UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2024-2025

Courses

ME 100. Introduction to Computer-Aided Design and Fabrication (3)

Introduction to computer aided design and 3D solid modeling using Fusion 360 or another commercially available package. Students will learn the procedure used to create parametric relations between features and manage basic design changes. The course project entails fabrication of student’s design using a 3D printer. The concepts in the course could be used in …

ME 101/L. Introduction to Mechanical Engineering and Lab (1/1)

Prerequisite: MATH 102, MATH 104, MATH 105, MATH 150A or MATH 150B. Corequisite: ME 101L. Freshman orientation course introducing the Mechanical Engineering Program, the profession and the University. “Tools of the trade”—the Internet, word processing, spreadsheets, power point, computer-aided design, basic lab measurement instruments, commercial component catalogs and numerically controlled machine tools to support prototype …

ME 186/L. Mechanical Design I and Lab (1/1)

Prerequisites: ME 101/L; MATH 102, MATH 105, MATH 150A or MATH 150B, or concurrent enrollment in MATH 150A. Corequisite: ME 186L. Introduction to mechanical design fundamentals and engineering graphics concepts and their implementation using parametric modeling tools, in creation of sketches, parts, assemblies, and engineering drawings. Fundamentals of dimensioning, tolerancing, standard fits, Digital Product Definition, …

ME 196A-Z/L. Experimental Topics Courses in Mechanical Engineering (1/1)

Corequisite: ME 196AL-ZL. Course content to be determined.

ME 209. Programming for Mechanical Engineers (1)

Corequisite: MATH 150A. Basic programming concepts implemented in modern engineering programming environments, with an emphasis on engineering problem solving. Topics include an overview of the features of the programming environments, variables and data types, decision and loop structures, arrays, displaying results, and program debugging.

ME 280. Differential Equations for Mechanical Engineers (3)

Prerequisite: MATH 150B. Recommended Preparatory Course: MATH 250. Introduction to differential equations used in engineering applications. Engineering analysis of physical systems described by differential equations: pendulums, mass-spring damper, R-L-C circuits, vibrations, beam bending, heat transfer, and hydrodynamics. Exploration of solution techniques, including undetermined coefficients, power series, and Laplace Transform. Determination of initial/boundary conditions. Linear algebra …

ME 286. Mechanical Design II (2)

Prerequisites: ME 186/L; Corequisite MSE 227. Continued development of mechanical design concepts, product design life cycle, design methodology and design for manufacturing. Engineering materials selection, metal casting/forming/removal theory and practice, along with non-traditional manufacturing approaches are introduced. A group design project is required. 2 hours lecture per week.

ME 309. Numerical Analysis of Engineering Systems (2)

Prerequisites: MATH 150B; ME 209. Review of technical computing and control flow programming fundamentals. Solution of a variety of non-trivial engineering problems through the use of modern analysis tools. Discussion of numerical methods covering nonlinear algebraic equations, linear algebraic systems of equations, eigenvalue problems, regression and curve fitting, numerical differentiation and integration and ordinary differential equations. …

ME 330. Machine Design (3)

Prerequisites: CE 340; ME 286; MSE 227. Engineering principles and practice in the selection and design of fasteners, bearings, couplings, shafting, transmissions and other mechanical power transmission devices. Design project. 3 hours lecture per week.

ME 335/L. Mechanical Measurements and Lab (1/1)

Prerequisites: ME 209, PHYS 220B. Corequisite: ME 335L. Measurement of temperature, pressure, flow rate, force and motion. Statistical methods for analysis of uncertainty and experiment design. Use of data acquisition software for data collection and storage. Analysis of dynamic response of instruments. Written and oral presentations of experimental results. 1 hour lecture, one 3-hour lab …

ME 370. Thermodynamics (3)

Prerequisites: CHEM 101/CHEM 101D/CHEM 101L or CHEM 107; MATH 250; PHYS 220A and PHYS 220AL. Fundamental theories and engineering applications of thermodynamics with an emphasis on the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics. Thermodynamic properties of solids, liquids, gases, and mixtures. Work-producing and work-absorbing systems.

