Mechanical Engineering (ME)

ME 1101. Introduction to Digital Mechanical Engineering Lab.

This course introduces students to foundational engineering principles, laboratory practices, and digital engineering technologies. Topics include basic data analysis, introductory microcontroller programming, the product design process, and emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality. Students participate in hands-on laboratory activities, structured design challenges, and collaborative projects to apply core concepts in practical settings. By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate foundational engineering knowledge and apply basic digital tools, data analysis methods, and programming concepts to solve simple engineering problems. Corequisite: [MATH 2417 or MATH 2471] and ENGR 1304 and ME 1201 with grades of “C” or better.

ME 1201. Introduction to Digital Mechanical Engineering.

This course examines mechanical engineering as a discipline and a profession. Topics include the mechanical engineering profession, career pathways in mechanical engineering, engineering ethics, representation of technical information, the engineering approach for solving problems, application of mathematical and scientific principles to solve simple engineering problems, an introduction to the product design and development process, an introduction to basic systems thinking and systems engineering concepts, and a general overview of tools and technologies such as the Internet of things (IoT), sensors, computer simulations and digital twins, virtual and augmented reality, robotics and autonomous robots, additive manufacturing, big data and data analytics, artificial intelligence, and sensor security in mechanical systems. Corequisite: MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 with a grade of "C" or better.

ME 3112. Mechanical Behavior of Materials Lab.

This laboratory course examines experimental stress analysis techniques and standard mechanical tests used to characterize the behavior of engineering materials under different loading conditions. Students perform experiments, analyze data, and interpret results in relation to analytical predictions, material models, and sources of experimental uncertainty. The course emphasizes the comparison of measured material response with theoretical expectations and the evaluation of discrepancies between experiment and analysis. Laboratory topics include tension, compression, bending, torsion, and shear tests of both polymeric and metallic materials, along with hardness measurement, metallography, application of strain gauges, fatigue behavior of materials, creep and stress relaxation, photoelasticity, and digital image correlation. Students develop practical skills in materials testing, experimental methods, data interpretation, and assessment of relationships among material structure, loading, deformation, and failure. Prerequisite: ENGR 2300 with a grade of “C” or better. Corequisite: ME 3311 with a grade of "C" or better.

ME 3151. Smart Instrumentation and Measurement Lab.

This course introduces students to smart instrumentation and measurement systems used in modern mechanical engineering applications. Topics include fundamental measurement principles, analog and digital instrumentation, data acquisition (DAQ) systems, signal conditioning, and the application of sensors within engineering systems and Internet of Things (IoT) networks. Students engage in structured, hands-on laboratory experiments using wired and wireless digital communication and computer-based data acquisition tools. By the end of the course, students will develop the ability to effectively acquire, analyze, and evaluate measurement data for engineering decision-making. Prerequisite: ME 1101 and ENGR 3373 and ENGR 3311 and ME 3330 with grades of "C" or better. Corequisite: ME 3351 and IE 3320 with grades of “C” or better.

ME 3311. Mechanics of Solids.

This course covers advanced topics in solid mechanics, focusing on the behavior of deformable bodies under complex loading environments, including statically indeterminate problems. The scope extends to topics such as thermal stresses and inelastic deformations, while also addressing stress concentrations and failure criteria under static and cyclic loading. Utilizing analytical methodologies like Mohr’s circle and transformation equations, students evaluate principal stresses and planes and determine maximum shear stresses. Prerequisite: ENGR 3311 with a grade of "C" or better.

ME 3314. Machine Design.

This course applies knowledge of statics, dynamics, mechanics of solids, and engineering materials to the design and selection of machine elements. Topics include fatigue failure theories, material selection, impact loading, and typical machine elements such as transmission shafts, keys, bearings, gears, springs, and fasteners. The course emphasizes analytical methods and standard design procedures to evaluate component performance under various loading conditions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze and design machine elements and assess their reliability and safety in engineering applications. Prerequisite: ENGR 2302 and ME 3311 with grades of "C" or better. Corequisite: ME 3112 with a grade of “C” or better.

ME 3330. Engineering Thermodynamics.

