Mechanical Engineering
ME 511. Incompressible Fluid Dynamics
An introduction to graduate level fluid dynamics including dimensional analysis, Eulerian and Lagrangian descriptions, flowlines, conservation equations, governing equations of viscous fluid motion, exact solutions of Navier-Stokes and Euler equations, unsteady flows, laminar boundary layer theory, turbulence, separation, Stokes flow, vorticity dynamics, potential flow and surface flows. (Prerequisites: Fundamentals of thermo-dynamics and mechanics, knowledge of advanced mathematics, undergraduate courses in fluid mechanics.)
ME 512. Gas Dynamics and Real Gas Effects
Kinetic theory of gases including equilibrium and nonequilibrium gas properties, macroscopic equations, binary and inelastic collisions, chemical reactions. Equilibrium flows including steady and unsteady shock waves, nozzle flow, Prandtl-Meyer flow, theory of characteristics, effects of head addition and friction, linearized compressible flow and acoustics. Compressible flows with vibrational, chemical or translational nonequilibrium including variable transport properties, nozzle flow and shock waves. (Prerequisites: Background in fluid dynamics (incompressible and compressible), thermodynamics, and basic undergraduate physics and chemistry.)
ME 513. Thermodynamics
Review of the zeroth, first and second laws of thermodynamics and systems control volume. Applications of the laws to heat engines and their implications regarding the properties of materials. Equations of state and introduction to chemical thermodynamics.
ME 515. Computational Methods for PDEs in Engineering Science
This course is devoted to the numerical solution of partial differential equations encountered in engineering sciences. Finite difference and finite element methods are introduced and developed in a logical progression of complexity. These numerical strategies are used to solve actual problems in heat flow, diffusion, wave propagation, vibrations, fluid mechanics, hydrology and solid mechanics. Weekly computer exercises are required to illustrate the concepts discussed in class.
ME 516. Heat Transfer
Review of governing differential equations and boundary conditions for heat transfer analysis. Multidimensional and unsteady conduction, including effects of variable material properties. Analytical and numerical solution methods. Forced and free convection with laminar and turbulent flow in internal and external flows. Characteristics of radiant energy spectra and radiative properties of surfaces. Radiative heat transfer in absorbing and emitting media. Systems with combined conduction, convection and radiation. Condensation, evaporation, and boiling phenomena. (Prerequisite: Background in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, ordinary and partial differential equations, and basic undergraduate physics.)
ME 611. Turbulence
Material to be covered: introduction and motivation, statistical techniques for analysis, mean flow dynamics (Reynolds decomposition), Kolmogorov's theory, instrumentation, classical turbulent flows—shear layers, jets, wakes, boundary layers— and pipe flow. (Prerequisites: Fundamentals of mechanics and thermodynamics, graduate level course in fluid mechanics and knowledge of advanced mathematics.)
ME 612. Computational Fluid Dynamics
Computational methods for incompressible and compressible viscous flows. Navier Stokes equations in general coordinates and grid generation techniques. Finite volume techniques including discretization, stability analysis, artificial viscosity, explicit and implicit methods, flux-vector splitting, TVD schemes and multigrid methods. Finite elements. Concepts of vectorization and parallel computing. Applications are drawn from internal, external flows, materials processing. (Prerequisite: Fluid dynamics and introductory course in numerical methods.)
ME 613. Transport Phenomena
Conservation laws, with an emphasis on the similarities between the different mechanisms for the transport of heat, mass and momentum. Theory of molecular transport. Diffusion phenomena in stationary, flowing and unsteady processes. Mass diffusion in chemically reacting, multiphase and multicomponent systems. Computational techniques. Selected special topics and applications may include turbulent convective flows, combustion and materials processing.
ME 522. Mechanical Vibrations
Vibration analysis for both discrete and continuous linear systems. Start with an enhanced review of the fundamentals of single-degree-of-freedom vibration analysis. Both Newton-D'Alembert's vectorial approach and Lagrangian equations are discussed. General properties of related stiffness, mass and damping matrices are addressed. Modal analysis for linear systems is emphasized. Computational methods in vibration analysis are introduced. Applications include vehicles traveling on a rough surface, multistory buildings subjected to seismic and wind loading, and vibration analysis of bars, beams and plates.