ME 375. Heat Transfer I (3)

Prerequisites: ME 370; ME 390; MATH 280 or ME 280 or ECE 280; PHYS 220A and PHYS 220AL. Basic principles of heat transfer and their application. Introduction to conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer.

ME 376. Heat Transfer in Electrical and Electronic Systems (3)

Prerequisites: MATH 280 or ECE 280; PHYS 220A and PHYS 220AL. Basic principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer applicable to electrical and electronic systems. Introduction of conductive, convective, and radiative modes of heat transfer. Analysis of a finned heat sink. Not available for credit for Mechanical Engineering majors.

ME 384. System Dynamics: Modeling, Analysis and Simulation (3)

Prerequisites: AM 316; ECE 240 or ECE 240N; ECE 240L. Corequisite: ME 390. Modeling of dynamic engineering systems in various energy domains—mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic—using bond graphs, block diagrams and state equations. Analysis of response of system models. Digital computer simulation.

ME 386/L. Computer-Aided Analysis and Design and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisites: ME 286, ME 309. Corequisites: ME 330, ME 386L. This course addresses the use of finite element analysis (FEA) tools for effective and efficient design of mechanical elements. A commercial, general purpose FEA software application is used for the solution of non-trivial problems. Emphasis will be placed on the selection of suitable FEA models, …

ME 390. Fluid Mechanics (3)

Prerequisites: MATH 250; PHYS 220A and PHYS 220AL. Corequisite: ME 370. Introduction to fluid mechanics. Fundamental concepts, fluid properties, and fluid statics. Fluid kinematics and Bernoulli’s equation. Integral form of the conservation laws for mass, momentum, and energy. Dimensional analysis and similitude. Viscous flows of incompressible fluids in closed conduits. Introduction to external and compressible …

ME 415. Kinematics of Mechanisms (3)

Prerequisites: AM 316, ME 309, and upper division standing. Introduction to the kinematic analysis of mechanisms, as well as mechanism design and synthesis. Mechanisms considered include pin-jointed linkages, sliders, and cams. In addition to analytical and graphical approaches, computational analysis techniques are presented. The topics are integrated into a semester-long project utilizing simulation software to …

ME 430. Machine Design Applications (3)

Prerequisites: CE 340; ME 330. Continuation of ME 330, with emphasis on fatigue of machine parts, life, wear and friction considerations. Turbine, pump, transmissions and other devices discussed and analyzed as case studies. Design project.

ME 431/L. Machine Design and Manufacturing and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisites: ME 286; CE 340. Corequisite: ME 431L. An advanced mechanical design course with emphasis on computer aided design and design for manufacturing of machine parts. Introduction to machine elements. Metal machining theory, operation, and tool technology. Non-traditional machining and surface treatment. Working drawings, tolerancing, and limits of fit. Fixture design and planning. 2 hours …

ME 434. Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (3)

Prerequisite: ME 330. Fundamental principles of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and their applications in computer aided mechanical design. Interpretation of fits, limits, and tolerances. Thorough analysis of coordinate and positional tolerancing. Gaging techniques, material conditions and current standards examined. Design project required. 3 hours lecture per week.

ME 435/L. Mechatronics and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisites: ECE 240 or ECE 240N; ECE 240L; ME 335/L. Corequisite: ME 435L. Machine and process control applications, data acquisition systems, sensors and transducers, actuating devices, hardware controllers, transducer signal processing and conditioning. 2 hours lecture, one 3-hour lab each week.

ME 436/L. Mechanics and Design of Composite Materials and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisites: ME 330, ME 386/L. Corequisite: ME 436L. Introduction to composite materials. Analysis, design and applications of laminated fiber reinforced composites. Macro-mechanical analysis of engineering constants and failure. Design project.

ME 460. Automotive Engineering (3)

Prerequisites: AM 316; ME 330. Introduction to automotive engineering. Design and analysis of automotive chassis, suspension, steering, brakes, power plants and drive system. Vehicle dynamics, performance and system optimization. Design project required.

