Core and Common Courses  

MECH 6300 Linear Systems (3 semester hours) State space methods of analysis and design of linear dynamical systems. Coordinate transformations, controllability and observability. Lyapunov stability analysis. Pole assignment, stabilizability, detectability. State estimation for deterministic models, observers. Introduction to the optimal linear quadratic regulator problem. Prerequisites: MECH 4310 or equivalents (3-0) Y
MECH 6303 Computer Aided Design (3 semester hours) This course provides an introduction to design principles and methodologies for geometrical modeling, curve and surface fitting in an automated environment, CAD/CAM simulation of manufacturing, and computer-aided solid modeling. Prerequisites: MECH 3305 or equivalent. (3-0) Y
MECH 6306 Continuum Mechanics (3 semester hours) This course provides an introduction to continua within a rigorous mathematical framework. Topics of interest include elements of Cartesian tensors, analysis of stress, kinematics, analysis of deformation, and constitutive equations. Other areas of discussion focus on material anisotropy, mechanical properties of fluids and solids, derivation of field equations, boundary conditions, and solutions of initial and boundary value problems for material continua. Prerequisites: MECH 3301 or equivalent (3-0) Y
MECH 6307 Thermal and Energy Principles (3 semester hours) This course provides an extended treatment of the fundamentals of thermodynamics as related to energy conversion, storage, transmission and use. Industrial topics may include: conventional and sustainable power generation or efficiency in refrigeration, air-conditioning and heating applications. Further applications may include: studies of internal combustion engines, heat pump systems, and other energy conversion machines. (3-0) Y Prerequisites: MECH 3320, MECH 3315 or equivalents
MECH 6391 (EEGR6381) Computational Methods (3 semester hours) Numerical techniques and their applications in engineering. Topics will include: numerical methods of linear algebra, interpolation, solution of nonlinear equations, numerical integration, Monte Carlo methods, numerical solution of ordinary and partial differential equations, and numerical solution of integral equations. Prerequisites: ENGR 2300 and ENGR 3300 or equivalents, and knowledge of a scientific programming language. (3-0) R
MECH 6V97 Research In Mechanical Engineering (3-9 semester hours) (May be repeated for credit.) For pass/fail credit only. ([3-9]-0) R
MECH 6V98 Thesis (3-9 semester hours) (May be repeated for credit.) For pass/fail credit only. ([3-9]-0) R  

Dynamic Systems and Controls (DSC)  

MECH 6311 Mechanical Vibrations (3 semester hours) Fundamental phenomena of multi-degree discrete and continuous systems. Matrix methods of solutions of discrete systems. Determination of natural frequencies and mode shapes of discrete and continuous systems. Passive methods of vibration control. Applications of finite element methods to analysis of mechanical vibrations. Prerequisite: MECH 4340 or equivalent. (3-0) T
MECH 6312 Stochastic Processes (3 semester hours) Introductory course to discrete and continuous stochastic process. Spectral analysis, response of linear systems to stochastic inputs. Introduction to estimation theory, Kalman filtering. Prerequisite: MECH 6300 or equivalent. (3-0) T
MECH 6313 (EEGR 6336) Nonlinear Systems (3 semester hours) Fundamental concepts and tools for the analysis of nonlinear systems, design of controllers and estimators for nonlinear systems. Prerequisite: MECH 6300 or equivalent. (3-0) T
MECH 6323 Robust Control (3 semester hours) Theory, methodology, and software tools for the analysis and design of model-based control systems with multiple actuators and multiple sensors. Control oriented model parameterizations and modeling errors. Definitions and criteria for robust stability and performance. Optimal synthesis of linear controllers. The loop shaping design method. Methods to simplify the control law. Control law discretization. Mechatronic design examples. Prerequisites: MECH 6300 or equivalent. Co-requisite: MECH 6311 or equivalent. (3-0) T
MECH 6324 Robot Control (3 semester hours) Dynamics of robots; methods of control; force control; robust and adaptive control; feedback linearization; Lyapunov design methods; passivity and network control; control of multiple and redundant robots; teleoperation. Prerequisite: MECH 6300. (3-0) T
MECH 6V29 Special Topics in Controls and Dynamic Systems (1-6 semester hours) (May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours.) For letter grade credit only. ([1-6]-0) R

Manufacturing and Design Innovation (MDI)  