ME 523. Applied Linear Control
Modeling of complex systems used in various areas of engineering. Analytical description of dynamic physical systems, time and frequency domain representations. System characteristics such as controllability, observability and stability. Design of feedback controllers using state-space methods including pole placement and optimal control. State observers and introduction to Kalman filters. Performance limitation of control systems and trade-offs in control design. Design of control synthesis is performed using Matlab/Simulink. Term projects focus on design, analysis and implementation of current engineering control problems. (Prerequisites: Differential equation and fundamentals of linear algebra.)
ME 527. Dynamics
Basic concepts and general principles of classical kinematics and dynamics of particles, system of particles, and rigid and deformable bodies are presented. Particle motion along arbitrary trajectories is discussed in general coordinate systems. The governing equations of motion are derived by both Newton-D'Alembert's vectorial approach and Lagrange-Hamilton's variational approach. Applications include central-force orbital motion, binary collisions, motion in noninertial reference frames, rigid body motion, vibration of continuous systems and dynamic stability.
ME 621. Dynamics and Signal Analysis
A laboratory-based course which applies Fourier and cepstral signal analysis techniques to mechanical engineering problems. The theory and application of the Fourier series, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and the cepstrum to the analysis of mechanical and acoustical systems is presented. Digital sampling theory, windowing, aliasing, filtering, noise averaging and deconvolution are discussed. Limitations of and errors in implementation of these techniques are demonstrated. Students will perform weekly experiments in the Structural Dynamics and Vibration Laboratory, which reinforce the theories presented in lectures. Application will include structures, acoustics, rotating machinery and cams.
ME 622. Advanced Dynamics and Vibrations
The course presents advanced topics in dynamics and vibrations of machines and structures. Depending of the instructor, the course will include a selection of the following topics: extended discussion of vibration analysis of linear systems with distributed parameters, an introduction to vibration of nonlinear systems, numerical methods for vibration analysis, random vibrations, stability of dynamic systems, flow induced vibrations and rotordynamics.
ME 623. Applied Nonlinear Control
Introduction to the analysis and design of nonlinear control systems. Stability analysis using Lyapunov, input-output and asymptotic methods. Design of stabilizing controllers using a variety of methods: linearization, absolute stability, sliding modes, adaptive, and feedback linearization. Applications include control design for robot systems (position and trajectory control), flexible structures (vibration control), spacecraft attitude control, manufacturing systems. Case studies for systems with smart actuators/sensors (Piezo, SMA, Magnetrostrictive), deadzones and hysteresis, etc. Design of control synthesis is performed using Matlab/Simulink. Term projects will focus on design, analysis and implementation of current engineering control problems. (Prerequisites: Differential equations and fundamentals of linear algebra.)
ME 531. Applied Elasticity
This course is intended for students with undergraduate backgrounds in mechanics of materials. It includes two- and three-dimensional states of stress, linear and nonlinear measures of strain, and generalized Hooke's Law. Also covered are exact solutions for bending and torsion: thick-walled pressure vessels, rotating disks, stress functions for two- and three-dimensional problems and bending and torsion of unsymmetric beams.
ME 5310/MTE 510. Principles of Materials Science and Engineering
This course provides a comprehensive review of the fundamental principles of materials science and engineering. The classical interplay among structure-processing-properties-performance in materials including plastics, metals, ceramics, glasses and composites will be emphasized. The structure in materials ranging from the subatomic to the macroscopic, including nano-, micro- and macromolecular structures, will be discussed to highlight bonding mechanisms, crystallinity and defect patterns. Representative thermodynamic and kinetic aspects such as diffusion, phase diagrams, nucleation and growth, and TTT diagrams will be discussed. Basics of elasticity, plastic deformation and viscoelasticity will be highlighted. Salient aspects pertaining to the corrosion and environmental degradation of materials will be discussed. This course will provide the background for students in any engineering or science major for future course and research work in materials. (Prerequisites: senior or graduate standing in engineering or science.) Offered each year.
ME 532. Continuum Mechanics
Emphasis on the distinction between general principles that apply to all deforming materials and the specific constitutive assumptions that are made when modeling material behavior. The course includes a brief review of the necessary mathematics and then proceeds to the kinematics of deformable media, the concepts of stress and stress transformations, and the general balance laws. The remainder of the course deals with general constitutive theory and constitutive relations for selected materials that have relevance to structural, fluid dynamics, materials processing and materials handling.