ME 462. Internal Combustion Engines (3)

Prerequisite: ME 370. Recommended Corequisite: ME 470. Characteristics and performance of internal combustion engines, with an emphasis on Otto and Diesel types. Alternative cycles also are considered. Thermodynamics of cycles, combustion, emissions, ignition, fuel metering and injection, friction, supercharging and engine compounding.

ME 470. Thermodynamics II (3)

Prerequisite: ME 370. Continuation of Thermodynamics I, with applications to engineering systems. Gas and vapor cycles for power and refrigeration. Reactive and non-reactive mixtures. Introduction to combustion.

ME 476. Heat Transfer II (3)

Prerequisites: ME 375; ME 390; ME 280 or MATH 280 or ECE 280. Intermediate topics on conduction, convection, radiation heat transfer. Introductions to heat exchangers, simultaneous heat and mass transfer and phase change. Applications to design.

ME 482. Fundamentals of Alternative Energy and Fuel Cell Technology (3)

Prerequisites: ME 375, ME 390, MSE 304. Alternative energy basics, energy economics, fuel cell fundamentals, fuel cell operating principles and performance, fuel cell types, construction features, balance of fuel cell power plant, hydrogen infrastructure.

ME 483. Solar, Wind and Geothermal Energy (3)

Prerequisites: ME 375, ME 390, MSE 304. Overview of alternative energy resources. Solar radiation characteristics. Solar energy collection and conversion devices. Design and analysis of passive and active solar energy systems. Solar electric power production and inverter technology. Wind energy conversion. Geothermal energy systems.

ME 484/L. Control of Mechanical Systems and Lab (2/1)

Prerequisite: ME 384. Corequisite: ME 484L. Classical feedback control theory emphasizing mechanical systems. Time domain, frequency domain, stability criteria and system sensitivity techniques. Introduction to design compensation and methods. Digital computer simulation of translational and rotational mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Control system design projects. 2 hours lecture, one 3-hour lab per week.

ME 485. Introduction to Environmental Engineering (3)

Prerequisite: ME 370. Application of concepts of mass and energy balances to environmental problems as a basis for analyzing and understanding the multimedia aspect of environmental engineering. Introduction of principles of air-pollution control and global-climate change, water and wastewater treatment, groundwater contamination, hazardous waste, risk assessment and resource recovery. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of sources …

ME 486A. Senior Design in Mechanical Engineering I (2)

Prerequisites: ME 309; ME 330. Corequisites: ME 386/L. First semester of a two-semester capstone design experience simulating professional mechanical engineering practice. Emphasis is on the application of engineering fundamentals to a comprehensive design project utilizing computer-aided design and analysis tools. Addresses effective group participation, and preparation of written and oral preliminary and critical design reviews. …

ME 486B. Senior Design in Mechanical Engineering II (2)

Prerequisite: ME 486A. Continuation and realization of the design project initiated in ME 486A. Project culminates in a final written report and oral presentation. Two 3-hour labs per week.

ME 490. Fluid Dynamics (3)

Prerequisites: ME 370; ME 390. Second-semester fluid mechanics course. Differential form of the conservation laws for mass, momentum, and energy. Potential flows, boundary layer concepts, lift, and drag. Turbomachinery. One-dimensional isentropic and non-isentropic compressible flows. Normal and oblique shock waves. Prandtl-Meyer expansions.

ME 491. Thermal-Fluids Lab (1)

Prerequisites: ME 335, ME 370, ME 375, ME 390. Experimental studies of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer. Measurement and analysis of performance of simple cyclic devices, aerodynamic shapes, turbo machines, piping systems and heat exchangers. One 3-hour lab per week.