MECH 6330 Multiscale Design & Optimization (3 semester hours) Multi-scale systems consist of components from two or more length scales (nano, micro, meso, or macro-scales). The challenge is to make these components so they are conceptually and model-wise compatible with other-scale components with which they interface. This course covers the fundamental properties of scales, design theories, modeling methods and manufacturing issues which must be addressed in these systems. Examples include precision instruments, nanomanipulators, fiber optics, micro/nano-photonics, nanorobotics, MEMS, carbon nano-tube assemblies. Prerequisite: MECH 6303 (3-0) T
MECH 6333 Materials Design & Manufacturing (3 semester hours) This course provides an in-depth analysis of design problems faced in the development and mass manufacture of advanced materials. This course will explore the interplay among mathematical modeling, CAD, mold creation and manufacturing processes for polymers, ceramics and metals. Tradeoffs among various thermomechanical properties, cost and aesthetics will be studied. Prerequisite: MECH 6303 (3-0) T
MECH 6341 Micro & Nano Manufacturing (3 semester hours) This course surveys techniques to fabricate and analyze micrometer, submicron, and nanometer structures, with applications. Additional topics that are covered include: surface characterization, preparation, and measurement techniques, resist technology, optical projection, interferometric, X-ray, ion, and electron lithography; Aqueous, ion, and plasma etching techniques; lift-off and electroplating; and ion implantation. Applications in microelectronics, microphotonics, information storage, and nanotechnology will also be explored. (3-0) T
MECH 6347 (EEMF 6382, MSEN 6382) Introduction to MEMS (3 semester hours) Study of micro-electro-mechanical devices and systems and their applications. Microfabrication techniques and other emerging fabrication processes for MEMS are studied along with their process physics. Principles of operations of various MEMS devices such as mechanical, optical, thermal, magnetic, chemical/biological sensors/actuators are studied. Topics include: bulk/surface micromachining, LIGA, microsensors and microactuators in multi-physics domain. (3-0) R
MECH 6348 (EEMF 6322, MSEN 6322) Semiconductor Processing Technology (3 semester hours) Modern techniques for the manufacture of semiconductor devices and circuits. Techniques for both silicon and compound semiconductor processing are studied as well as an introduction to the design of experiments. Topics include: wafer growth, oxidation, diffusion, ion implantation, lithography, etch and deposition. (3-0) T
MECH 6V49 Special Topics in Manufacturing and Design Innovation (1-6 semester hours) (May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours.) For letter grade credit only. ([1-6]-0) R

Mechanics and Materials (MM)  

MECH 6350 Mechanics of Solids and Structures (3 semester hours) This course provides a fundamental basis from which to explore mechanical behavior of materials at the macroscopic level and the relationship of mechanical behavior to material structure and mechanisms of deformation and failure. Topics covered include elasticity, elastic stability, wave propagation, plasticity, and fracture. This course explores static and dynamic stress analysis, two- and three-dimensional theory of stressed elastic solids, analyses of structural elements with applications in a variety of fields, variational theorems and approximate solutions. Prerequisite: MECH 6305 or equivalent. (3-0) T
MECH 6353 Computational Mechanics (3 semester hours) This course provides an introduction to the use of numerical methods in the solution of solid mechanics and materials problems. Geometrical representation of solids. Automatic meshing. Approximation theory. Interpolation error estimation. Optimal and adaptive meshing. Variational principles in linear elasticity. Finite element analysis. Error estimation. Convergence. Singularities. Adaptive strategies. Constrained problems. Mixed methods. Stability and convergence. Variational problems in nonlinear elasticity. Consistent linearization. The Newton-Rahpson method. Bifurcation analysis. Adaptive strategies in nonlinear elasticity. Constrained finite deformation problems. Contact and friction. Time integration. Algorithm analysis. Accuracy, stability, and convergence. Operator splitting and product formulas. Coupled problems. Impact and friction. Subcycling. Space-time methods. Inelastic solids. Constitutive updates. Stability and convergence. Consistent linearization. Applications to finite deformation viscoplasticity, viscoelasticity, and Lagrangian modeling of fluid flows. MECH 6305 or equivalent. (3-0) T
MECH 6354 Experimental Mechanics (3 semester hours) This course provides Mechanical Engineering students with experimental techniques for measurements of deformations and analysis of stress for solid engineering materials when subjected to mechanical and thermal loadings; an introduction to the physical mechanisms associated with design-limiting behavior of engineering materials, especially stiffness, strength, toughness, and durability; an understanding of basic mechanical properties of engineering materials, testing procedures used to quantify these properties, and ways in which these properties characterize material response; quantitative skills to deal with materials-limiting problems in engineering design; and a basis for materials selection in mechanical design. MECH 3301 or equivalent. (3-0) T
MECH 6355 Viscoelasticity (3 semester hours) This course provides an overview of advanced stress analysis of solids with properties strongly influenced by time, temperature, pressure, and humidity. Topics covered include: the material characterization and thermodynamic foundation of the constitutive behavior of time-dependent materials such as polymers, and composites; time-temperature superposition principle for thermorheologically simple materials; correspondence principle; integral formulation for quasi-static boundary value problems; treatment of time-varying boundary conditions; linear viscoelastic stress waves, approximate methods of linear viscoelastic stress analysis; and introduction to nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive laws. MECH 6305 or equivalent (3-0) T
MECH 6367 Mechanical Properties of Materials (3 semester hours) This course provides an introduction to the mechanical behavior of solids, emphasizing the relationships between microstructure, defects, and mechanical properties. Topics include elastic, inelastic, and plastic properties of crystalline and amorphous materials. Polymer properties, viscoplasticity, and strain-rate dependence. The relationships between stress, strain, strain rate, and temperature for deformable solids. Application of dislocation theory to strengthening mechanisms in crystalline solids. The phenomena of creep, fracture, and fatigue, and their controlling mechanisms. MECH 6305 or equivalent (3-0) T
MECH 6368 Imperfections in Solids (3 semester hours) This course provides a description of the relationship of lattice defects (vacancies, interstitials, dislocations) to the physical and mechanical properties of crystalline solids. Introduction to point imperfections, and their relationships to transport properties in metallic, covalent, and ionic crystals. Kroeger-Vink notation. Introduction to dislocations: geometric, crystallographic, elastic, and energetic properties of dislocations. Dislocation reactions and interactions including formation of locks, stacking faults, and surface effects. Relations between collective dislocation behavior and mechanical properties of crystals. Introduction to computer simulations of dislocations. Grain boundaries. The structure and properties of interfaces in solids. Emphasis on materials science aspects of role of defects in electrical, morphological, optical, and mechanical properties of solids. (3-0) MECH 6305 or equivalent T
MECH 6V69 Special Topics in Mechanics and Materials (1-6 semester hours) (May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours.) For letter grade credit only. ([1-6]-0) R  

