and transport. The course starts by briefly introducing concepts in quantum mechanics, such as wavefunctions and the time-independent Schrodinger equations. Then, we explore electronic structure in the context of designing materials for energy harvesting and generation, such as photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, and piezoelectrics. We also study dynamical processes, such as hot electron relaxation, multi-exciton generation, charge transport, and energy transport at a phenomenological level. Finally, we overview common energy storage materials, with a focus on solid-state batteries and solar fuels. Prerequisite: MENG 285, ENAS 151, or equivalent.  QR, SC
MW 9am-10:15am