ME 493. Hydraulics (3)

Prerequisite: ME 390. Fundamental principles of incompressible fluid flow and their applications to pipe flow, open channel flow and the performance of hydraulic turbomachines. Flow in pipe systems ranging from simple series systems to complex branched networks. Uniform flows, gradually varying flows, rapid transitions and hydraulic jumps in open channels. Performance of radial, mixed-flow and …

ME 494A-C. Academic Internship (1-3)

Prerequisites: Sophomore, junior or senior standing in the Department of Mechanical Engineering; Prior approval of the department internship coordinator. Supervised practical professional experience relevant to the field of study in approved public or private organizations. Industrial supervisor and faculty sponsor performance evaluations and student self assessment are required. A final report written by students describing …

ME 501A. Seminar in Engineering Analysis (3)

Analytic and numerical methods applied to the solution of engineering problems at an advanced level. Solution methods are demonstrated on a wide range of engineering topics, including structures, fluids, thermal, thermal energy transport and mechanical systems. This course emphasizes physical phenomena that can be described by systems of ordinary differential equations.

ME 501B. Seminar in Engineering Analysis (3)

Analytic and numerical methods applied to the solution of engineering problems at an advanced level. Solution methods are demonstrated on a wide range of engineering topics, including structures, fluids, thermal, thermal energy transport and mechanical systems. This course emphasizes physical phenomena that can be described by partial differential equations.

ME 515. Dynamics of Machines (3)

Prerequisite: ME 415. Recommended Corequisite: ME 501A. Forces, motion and inertia in machines. Analysis of linkages, cams, rotor dynamics, reciprocal and rotational balancing, whirl modes and orbits, and signature analysis of machine elements. Computer simulation of machinery dynamics, including the inverse dynamics.

ME 520. Robot Mechanics and Control (3)

Prerequisite: ME 384 or equivalent. Corequisite: ME 415 or consent of instructor. Overview of the state-of-the-art of robotics and tele-robotics. Analysis, modeling and simulation of motions, differential motions and dynamics of robots. Emphasis will be placed on various aspects of robot controls, including position and force. Experience in robot design will be gained through course …

ME 522. Autonomous Intelligent Vehicle (3)

Prerequisite: Senior standing. Overview of the state of the art on autonomous ground vehicles. Locomotion, mobile kinematics, perception, localization, obstacle avoidance and navigation of autonomous vehicles. Emphasis will be placed on chassis design, various sensor performance and navigation algorithm development. Knowledge of motion control, vision perception, sensor active ranging and GPS navigation will be gained …

ME 530. Mechanical Analysis of Solids (3)

Prerequisite: ME 330 (or equivalent). Solid mechanics fundamentals, including concepts of stress and strain, elasticity, as well as failure and modal analysis of discrete and continuous mechanical systems. Contemporary topics of mechanical engineering practice and scientific research in the area of solid mechanics and related fields. Conducting a successful literature review. Research-based class project.

ME 532. Mechanics of Polymers (3)

Prerequisites: Undergraduate course in machine element analysis and design or equivalent background; Enrollment for graduate students only. Introduction to polymeric materials, their characterization and properties. Focus on key mechanical properties essential for design. Stress-Strain behavior theories and models with special attention to hyperelasticity and viscoelasticity. Integration of numerical design and analysis software suites.

ME 536. Mechanical Design with Composites (3)

Prerequisite: ME 330. Introduction to various types of composite materials, their classifications and properties. Mechanics of composite materials with a focus on macromechanics of lamina and laminate. Stress, stiffness and failure analysis of laminate. Design and analysis of symmetric and non-symmetric laminated beams. Shaft design under torsional and bending loading scenarios. Design and analysis of …

ME 575. Applied Heat and Mass Transfer (3)

Prerequisite: ME 375 or equivalent. Continuation of ME 375, with emphasis on the convective modes of heat and mass transfer. Heat exchangers, evaporation, boiling, condensation, high speed flows and combined processes are considered with application to design.