ME 5325/MTE 525. Advanced Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics of solutions—phase equilibria— Ellingham diagrams, binary and ternary phase diagrams, reactions between gasses and condensed phases, reactions within condensed phases, thermodynamics of surfaces, defects and electrochemistry. Applications to chemical thermodynamics as well as heat engines. (Prerequisites: ES 3001, ME 4850 or equivalent.) Offered each year.
ME 533/CE 524. Finite Element Method and Applications
This course serves as an introduction to the basic theory of the finite element method. Topics covered include matrix structural analysis variation form of differential equations, Ritz and weighted residual approximations, and development of the discretized domain solution. Techniques are developed in detail for the one- and two-dimensional equilibrium problem. Examples focus on elasticity and heat flow with reference to broader applications. Students are supplied microcomputer programs and gain experience in solving real problems. (Prerequisites: Elementary differential equations, solid mechanics and heat flow.)
ME 534. Laser Engineering Science and Applications
In this course, a unified account of the present-day knowledge of lasers and their applications in varied professional and industrial fields will be given through a series of in-class lectures and laboratory demonstration. Special attention will be given to factors that must be evaluated when a laser system is being devised for a specific application. Course coverage will include types of lasers and their characteristics, shaping of laser beams, measurement of laser beam parameters, transmission of laser beams, interaction of laser beams with materials, mathematical modeling of laser processes, laser processing of materials, fiber-optic applications of lasers, laser metrology and related topics.
ME 5327/CE 527. Impact Strength of Materials
This course provides the student with a basic understanding of the mechanics of impact and contact as well as the behavior of materials subjected to dynamic loadings. Topics will include elastic and plastic stress waves in rods; longitudinal, torsional and flexure waves; shock waves; impulsively loaded beams and plates; impact of rough bodies in three dimensions, impact of bodies with compliance, impact of slender deformable rods, continuum modeling of contact regions and progressive collapse of structures.
ME 5329/CE 529. Impact Finite Element Analysis
Modern practical contact/impact problems like the design of automobiles, aircraft, ships packaging, etc. depend on the use of nonlinear dynamic large-deformation high-strain rate explicit finite element computer programs. The purpose of this course is to provide the student with background sufficent for them to understand the workings of such programs and the ability to use such program to build models and perform analyses of contact/ impact problems. Topics will include explicit time integration, penalty and constraint contact methods, under-integrated elment forumulations, hourglass control, developing finite element models and performing and interpreting finite element analysis results.
ME 5330/MTE 530. Crystallography, Diffraction and Microscopy of Materials
The fundamentals of crystallography and X-ray diffraction of metals, ceramics and polymers will be presented and discussed. The techniques for the experimental determination of phase fraction and phase identification via X-ray diffraction will be highlighted. The theory and practice of optical and electron microscopy will also be included. Both scanning and transmission electron microscopy will be theoretically and experimentally investigated. (Prerequisites: ES 200 or equivalent, and senior or graduate standing in engineering or science.) Offered each year.
ME 5340/MTE 540. Analytical Methods in Materials Engineering
Heat transfer and diffusion kinetics are applied to the solution of materials engineering problems. Mathematical and numerical methods for the solutions to Fourier's and Pick's laws for a variety of boundary conditions will be presented and discussed. The primary emphasis is given heat treatment and surface modification processes. Topics to be covered include solutionizing, quenching, and carburization heat treatment. (Prerequisites: ME 4840 or MTE 510 or equivalent.) Offered each year.
ME 5350/MTE 550. Phase Transformations in Materials
This course is intended to provide a fundamental understanding of thermodynamic and kinetic principles associated with phase transformations. The mechanisms of phase transformations will be discussed in terms of driving forces to establish a theoretical background for various physical phenomena. The principles of nucleation and growth and spinodal transformations will be described. The theoretical analysis of diffusion controlled and interface controlled growth will be presented The basic concepts of martensitic transformations will be highlighted. Specific examples will include solidification, crystallization, precipitation, sintering, phase separation and transformation toughening. (Prerequisites: MTE 510, ME 4850 or equivalent.) Offered each year.
