Mech and Aerospace Engr
- APC 524/MAE 506/AST 506: Software Engineering for Scientific ComputingThe goal of this course is to teach basic tools and principles of writing good code, in the context of scientific computing. Specific topics include an overview of relevant compiled and interpreted languages, build tools and source managers, design patterns, design of interfaces, debugging and testing, profiling and improving performance, portability, and an introduction to parallel computing in both shared memory and distributed memory environments. The focus is on writing code that is easy to maintain and share with others. Students will develop these skills through a series of programming assignments and a group project.
- AST 551/MAE 525: General Plasma Physics IAn introductory course to plasma physics, with sample applications in fusion, space and astrophysics, semiconductor etching, microwave generation, plasma propulsion, high power laser propagation in plasma; characterization of the plasma state, Debye shielding, plasma and cyclotron frequencies, collision rates and mean-free paths, atomic processes, adiabatic invariance, orbit theory, magnetic confinement of single-charged particles, two-fluid description, magnetohydrodynamic waves and instabilities, heat flow, diffusion, kinetic description, and Landau damping. The course may be taken by undergraduates with permission of the instructor.
- CBE 430/MAE 430/MSE 430: Squishy Engineering: Using Soft Materials to Solve Hard ProblemsThe milk we drink in the morning (a colloidal dispersion), the gel we put into our hair (a polymer solution), and the plaque that we try to scrub off our teeth (a biofilm) are all familiar examples of soft or "squishy" materials. Such materials also hold great promise in helping to solve engineering challenges like drug delivery, water remediation, oil recovery, and the development of new coatings, displays, formulations, foods, and biomaterials. This class will cover fundamental aspects of the science of soft materials, presented within the context of these challenges. We will have guest speakers describe new applications of soft materials.
- CEE 102A/EGR 102A/MAE 102A: Engineering in the Modern WorldLectures and readings focus on bridges, railroads, power plants, steamboats, telegraph, highways, automobiles, aircraft, computers, and the microchip. Historical analysis provides a basis for studying societal impact by focusing on scientific, political, ethical, and aesthetic aspects in the evolution of engineering over the past two and a half centuries. The precepts and the papers will focus historically on engineering ideas including the social and political issues raised by these innovations and how they were shaped by society as well as how they helped shape culture.
- CEE 102B/EGR 102B/MAE 102B: Engineering in the Modern WorldLectures and readings focus on bridges, railroads, power plants, steamboats, telegraph, highways, automobiles, aircraft, computers, and the microchip. We study some of the most important engineering innovations since the Industrial Revolution. The laboratory centers on technical analysis that is the foundation for design of these major innovations. The experiments are modeled after those carried out by the innovators themselves, whose ideas are explored in the light of the social environment within which they worked.
- CEE 361/MAE 325/MSE 331: Matrix Structural Analysis and Introduction to Finite-Element MethodsThis course presents the typically decoupled fields of Matrix Structural Analysis (MSA) and Finite Element Methods (FEM) in a cohesive framework. The first half of the semester is devoted to the following MSA topics: derivation of truss, beam, frame, and hinge elements; assembly and partitioning of the global stiffness matrix; and equivalent nodal loads. The second half of the semester covers the following FEM topics: numerical approximation methods, strong and weak forms of boundary value problems, steady-state heat conduction, and linear-elasticity for membranes, plates, and shells. MATLAB is used for coding assignments.
- GEO 425/MAE 425: Introduction to Ocean Physics for ClimateThe study of the oceans as a major influence on the atmosphere and the world environment. The contrasts between the properties of the upper and deep oceans; the effects of stratification; the effect of rotation; the wind-driven gyres; the thermohaline circulation.
- MAE 221/ENE 221: ThermodynamicsHeat and work in physical systems. Concepts of energy conversion and entropy, primarily from a macroscopic viewpoint. Efficiency of different thermodynamic cycles, with applications to everyday life including both renewable and classical energy sources. In the laboratory, students will carry out experiments in the fields of analog electronics and thermodynamics.
- MAE 223/CEE 323: Modern Solid MechanicsFundamental principles of solid mechanics: equilibrium equations, reactions, internal forces, stress, strain, Hooke's law, torsion, beam bending and deflection, and analysis of stress and deformation in simple structures. Integrates aspects of solid mechanics that have applications to mechanical and aerospace structures (engines and wings), as well as to microelectronic and biomedical devices. Topics include stress concentration, fracture, plasticity, and thermal expansion. The course synthesizes descriptive observations, mathematical theories, and engineering consequences.