This course examines introductory concepts of thermodynamics including energy transfer and general energy analysis, properties of pure substances, the ideal gas model, and basic principles of the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Students develop a general energy balance applied to closed and open systems and apply the second law of thermodynamics to these systems. The course teaches idealized isentropic processes and problem solving that requires an understanding of conservation of energy, conservation of mass, and the second law of thermodynamics for open and closed systems, gas and steam power cycles, and refrigeration cycles. Prerequisite: [PHYS 2325 and PHYS 2125] and MATH 2472 with grades of "C" or better.

ME 3331. Heat Transfer.

This course introduces the fundamental concepts and governing equations of heat transfer, including steady-state and transient conduction in one- and two-dimensional systems, external and internal forced convection, natural convection, heat exchangers, and the fundamentals of thermal radiation. The scope emphasizes the formulation, modeling, and analysis of thermal systems relevant to mechanical and closely related engineering disciplines, with attention to both physical interpretation and engineering application. Upon successful completion, students will be able to analyze and evaluate heat transfer processes in support of engineering system design. Prerequisite: ME 3335 and MATH 3323 with grades of "C" or better.

ME 3335. Engineering Fluid Mechanics.

This course introduces the fundamental principles of engineering fluid mechanics, including fluid properties, fluid statics, fluid dynamics, kinematics, control volume analysis, differential analysis, dimensional analysis, viscous pipe flow, external flows, open-channel flows, and selected turbomachinery topics. Emphasis is placed on the behavior of fluids in engineering systems and the analysis of internal and external flow applications. Prerequisite: ENGR 2302 and MATH 2393 and ME 3330 with grades of "C" or better. Corequisite: MATH 3323 with a grade of “C” or better.

ME 3351. Smart Instrumentation and Measurement.

This course covers basic concepts and principles of instrumentation and measurement systems. Students examine measurement system components such as analog and digital devices, sensors and transducers, and basic electronics to assess their utility and performance in the measurement of physical properties such as temperature, pressure, and strain. Probabilistic and statistical analysis are implemented to characterize uncertainty in processes such as data acquisition and result interpretation. Modern considerations such as wireless digital networks and communication, big data, Internet of Things (IoT), and the cybersecurity of IoT devices are also discussed. Prerequisite: ME 1101 and ENGR 3373 and ENGR 3311 and ME 3330 with grades of "C" or better. Corequisite: ME 3151 and IE 3320 with grades of “C” or better.

ME 3361. Computer Aided Design and Digital Manufacturing.

This course provides an in-depth study of computer aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), and digital manufacturing. Topics include the product development process, concept development, concept generation, fundamentals of computer numerical control (CNC) machines, numerical control programming for milling processes, CNC code generation and simulation by CAD/CAM software, and an overview of other digital manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing, laser cutting, welding, and waterjet cutting. In the lab, students get hands-on experience in reading CAD drawing standards, lab safety, machine tools operation, and operation of digital manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, additive manufacturing, and laser cutting. Prerequisite: MATH 2472 and ENGR 1304 and ENGR 2300 and ME 1101 with grades of "C" or better. Corequisite: ME 3311 with a grade of “C” or better.

ME 4131. Fluids/Thermal Lab.

This course provides laboratory study of fundamental principles in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer through experiments and data analysis. Topics include temperature, pressure, and flow measurements; calibration; fluid flow and drag; pipe friction; pump performance; conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer; heat exchangers; psychrometrics; and refrigeration cycles. Using laboratory methods, measurement systems, and data acquisition tools, students conduct experiments, analyze data, apply uncertainty analysis, and interpret results. By the end of the course, students will be able to evaluate the performance of thermal-fluid systems and communicate experimental findings in professional laboratory reports. Prerequisite: ME 3151 and ME 3331 and ME 3351 with grades of "C" or better. Corequisite: ME 4390 with a grade of "C" or better.

ME 4311. Mechanical Vibrations.

This course examines fundamental concepts of the vibration of mechanical systems with an emphasis on both analytical and computational approaches. Topics include equations of motion, free and forced vibrations of undamped and damped single- and multi-degree-of-freedom mechanical systems, self-excitation and stability analysis, application of transfer functions to vibration problems, Lagrange’s equations of motion, and determination of natural frequencies and mode shapes of multi-degree-of-freedom systems. Numerical methods such as modal estimation, modal truncation, and Fourier methods are also be discussed. Prerequisite: ENGR 2302 and [MATH 3376 or MATH 3383] and MATH 3323 with grades of "C" or better.

