MAE Undergraduate Courses, Spring Term 2009
MAE 206Introduction to Engineering Dynamics(QR)Formulation and solution of equations governing the dynamic behavior of engineering systems. Fundamental principles of Newtonian mechanics. Two and three dimensional kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies. Motion relative to moving reference frames. Impulse-momentum and work-energy relations. Free and forced vibrations of mechanical systems. Introduction to dynamic analysis of mechanical devices and systems.
MAE 222/CEE 208Mechanics of FluidsIntroduction to the physical and analytical description of phenomena associated with the flow of fluids. Topics include the principles of conservation of mass, momentum and energy; lift and drag; open channel flow; dynamic similitude; laminar and turbulent flow.
MAE 224Integrated Eng'g Science Laboratory(ST)Students will conduct a series of prepared experiments throughout the year that will culminate in an independent project of the students' design involving fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and data acquisition tools. Preliminary experiments focus on pressure and Bernoulli's equation. Concepts learned will be applied in subsequent labs involving expanding flows and lift and drag measurements. Experiments will include internal and external viscous flows. Digital electronics including combinatorial and sequential logic, analog-to-digital conversion, digital-to-analog conversion, digital telemetry. Coupled oscillators will be covered.
MAE 305/EGR 305/MAT 301Mathematics in Engineering I(QR)A treatment of the theory of differential equations. The objective is to provide the student with an ability to solve problems in this field.
MAE 305/EGR 305/MAT 301Mathematics in Engineering I(QR)A treatment of the theory of differential equations. The objective is to provide the student with an ability to solve problems in this field.
MAE 306/MAT 302Mathematics in Engineering IIThe course is an introduction to partial differential equations with emphasis on their solution by separation of variables and transform methods. The material covered includes solution of two point boundary value problems and Sturm-Liouville theory. Additionally, the course will introduce the theory of complex variables leading to its application for evaluating integrals by methods of contour integration, and using conformal mapping techniques to solve harmonic problems.
AST 309/MAE 309/PHY 309Science and Technology of Nuclear EnergyConcern about climate change is creating the potential for a renaissance of nuclear fission power. The international ITER fusion experiment is being built to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion. This course will introduce the science and technology of fission and fusion. We will also cover societal risks, such as nuclear weapons proliferation, and societal benefits, such as reduced CO2 emissions. To make the course more accessible, technical material will be reduced from last year.
MAE 322Mechanical 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 328/EGR 328/ENV 328Energy for Greenhouse-Constrained WorldThis course addresses, in technical detail, the challenge of changing the future global energy system to accommodate environmental constraints. Energy production strategies are emphasized, including renewable energy, solar, wind, nuclear fission and fusion, the capture and storage of fossil-fuel carbon, and energy storage strategies. Efficient energy use is also considered, as well as intersections of energy with economic development, international security, local environmental quality, and human behavior and values.
MAE 328/EGR 328/ENV 328Energy for Greenhouse-Constrained WorldThis course addresses, in technical detail, the challenge of changing the future global energy system to accommodate environmental constraints. Energy production strategies are emphasized, including renewable energy, solar, wind, nuclear fission and fusion, the capture and storage of fossil-fuel carbon, and energy storage strategies. Efficient energy use is also considered, as well as intersections of energy with economic development, international security, local environmental quality, and human behavior and values.
MAE 340Independent 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 poster session at end of semester to faculty, staff, fellow students and guests. Independent work is intended for juniors or seniors doing only a one term project. 339 Fall Term project; 340 Spring Term project.
MAE 340DIndependent Work with DesignCourse similar to MAE 339-340. Principle difference is that the project must incorporate aspects and principles of design for a system, product, vehicle, device, apparatus, or other design element. Written report and poster session at end of semester to faculty, staff, fellow students and guests. Independent work with design is intended for juniors or seniors doing only a one term project. 339D Fall Term project; 340D Spring Term project.
MAE 342Space System DesignThis course examines the design of a modern spacecraft or complex space system, including the space environment and its impact on design. The principals and design aspects of the structure, propulsion, power, thermal, communication, and attitude subsystems are studied. The course also introduces systems engineering, project management, manufacturing and test, mission operations, mission design, and space policy. Acting as a single project team, students will design a satellite or space system from conception to critical design review.