Thermal and Fluid Sciences (TFS)  

MECH 5383 (EEMF 5383, MSEN 5383, PHYS 5383) Plasma Processing (3 semester hours) Hardware oriented study of useful laboratory plasmas. Topics will include vacuum technology, gas kinetic theory, basic plasma theory and an introduction to the uses of plasmas in various industries. (3-0) T
MECH 6370 Fluid Mechanics (3 semester hours) This course provides the beginning graduate student with a broad background in the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and an introduction to the various flow regimes. After completing this course, the student should be prepared to take subsequent courses in a broad range of engineering disciplines, such as mechanical, bioengineering, aerospace, and civil engineering. Topics include derivation of the governing equations of motion and an introduction to viscous, inviscid, turbulent, and boundary-layer flows. Prerequisite: MECH 3315 or equivalent. (3-0) T
MECH 6371 Computational Fluid Mechanics (3 semester hours) This course presents computational methods for viscous flow, boundary layer theory and turbulence. Formulation of finite element methods and other traditional numerical techniques for analysis of dynamic problems in fluid mechanics will be examined. MECH 6370 or equivalent. (3-0) T
MECH 6380 Heat Transfer (3 semester hours) This course provides an introduction to fundamentals of conductive, convective and radiative heat transfer with an emphasis on numerical and analytical solutions. Steady and transient one- and multi-dimensional thermal conduction are described. Other topics include emphasis on analytical methods, numerical techniques and approximate solutions. Prerequisite: MECH 4350, MECH 3315 or equivalents. (3-0) T
MECH 6383 (EEMF 6383, PHYS 6383) Plasma Science (3 semester hours) Theoretically oriented study of plasmas. Topics to include: fundamental properties of plasmas, fundamental equations (kinetic and fluid theory, electromagnetic waves, plasma waves, plasma sheaths) plasma chemistry and plasma diagnostics. Prerequisite: PHYS 5320 or EEGR 6316. (3-0) T
MECH 6384Applied Heat Transfer (3 semester hours) This course provides a rigorous development of heat transfer fundamentals as applied to relevant industrial problems, including heat transfer in buildings, thermal management of electronics, air conditioning & refrigeration systems and study of various thermal mechanical equipments e.g. heat exchangers and furnaces. Prerequisite: MECH 6307 or equivalent. (3-0) T
MECH 6V89 Special Topics in Thermal and Fluid Sciences (1-6 semester hours) (May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours.) For letter grade credit only. ([1-6]-0) R