ME 5360/MTE 560. Materials Performance and Reliability
The failure and wear-out mechanisms for a variety of materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, composites and microelectronics) and applications will be presented and discussed. Multi-axial failure theories will be discussed. A series of case studies will be used to illustrate the basic failure mechanisms of plastic deformation, creep, fracture, fatigue, wear and corrosion. The methodology and techniques for reliability analysis will also be presented and discussed. A materials systems approach will be used. (Prerequisites: ES 2502 and ME 3023 or equivalent, and senior or graduate standing in engineering or science.) Offered each year.
ME/MTE/MFE 5841. Surface Metrology
This course emphasizes research applications of advanced surface metrology, including the measurement and analysis of surface roughness. Surface metrology can be important in a wide variety of situations including adhesion, friction, catalysis, heat transfer, mass transfer, scattering, biological growth, wear and wetting. These situations impact practically all the engineering disciplines and sciences. The course begins by considering basic principles and conventional analyses, and methods. Measurement and analysis methods are critically reviewed for utility. Students learn advanced methods for differentiating surface textures that are suspected of being different because of their performance or manufacture. Students will also learn methods for making correlations between surface textures and behavioral and manufacturing parameters. The results of applying these methods can be used to support the design and manufacture of surface textures, and to address issues in quality assurance. Examples of research from a broad range of applications are presented, including, food science, pavements, friction, adhesion, machining and grinding. Students do a major project of their choosing, which can involve either an in-depth literature review, or surface measurement and analysis. The facilities of WPI's Surface Metrology Laboratory are available for making measurements for selected projects. Software for advanced analysis methods is also available for use in the course. No previous knowledge of surface metrology is required. Students should have some background in engineering, math or science.
ME 631. Advanced Mechanics of Solids
This course is a continuation of ME 531.
Depending on the instructor, it will include a selection of the following topics: exact solutions for three-dimensional problems using vector potentials, Hertz contact solution, energy methods, elastic stability, an overview of plates and shells, and an introduction to plasticity and viscoelasticity theory.
ME 634. Holographic Numerical Analysis
Recent advances in holographic analysis of body deformations are discussed. Included in the course are topics covering sandwich holography, optoelectronic fringe interpolation technique, theory of fringe localization, use of projection matrices and the fringe tensor theory of holographic strain analysis. The application of interactive computer programs for holographic analysis of engineering and biological systems will be outlined. Lectures are supplemented by laboratory demonstrations and experiments. (Prerequisites: Matrix algebra, vector calculus and consent of instructor.)
ME 542/MFE 510. Control and Monitoring of Manufacturing Processes
Covers a broad range of topics centered on control and monitoring functions for manufacturing, including process control, feedback systems, data collection and analysis, scheduling, machine-computer interfacing, and distributed control. Typical applications are considered with lab work
ME 543/MFE 520. Design and Analysis of Manufacturing Processes
The first half of the course covers the axiomatic design method, applied to simultaneous product and process design for concurrent engineering, with the emphasis on process and manufacturing tool design. Basic design principles as well as qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis of designs are developed. The second half of the course addresses methods of engineering analysis of manufacturing processes, to support machine tool and process design. Basic types of engineering analysis are applied to manufacturing situations, including elasticity, plasticity, heat transfer, mechanics and cost analysis. Special attention will be given to the mechanics of machining (traditional, nontraditional and grinding) and the production of surfaces. Students, with the advice and consent of the professor, select the topic for their term project.
ME 544/MFE 530. Computer-Integrated Manufacturing
An overview of computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM). As the CIM concept attempts to integrate all of the business and engineering functions of a firm, this course builds on the knowledge of computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, concurrent engineering, management of information systems and operations management, to demonstrate the strategic importance of integration.
ME 545. Computer-Aided Design and Geometric Modeling
This course covers topics in computer-aided geometric design and applications in mechanical engineering. The objectives of the course are to familiarize the students with complex geometric modeling and analytical techniques used in contemporary computer-aided design systems. Topics to be covered may include complex curve and surface generation, Boolean algebra and solid modeling, transformations, computational and analytic geometry, automatic mesh generation, tool path generation, offsets and intersections of complex shapes, graphics standards and data transfer, rendering techniques, parametric design and geometric optimization, numerical methods for geometric analysis and graphics design programming. (Prerequisites: calculus, linear algebra, computer programming, and some familiarity with a CAD system.)