ME 4312. Mechanics of Composite Materials.

This course examines the deformation, stress, and strength behavior of continuous-fiber polymer-matrix laminated composites. Students analyze micromechanical models for predicting stiffness, thermal and hygrothermal expansion, and other material properties of composite laminae. The course covers classical lamination theory, including the formulation of laminate stiffness and strength, as well as environmentally induced stresses and their effects on material performance. Computational approaches are considered for evaluating laminate response, designing composite structures, and predicting effective material properties. Applications to aerospace, automotive, and advanced manufacturing systems illustrate how theoretical models inform engineering design and performance assessment. Prerequisite: [MATH 3376 or MATH 3383] and ME 3314 with grades of "C" or better.

ME 4321. Applied Finite Element Analysis.

This course provides an introduction to the finite element method (FEM). Two aspects are considered: The theoretical foundations of the method and the use of existing finite element analysis (FEA) software. Topics covered in the theory portion include the direct method, the variational method, and the weighted residuals method. Topics covered in the laboratory portion include typical pre- and post-processing modules, different types of elements, analysis of simple time independent stress analysis and heat transfer problems, and practical aspects related to the creation of a finite element model. Prerequisite: MATH 3323 and [MATH 3376 or MATH 3383] and ME 3314 all with grades of "C" or better. Corequisite: ME 3331 with a grade of "C" or better.

ME 4332. Modern Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning.

This course focuses on current and emerging practices in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), including psychrometrics, standards, ventilation requirements, load estimation, air filtration, air sterilization, and building energy system design, simulation, and control. The scope includes both component-level analysis and whole-building performance, with emphasis on indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and regulatory and code compliance. Analytical and simulation-based design exercises are considered. Upon completion, students will be able to analyze, design, and evaluate HVAC systems for contemporary residential and commercial buildings. Prerequisite: ME 3331 with a grade of "C" or better.

ME 4341. Computational Fluid Dynamics.

This course introduces Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for analyzing fluid flow and heat transfer. Topics include governing equations, numerical modeling, CFD setup, and steady-state and transient simulations. Applications cover isothermal and non-isothermal systems, incompressible and compressible flows, porous media, and rotating machinery. Using commercial CFD software, students develop skills in model setup, simulation, and interpretation of engineering results. By the end of the course, students will be able to use CFD tools to solve practical thermo-fluid problems and interpret results for engineering design. Prerequisite: MATH 3323 and [MATH 3376 or MATH 3383] and ME 3335 with grades of "C" or better.

ME 4351. Control Systems.

This course covers introductory concepts of linear control systems. Topics include block diagrams, mathematical modeling of physical systems, the Laplace transform, transfer functions, state-space representation, transient and steady state system responses, and stability. Key stability analysis techniques including the Routh-Hurwitz criterion, root locus, bode plot, and Nyquist criteria are examined. Students evaluate systems in the time and frequency domains to correlate the effect of different controller parameter choices with the corresponding system response characteristics, specifically in the design of PID controllers. Prerequisite: ENGR 2302 and MATH 3323 with grades of "C" or better.

ME 4355. Autonomous Systems and Robotics.

This course introduces different types of autonomous systems, such as autonomous driving vehicles, drones, and robots. It provides an introduction to the methods and algorithms used in the design, construction, and operation of such systems. Emphasis is placed on the application of autonomous systems, their components, and their underlying control algorithms. Topics include simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), sensor fusion, real-time decision-making, machine learning, information processing, path planning, localization, and intelligent control. Students combine material learned in previous courses such as dynamics and machine design with modern autonomous system algorithms to identify and analyze the complexity of real-world autonomous systems. Prerequisite: ENGR 2302 and IE 3320 and [MATH 3376 or MATH 3383] and ME 4351 with grades of “C” or better.

ME 4390. Mechanical Engineering Design I.

This course initiates the mechanical engineering capstone design experience, emphasizing problem definition, project planning, and preliminary design. Students work in teams to identify customer needs, establish engineering requirements, and develop design concepts within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability considerations. Activities also include risk assessment and consideration of applicable engineering standards. Students also strengthen professional skills in teamwork, project management, and technical communication through written reports and oral presentations. Prerequisite: ME 3331 and ME 3314 and ME 3361 with grades of “C” or better. Corequisite: ME 4131 with a grade of "C" or better.

ME 4391. Mechanical Engineering Design II.

This course completes the mechanical engineering capstone design experience, focusing on detailed design, virtual and physical prototyping, testing, and validation. Student teams refine and implement their designs, conduct simulations and tests, analyze results, and evaluate system performance against established requirements. Emphasis is placed on iterative design improvements, integration of engineering knowledge, and consideration of societal and global impacts. Students produce a final design report and deliver formal presentations demonstrating their ability to apply engineering principles, use modern tools, and communicate effectively while adhering to professional and ethical responsibilities. Prerequisite: ME 4131 and ME 4390 with grades of "C" or better.

ME 5310. Continuum Mechanics.

This course introduces fundamental continuum mechanics concepts required for modeling the physical behavior of solids and fluids. The topics covered include indicial notation, tensor algebra, tensor calculus, rectangular Cartesian and curvilinear coordinate systems, kinematics of a continuum, strain analysis, stress analysis, basic constitutive models for solids and fluids, field equations governing continuous media, and applications to selected problems in solid and fluid mechanics. By considering constitutive models for both solids and fluids, the course establishes the foundation for a unified framework to analyze complex boundary value problems in the field of mechanical engineering.

ME 5311. Mechanical Vibrations.

This course examines fundamental concepts of the vibration of mechanical systems with an emphasis on both analytical and computational approaches. Topics include equations of motion, free and forced vibrations of undamped and damped single- and multi-degree-of-freedom mechanical systems, self-excitation and stability analysis, application of transfer functions to vibration problems, Lagrange’s equations of motion, and determination of natural frequencies and mode shapes of multi-degree-of-freedom systems. Numerical methods such as modal estimation, modal truncation, and Fourier methods are also be discussed.

ME 5312. Mechanics of Composite Materials.

This course examines the deformation, stress, and strength behavior of continuous-fiber polymer-matrix laminated composites. Students analyze micromechanical models for predicting stiffness, thermal and hygrothermal expansion, and other material properties of composite laminae. The course covers classical lamination theory, including the formulation of laminate stiffness and strength, as well as environmentally induced stresses and their effects on material performance. Computational approaches are considered for evaluating laminate response, designing composite structures, and predicting effective material properties. Applications to aerospace, automotive, and advanced manufacturing systems illustrate how theoretical models inform engineering design and performance assessment.

ME 5321. Applied Finite Element Analysis.

This course provides an introduction to the finite element method (FEM). Two aspects are considered: The theoretical foundations of the method and the use of existing finite element analysis (FEA) software. Topics covered in the theory portion include the direct method, the variational method, and the weighted residuals method. Topics covered in the laboratory portion include typical pre- and post-processing modules, different types of elements, analysis of simple time independent stress analysis and heat transfer problems, and practical aspects related to the creation of a finite element model.

ME 5332. Modern Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning.

This course focuses on current and emerging practices in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), including psychrometrics, standards, ventilation requirements, load estimation, air filtration, air sterilization, and building energy system design, simulation, and control. The scope includes both component-level analysis and whole-building performance, with emphasis on indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and regulatory and code compliance. Analytical and simulation-based design exercises are considered. Upon completion, students will be able to analyze, design, and evaluate HVAC systems for contemporary residential and commercial buildings.

ME 5341. Computational Fluid Dynamics.

This course examines advanced principles and engineering applications of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for fluid flow and heat transfer analysis. The course covers governing equations, numerical methods, model formulation, and the selection of CFD parameters for steady-state and transient simulations. Applications include isothermal and non-isothermal systems, incompressible and compressible flows, porous media, and rotating machinery. Using commercial CFD software, students develop and assess simulation models for complex thermo-fluid problems. By the end of the course, students will be able to perform advanced CFD analyses, evaluate solution quality, and interpret results for engineering research and design.

ME 5355. Autonomous Systems and Robotics.

This course introduces different types of autonomous systems, such as autonomous driving vehicles, drones, and robots. It provides an introduction to the methods and algorithms used in the design, construction, and operation of such systems. Emphasis is placed on the application of autonomous systems, their components, and their underlying control algorithms. Topics include simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), sensor fusion, real-time decision-making, machine learning, information processing, path planning, localization, and intelligent control. Students implement material learned in previous courses such as dynamics and machine design along with modern autonomous system algorithms to synthesize a complex autonomous system as part of their project work.