ME 583. Thermal-Fluid Systems Design (3)

Preparatory: ME 470, ME 490. System design and optimization course that integrates the disciplines of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer. Intent is to build on and extend information previously acquired in these courses. Emphasis is placed on the synthesis of components into a thermal-fluid system to accomplish a specified task with technical, economical and …

ME 584. Modeling and Simulation of Dynamic Systems (3)

Prerequisite: ME 384 or equivalent. Corequisite ME 501A. Comprehensive and advanced treatment of the modeling techniques and response analyses of engineering dynamic systems. Both linear and nonlinear dynamic behavior of physical systems of different technical disciplines are studied with the aid of computer simulation. Mixed systems composed of electromechanical, fluid-mechanical and electrohydraulic components also are …

ME 590. Advanced Fluid Dynamics (3)

Prerequisite: ME 390 or equivalent. Corequisite: ME 501A. Derivation of conservation equations from fundamental principles and the constitutive relations for Newtonian fluids. Exact solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations, including transient and oscillatory solutions. Laminar and turbulent boundary layers as well as Stokes flow solutions. Introduction to the vorticity equation and vortex dynamics. Potential flow applications.

ME 593. Compressible Flow (3)

Prerequisites: Background equivalent to a two semester undergraduate course sequence in fluid mechanics; Enrollment for graduate students only. Corequisite: ME 501A or ME 501B. Fundamental treatment of compressible flows including generalized one-dimensional flows, normal and oblique shock waves, Prandtl-Meyer expansion waves, unsteady waves, linearized potential flow. Method of characteristics. Hypersonic flow, high temperature and low …

ME 630. Computer-Aided Design of Machinery (3)

Prerequisites: ME 330, ME 415. Presentation and discussion on design of complex machinery based on closed- or open-chain mechanisms. System approach to the design and analysis of practical systems, with emphasis on the use of computer-aided engineering. Iterative design processes are exercised through completing design projects with steps of component selection and design optimization included. …

ME 675A. Conductive and Radiative Heat Transfer (3)

Prerequisites: ME 575; ME 501A or ME 501B. Theory and applications of the conductive and radiative modes of heat transfer. Analytical and numerical methods for single- and multi-dimensional steady state and transient conduction. Numerical and analytical techniques as applied to radiative exchanges between diffuse and specular surfaces, and transfer through absorbing-transmitting media.

ME 675B. Convective Heat and Mass Transfer (3)

Prerequisites: ME 575; ME 590; ME 501B. Theory and application of convective heat and mass transfer. Free and forced convection in laminar and turbulent flows. Heat transfer with change of phase. Mass transfer applications, including ablation and transpiration cooling, condensation and evaporation.

ME 684. Design and Control of Dynamic Systems (3)

Prerequisite: ME 484. Design and control of mechanical systems. Time-domain and state space methods integrated into the design of dynamic processes. Application to automotive, aircraft, spacecraft, robots and related mechanical/aerospace systems. Digital simulations.

ME 692. Computational Fluid Dynamics (3)

Prerequisites: ME 309, ME 490. Introduction to the numerical analysis of fluid flows. Special techniques required for solution of the governing equations for viscous, inviscid and boundary layer flows. Applications to convective heat and mass transfer. Turbulence modeling and other submodels for complex engineering applications.

ME 696C. Directed Graduate Research (3)

Prerequisite: Classified status. Independent work on M.S. thesis project. A maximum of 6 units can be applied to the M.S. degree.

ME 697. Directed Comprehensive Studies (3)

Classified graduate status is required for enrollment. (Credit/No Credit only)

ME 697D. Directed Comprehensive Studies/Exam (1)

Prerequisites: Graduate classification, completion of and/or concurrent enrollment in remaining units required for the M.S. degree. Comprehensive examination of material covered in required core courses and emphasis area electives.

ME 698A-C. Thesis or Graduate Project (1-3)

Classified graduate status is required for enrollment.

ME 698D. Thesis (1)

Prerequisites: 6 units completed and/or enrolled in ME 696. Culminating experience for M.S. students using thesis option. This course represents the thesis defense. Presentation delivered by M.S. candidate on work completed to date on their M.S. thesis. Thesis defense must be scheduled no later than 4 weeks prior to the last day of instruction during …