MAE 344Intro Bioengineering and Medical DevicesAn introduction to the fundamental concepts required for the design and function of implantable medical devices, including basic applications of materials, chemistry and biology to bone/implant systems. The class will discuss the interfaces between cells and the surfaces of synthetic biomaterials, and biosensors for disease detection. An introduction to bio-nanotechnology will also be presented. Classroom sessions will be complemented by lab demonstrations and seminars by outside lecturers.
MAE 426Rocket and Air-Breathing Propulsion TechThe study of principles, flight envelopes, and engine designs of rocket and ram/scramjet propulsion systems. Topics include jet propulsion theory, space mission maneuver, combustion control, and system components of chemical and non-chemical rockets (nuclear and electrical propulsion), gas turbine, ramjet, and scramjet engines. Characteristics, optimal flight envelopes, and technical challenges of combined propulsion systems will be analyzed.
MAE 427Energy Conversion and the EnvironmentThis course will develop an overview of energy utilization in and environmental impacts of current and future propulsion systems for ground, air, and space propulsion applications. Principles of advanced internal combustion, electric hybrid, and fuel cell energy conversion systems for ground transportation will be introduced. Relevant thermodynamics, chemistry, fluid mechanics, and combustion fundamentals will be stressed, and performance properties of power plants, control of air pollutant emissions, and minimization of resource-to application carbon emissions will be explored.
MAE 433AAutomatic Control SystemsStudents will develop an understanding of feedback principles in the control of dynamic systems, and gain experience in analyzing and designing control systems.
MAE 433BAutomatic 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 436Special Topics in MAEThis course addresses direct energy conversion technologies (no moving parts) and primarily includes thermoelectric, thermionic, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD), fuel cell, photovoltaic, and laser conversion. Also included will be heat pipe technology, and blackbody radiation. When appropriate, guest speakers will be invited to discuss active research in these and related areas. A basic knowledge of thermodynamics and differential equations is assumed.
MAE 440Senior ProjectThe senior project is a year long independent study intended for students who choose to work in teams of two or more. Work begins in the fall, but enrollment is only in spring term when a double grade is awarded. Groups develop their own topic or select a topic from a list of topics prepared by the faculty. Groups develop a work plan and select an advisor for their work. A second reader is assigned by the instructor. A written progress report is expected at the end of the fall term. Groups submit a written final report and make an oral presentation to faculty, staff, fellow students, and guests at the end of the spring term.
MAE 440DSenior Project with DesignSimilar to 440 with the principle difference that the team or group project must incorporate aspects and principles of design, whether for a system, product, vehicle, device, software, or apparatus. The year-long senior project with design may be used to satisfy a portion of the department's design requirement.
MAE 442Senior ThesisThe senior thesis is an independent study for individual students. Work begins in the fall, but enrollment is only in spring term when a double grade is awarded. Students develop their own topic or select a topic from a list of topics prepared by the faculty. Students develop a work plan and select an advisor for their work. A second reader is assigned by the instructor. A written progress report is expected at the end of the fall term. Students submit a written final report and make an oral presentation to faculty, staff, fellow students, and guests at the end of the spring term.
MAE 442DSenior Thesis with DesignSimilar to 442 with the principle difference that the thesis must incorporate aspects and principles of design, whether for a system, product, vehicle, device, software, or apparatus. The year-long senior thesis with design may be used to satisfy a portion of the department's design requirement.
ELE 455/CEE 455/MAE 455/MSE 455Mid-Infrared Technologies for Health andThis course is designed to give Juniors, Seniors, and interested graduate students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary introduction into mid-infrared sensing, its applications, and its technological foundations. Topics include: materials, light sources, lasers and detectors for the mid-infrared; spectroscopy and sensing; sensing systems and sensor networks. It addresses such important issues as global warming, policy making, engineering solutions to global challenges, environmental sensing, breath analysis and health applications, and sensing in homeland security.
MAE 456Global TechnologyAn introduction to key ideas in science, technology, humanities, and social sciences that are relevant to global development. The course will highlight essential needs in the rural environment and consider how to develop environmentally-friendly scientific and technology solutions to satisfy these needs. The course will also examine the potential role of global technology in the development of rural and urban areas within the developing world. Morning lectures will be followed by field activities and group projects. The course will be taught at the Mpala Center as part of the Tropical Biology Program in Kenya.