- MAE 305/MAT 391/EGR 305/CBE 305: Mathematics in Engineering IA treatment of the theory and applications of ordinary differential equations with an introduction to partial differential equations. The objective is to provide the student with an ability to solve standard problems in this field.
- MAE 322: Mechanical DesignThis course builds on the technical foundations established in MAE 321, and extends the scope to include a range of advanced mechanism design. Students, working in teams, will be challenged to design and fabricate a robotic system that will draw upon multidisciplinary engineering elements. The robot will be used to facilitate common daily tasks. The selected tasks vary each year. CAD, CAE, and CAM will be utilized in the design/simulation/prototype process. Labs are designed to reinforce and expand CAD and CAE skills. A final public competition will be held among the design teams. Judges from relevant industries will be present.
- MAE 324/MSE 324: Structure and Properties of MaterialsRelates to the structures, properties, processing and performance of different materials including metals, alloys, polymers, composites, and ceramics. This course also discusses how to select materials for engineering applications. This course satisfies the MAE departmental requirement in materials as well as the MSE certificate core requirement.
- MAE 335: Fluid DynamicsThe course is focused on compressible and incompressible inviscid fluid flow. Compressible subsonic and supersonic flows are studied in the first half of the course. The remaining portion of the semester addresses low-speed, incompressible fluid flows and aerodynamics of two and three-dimensional wings and bodies. Concepts of thrust, lift and drag are introduced and applied.
- MAE 339: Junior Independent WorkStudent selects subject and advisor - defines problem to be studied and proposes work plan. A list of possible subjects of particular interest to faculty and staff members is provided. Written report and oral presentation at end of semester to faculty, staff, fellow students and guests. 339 Fall Term project; 340 Spring Term project.
- MAE 339D: Junior Independent Work with DesignCourse similar to MAE 339-340. Principal difference is that the project must incorporate aspects and principals of design for a system, product, vehicle, device, apparatus, or other design element. Written report and oral presentation at end of semester to faculty, staff, fellow students and guests. 339D Fall Term project; 340D Spring Term project.
- MAE 341: Space FlightThis course addresses the various concepts that form the basis of modern space flight and astronautics. The focus is on space flight analysis and planning and not hardware or spacecraft design. The topics include space flight history, orbital mechanics, orbit perturbations, near-Earth and interplanetary mission analysis, orbit determination and satellite tracking, spacecraft maneuvers and attitude control, launch and entry dynamics. Use of advanced software for the planning and analysis of space missions.
- MAE 345/COS 346/ECE 345: Introduction to RoboticsRobotics is a rapidly-growing field with applications including unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous cars, and robotic manipulators. This course will provide an introduction to the basic theoretical and algorithmic principles behind robotic systems. The course will also allow students to get hands-on experience through project-based assignments on quadrotors. In the final project, students will implement a vision-based obstacle avoidance controller for a quadrotor. Topics include motion planning, control, localization, mapping, and vision.
- MAE 433: Automatic Control SystemsTo develop an understanding of feedback principles in the control of dynamic systems, and to gain experience in analyzing and designing control systems in a laboratory setting.
- MAE 438/ENE 438: Electrochemical EngineeringThis class goes over the fundamental electrochemistry in applied systems related to batteries, fuel cell, electrochemical fuel production, and supercapacitors. The class covers thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport related topics as they pertain to electrochemical systems. The context of this class overlaps with fundamental principles taught in chemical engineering, material science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. The class has several hands-on laboratory exercises to review electrochemical characterization techniques: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronoamperometry, galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry.
- MAE 439: Senior Independent WorkSenior independent work is the culminating experience for the mechanical and aerospace engineering programs. Students select a subject and adviser, define the problem to be studied and propose a work plan. Projects include elements of engineering design, defined as devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. A list of possible subjects of particular interest to faculty and staff members is provided. Students must submit a written final report and present their results to faculty, staff, fellow students, and guests.
- MAE 501/APC 501/CBE 509: Mathematical Methods of Engineering Analysis IMethods of mathematical analysis for the solution of problems in physics and engineering. Topics include an introduction to linear algebra, matrices and their application, eigenvalue problems,ordinary differential equations (initial and boundary value, eigenvalue problems), nonlinear ordinary differential equations, stability, bifurcations, Sturm-Liouville theory, Green's functions, elements of series solutions and special functions, Laplace and Fourier transform methods, and solutions via perturbation methods, partial differential equation including self-similar solution, separation of variables and method of characteristics.
- MAE 503: Directed ResearchUnder the direction of a faculty member, the student carries out a one-semester research project chosen jointly by the student and the faculty. Directed is normally taken during the first year of study. The project culminates in a written paper, in the style of a journal article, and presentation to at least one faculty member from the department who was involved in the research project. Students need to enroll at the beginning of the semester and must obtain permission from the instructor and the department. In the last week of the semester, students enrolled in the course meet once to present their research to the class.
- MAE 513: Independent Project IDirected study for Master of Engineering students. The topic is proposed by the student and must be approved by the student's advisor and have received approval from the MAE Graduate Committee. The project culminates in a written report and presentation to the advisor.
- MAE 521/MSE 561: Optics and LasersThe course introduces laser essentials, Fourier optics, optical pulses, and laser diagnostics through lectures and practical exercises. Topics include ray optics, wave optics, optical Fourier transform, schlieren imaging, ultrafast optics and material dispersion. Optical component kits are provided for practical exercises aimed at the design and construction of an optical system to focus, collimate, and expand light beams with convex lenses, observe aberrations, perform imaging, study diffraction patterns in the rear focal plane of a convex lens, manipulate light in the Fourier domain, and use schlieren technique to visualize air flows.
- MAE 538/ENE 538: Electrochemical EngineeringThis class goes over the fundamental electrochemistry in applied systems related to batteries, fuel cell, electrochemical fuel production, and supercapacitors. The class covers thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport related topics as they pertain to electrochemical system. The context of this class overlaps with fundamental principles taught in chemical engineering, material science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. The class has several hands-on laboratory exercises to review electrochemical characterization techniques: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronoamperometry, galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry.
- MAE 546: Optimal ControlThe course covers parameter optimization, aspects of the calculus of variations, and the conditions of Pontryagin's principal and dynamic programming for optimal control of deterministic dynamical systems. Numerical methods for solution of the optimal control problem are covered with applications. The course provides a concise review of relevant tools from probability and stochastic calculus to enable similar statements on conditions for optimality of stochastic dynamical systems. Emphasis is placed on drawing connections and intuition between the various aspects of the course.
- MAE 549: Introduction to RoboticsRobotics is a rapidly-growing field with applications including unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous cars, and robotic manipulators. This course provides an introduction to the basic theoretical and algorithmic principles behind robotic systems. The course also allows students to get hands-on experience through project-based assignments on quadrotors. In the final project, students implement a vision-based obstacle avoidance controller for a quadrotor. Topics include motion planning, control, localization, mapping, and vision.
- MAE 551: Fluid MechanicsAn introduction to fluid mechanics and an exploration of flow physics in both incompressible and compressible regimes. From a rigorous derivation of the conservation laws in integral and differential form to a brief introduction of boundary layers and turbulence, the course tackles foundational classical topics including potential flow, wave propagation, and vortex dynamics.
- MAE 555: Non-Equilibrium Gas Dynamics and ChemistryNon-Continuum description of transport and reactive flow. The course examines molecular collisions, Bolzmann equation, and Chapman-Enskog theory for near-equilibrium transport and flows as well as elementary chemical kinetics, kinetic model reduction, non-equilibrium rarefied gas flow, radiation, and shock wave structure.
- MAE 567/CBE 568: Crowd Control: Understanding and Manipulating Collective Behaviors and Swarm DynamicsCollective behaviors are all around us, from bird flocking, to mosh pit dynamics, to how the cells in our bodies work together. In this course, we explore not only how to understand and quantify these behaviors, but also how we can start to engineer them to reduce traffic, heal faster, develop new materials, and introduce new robotics approaches. The course spans three modules: hands-on training in analyzing real-world swarming systems; fundamental concepts underlying collective behaviors; and key case studies in manipulating these systems.
- MAE 597: Graduate Seminar in Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringA seminar of graduate students and staff presenting the results of their research and recent advances in flight, space, and surface transportation; fluid mechanics; energy conversion; propulsion; combustion; environmental studies; applied physics; and materials sciences. There is one seminar per week and participation at presentations by distinguished outside speakers.
- MSE 501/MAE 561/CEE 561: Introduction to MaterialsEmphasizes the connection between microscale features of hard and soft materials and their properties. Topics include crystal structures and defects, phase diagrams and transformations, polymer conformation and solutions, and mechanical and electrical properties. This course combines traditional lecture with active learning approaches like peer-peer instruction, social annotation, and discussion.
- MSE 506/MAE 565: Advanced ManufacturingThis special topics course focuses on the science and technology behind modern advanced manufacturing methods used in industrial settings. Through a combination of traditional lectures, student presentations, industrial visitors, critical analysis and discussions of journal articles and technical literature, the physics of materials processing for metals and alloys is studied along with implications for applications in various commercial settings.