GENERAL INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
The mechanical engineering curriculum achieves balance between
principle and practice. Computer and laboratory experiences
are an integral part of the curriculum, as is the emphasis
on engineering design, both the systematic process of design,
as well as the creative content. Three aspects of design addressed
through the course content are (1) the concept of design and
the corresponding concept of multiple solutions, (2) the process
of design and (3) the tools and skills for design. The first
includes both the creative element and project work, at least
when the problem does not have a unique solution. The second
includes introduction to the systematic process, as represented
by concurrent engineering, quality management and the product
realization process, as well as other concepts that set the
framework for modern design. The third includes design tools,
such as CAD and finite element analysis, as well as the underlying
engineering theory for designing and analyzing components
and systems.
The integrated design exposure and experience in the curriculum
is described as follows:
Freshman Year
Students take EG 1004 Introduction to Engineering to learn
how things are built and why, discuss ethics in engineering,
be introduced to computer aided drafting tools and work
in team projects.
Sophomore Year
Students take ME 2213 Statics and ME 2211 Statics Laboratory
to enhance the understanding of static equilibrium of rigid
bodies, and MT 2813 Introduction to Materials Science and
MT 2811 Materials Science Laboratory to examine the impact
of material properties on design.
Junior Year
Students take ME 3513 Measurement Systems to learn to design
experiments, ME 3313 Fluid Mechanics to understand design
of fluid and thermal systems; Machine Design to consider
the design aspects of machines and systems; and ME 3223
Dynamics to consider the design of systems where motion
is involved and ME 3413 Automated Control to understand
the control of mechanical, aerospace, robotic, thermo-fluid
and vibrating systems.
Senior Year
Finally the design experience culminates with the capstone
ME 4111 and ME 41113 Senior Design I and II course, during
which students work in teams of two or three or four and
design, fabricate and test projects and systems. In addition
to the systematic and creative processes of design, the
capstone design experience includes engineering consideration
of safety, ethics, economy, project planning and budgeting,
quality and presentation.
The mechanical engineering electives available to seniors
also contain significant design experience. ME 4363 HVAC Systems
teaches design aspect of HVAC systems. ME 4353 Internal Combustion
Engines addresses design issues for engines, while MN 3714
and MN 4714 Manufacturing Systems I and II offer the methodology
of design via concurrent engineering and other modern concepts.
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Overview