ME 641. Cam Design
Basic and advanced methods of cam design for high-speed production machinery and automotive applications will be addressed. Classical as well as polynomial and spline-based methods will be used to design cam contours. Issues of cam manufacturing and vibrations as related to cam dynamic behavior will be discussed. Practical aspects of cam design will be exercised through projects and laboratory assignments. (Recommended background: Undergraduate level courses in kinematics and vibrations. Familiarity with the techniques of dynamic signal analysis [ME 621] would be helpful.)
ME/BME 550. Tissue Engineering
This biomaterials course focuses on the selection, processing, testing and performance of materials used in biomedical applications with special emphasis upon tissue engineering. Topics include material selection and processing, mechanisms and kinetics of material degradation, cell-material interactions and interfaces; effect of construct architecture on tissue growth; and transport through engineered tissues. Examples of engineering tissues for replacing cartilage, bone, tendons, ligaments, skin and liver will be presented. (Recommended preparation: A first course in biomaterials equivalent to ME/BME 4814 and a basic understanding of physiology and cell biology.)
ME/BME 552. Tissue Mechanics
This biomechanics course focuses on advanced techniques for the characterization of the structure and function of hard and soft tissues, and their relationship to physiological processes. Applications include tissue injury, wound healing, the effect of pathological conditions upon tissue properties and design of medical devices and prostheses. (Recommended preparation: A first course in biomechanics equivalent to ME/BME 4504.)
ME/MTE/BME 554. Composites with Biomedical and Materials Applications
Introduction to fiber/particulate reinforced, engineered and biologic materials. This course focuses on the elastic description and application of materials that are made up of a combination of submaterials, i.e., composites. Emphasis will be placed on the development of constitutive equations that define mechanical behavior of a number of applications including: biomaterial, tissue, and material science. (Prerequisites: Understanding of stress analysis and basic continuum mechanics.)
ME/BME 558. Biofluids and Biotransport
The emphasis of this course is on modeling fluid flow within the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, and the transport processes that take place in these systems. Applications include artificial heart valves, atherosclerosis, arterial impedance matching, clinical diagnosis, respiration, aerosol and particle deposition. Depending upon class interest, additional topics may include reproductive fluids, animal propulsion in air and water, and viscoelastic testing. (Recommended preparation: A first course in biofluids equivalent to ME/BME 4606.)
ME 591. Graduate Seminar
0 credit
Seminars on current issues related to various areas of mechanical engineering are presented by authorities in their fields. All full-time mechanical engineering students are required to register.
Seminars on current issues related to various areas of mechanical engineering are presented by authorities in their fields. All full-time mechanical engineering students are required to register. ME 593 . Special Topics Arranged by individual faculty with special expertise, these courses survey fundamentals in areas that are not covered by the regular mechanical engineering course offerings. Exact course descriptions are disseminated by the Mechanical Engineering Department well in advance of the offering. (Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.) See the supplement section of the on-line catalog for descriptions of courses to be offered in this academic year.
ME 598. Directed Research
For M.S. or Ph.D. students wishing to gain research experience peripheral to their thesis topic, or for doctoral students wishing to obtain research credit prior to admission to candidacy.
ME 599. Thesis Research
For master's students wishing to obtain research credit toward their thesis. (Prerequisite: Consent of Thesis Advisor.)
ME 693. Advanced Special Topics
Arranged by individual faculty with special expertise, these courses cover advanced topics that are not covered by the regular mechanical engineering course offerings. Exact course descriptions are disseminated by the Mechanical Engineering Department well in advance of the offering. (Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.) See the supplement section of the on-line catalog for descriptions of courses to be offered in this academic year.
ME 698. Predissertation Research
Intended for doctoral students wishing to obtain research credit prior to admission to candidacy. (Prerequisite: Consent of Dissertation Advisor.)
ME 699. Dissertation Research
Intended for doctoral students admitted to candidacy wishing to obtain research credit toward their dissertations. (Prerequisite: Consent of Dissertation Advisor.)
Last modified: