Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Department website: http://www.odu.edu/mae
241 Kaufman Hall
757-683-6363
Miltos Kotinis, Interim Chair
Colin Britcher, Associate Chair
Drew Landman, Graduate Program Director
Overview
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering strives to provide the highest quality engineering education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, to engage in scholarly research at the forefront of mechanical and aerospace engineering, and to serve the professions of mechanical and aerospace engineering. Graduate degrees in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering include the Master of Engineering, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees and are designed to prepare graduates for professional practice in teaching, research and development, design, and consulting. Graduates are prepared for challenging and rewarding employment in high-technology industries, research organizations, consulting firms and government agencies. These programs are also designed to serve both full-time and part-time graduate students. The department is closely associated with area industries, consulting firms, government agencies and research laboratories, which add relevance to the graduate engineering curricula, creating a stimulating environment for the pursuit of graduate studies. The students also benefit from the University’s affiliation with NASA Langley Research Center, the Jefferson National Laboratory, the National Institute of Aerospace, and the Virginia Modeling Analysis and Simulation Center. All degree programs offered by the department can be utilized as components within the linked Baccalaureate-Master’s and Baccalaureate-Doctoral degree programs offered through the Batten College of Engineering and Technology. For additional information about the educational and research opportunities available please visit our website at http://www.odu.edu/mae. This program is available on-campus and online.
List of Degrees and Certificates
- Master of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Science, Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Engineering - Aerospace Engineering
- Master of Science, Engineering - Aerospace Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy, Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy, Engineering - Aerospace Engineering
- Graduate Certificate - Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
Graduate Course Portfolio
Core Graduate Courses
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MAE 601 | Engineering Mathematics | 3 |
| MAE 602 | Fluid Dynamics and Aerodynamics | 3 |
| MAE 603 | Advanced Mechanics of Solids | 3 |
| MAE 604 | Analytical Dynamics | 3 |
| MAE 605 | Advanced Classical Thermodynamics | 3 |
| MAE 607 | Continuum Mechanics | 3 |
| MAE 620 | Heat Transfer I | 3 |
| MAE 640 | Modern Control Theory | 3 |
| MAE 672 | Design of Experiments | 3 |
| MAE 682 | Concurrent Engineering | 3 |
Aerodynamics and Fluids Graduate Courses
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MAE 503 | Flight Mechanics | 3 |
| MAE 506 | Flight Vehicle Aerodynamics | 3 |
| MAE 517 | Propulsion Systems | 3 |
| MAE 560 | Introduction to Space Systems Engineering | 3 |
| MAE 710/810 | Supersonic Flow | 3 |
| MAE 711/811 | Hypersonic Aerodynamics | 3 |
| MAE 712/812 | Experimental Aerodynamics | 3 |
| MAE 713/813 | Turbulent Flow | 3 |
| MAE 715/815 | Boundary Layer Theory | 3 |
| MAE 716/816 | Computational Fluid Dynamics I | 3 |
| MAE 718/818 | Aerospace Test Facilities | 3 |
| MAE 772/872 | Response Surface Methodology | 3 |
Thermodynamics and Energy Graduate Courses
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MAE 511 | Mechanical Engineering Power Systems Theory and Design | 3 |
| MAE 512 | Environmental Control | 3 |
| MAE 513 | Energy Conversion | 3 |
| MAE 514 | Introduction to Gas Dynamics | 3 |
| MAE 720/820 | Heat Transfer II | 3 |
| MAE 723/823 | Nuclear Engineering | 3 |
Materials and Structures Graduate Courses
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MAE 522 | Modern Engineering Materials | 3 |
| MAE 730/830 | Finite Element Analysis | 3 |
| MAE 731/831 | Mechanics of Composite Structures | 3 |
| MAE 734/834 | Theory of Vibrations | 3 |
| MAE 750/850 | Nanoscale Mechanical and Structural Properties of Materials | 3 |
| MAE 751/851 | Fatigue and Fracture | 3 |
| MAE 752/852 | Mechanical Behavior of Materials | 3 |
| MAE 753/853 | Composite Materials | 3 |
Dynamics and Controls Graduate Courses
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MAE 504 | Vibrations | 3 |
| MAE 531 | Mechanisms Analysis and Design | 3 |
| MAE 538 | Applied Analog and Digital Control | 3 |
| MAE 740/840 | Autonomous and Robotic Systems Analysis and Control | 3 |
| MAE 741/841 | Optimal Control Theory | 3 |
| MAE 742/842 | Multibody Dynamics: Theories and Applications | 3 |
| MAE 743/843 | Kinematic Synthesis of Mechanisms | 3 |
| MAE 744/844 | Atmospheric Flight Dynamics and Control | 3 |
| MAE 745/845 | Space Flight Dynamics and Control | 3 |
| MAE 746/846 | Advanced Control Methodologies | 3 |
| MAE 747/847 | Aerospace Vehicle Performance | 3 |
Design/Manufacturing Graduate Courses
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MAE 780/880 | Engineering Optimization | 3 |
| MAE 781/881 | Advanced Design | 3 |
| MAE 783/883 | Robots and Manufacturing Automation | 3 |
| MAE 785/885 | Advanced Manufacturing Technology | 3 |
| MAE 788/888 | Computational Intelligence for Engineering Design Optimization Problems | 3 |
| MAE 789/889 | Engineering Design with Uncertainties | 3 |
Programs
Doctor of Philosophy Programs
Master of Engineering Programs
Master of Science Programs
Certificate Program
Courses
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)
Aircraft concepts including performance prediction and optimization, flight and maneuver envelopes, and steady flight performance. Additional topics: longitudinal static stability and trim; aircraft dynamics; development, separation and solution of aircraft equations of motion; natural modes; dynamic stability; sensors and actuators; and design of stability augmentation and autopilot systems.
Free and forced vibrations of undamped and damped, single-degree of freedom, multi-degree of freedom, and continuous systems. Exact and approximate methods to find natural frequencies.
Inviscid flow concepts including: Euler equations, stream function, velocity potential, singularities, vorticity and circulation laws. Viscous flow topics including boundary layers separation, and turbulent flow. In addition, external flows, lift and drag, thin airfoil theory, finite wing theory and airfoil design will be discussed.
Thermodynamic properties of gases and vapors relating to power generating devices, work-energy relations, combustion, and heat exchangers. Performance analyses and design concepts of gas turbines, internal combustion engines, steam power plants and heat exchanger equipment from theoretical and applied viewpoints.
Engineering principles as applied to the analysis and design of systems for automatically controlling man or machine environments. Course encompasses fundamentals of heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration, cryogenics, and design of building energy systems.
Introduction of relevant kinetic theory, solid state, and thermodynamic principles; operation and analysis of thermoelectric, photovoltaic, thermionic, magnetohydrodynamic devices, fuel cell, isotopic, and solar power generators. Course seeks to define engineering limits of converter efficiency and other performance criteria.
One-dimensional compressible flow considering isentropic flow, normal shocks, flow in constant area ducts with friction, flow in ducts with heating and cooling, oblique shocks, Prandtl-Meyer expansions, shock-expansion theory, flow around diamond shaped airfoils, and wind tunnel mechanics.
Basic principles of design, operation and performance of propulsion systems - including turbojet, turboprop, turbofan, and ramjet engines. Introduction to chemical rockets, ion and plasma thrusters.
Analysis of aircraft and space vehicle structural components. Effects of bending, torsion and shear on typical aerospace structural components, statically indeterminate beams, shear center and shear flow. Introduction to typical aerospace structures. Introduction to composite structures.
Limitations of conventional materials; inter-relationship among materials, design and processing, material selection criteria and procedures; strengthening mechanisms in metals; superelasticity; shape memory effect, amorphous metals; structure-property relationship in polymers; polymers crystallinity; thermoplastic and thermosets; high-temperature restraint polymers; ceramics; toughening mechanisms in ceramics.
Basic relations necessary for analysis of plane motion mechanisms, numerical and analytical solutions for some of the basic mechanisms, methods of calculating rolling and sliding velocities and accelerations of contacting bodies, cams, and gears.
Computer-aided analysis and design of practical control systems. Introduction to state-space, digital signal processing and digital control. Laboratory sessions on aliasing, analog, system identification, and real-time control.
Basic concepts of finite-element method, method of weighted residuals, interpolation functions, numerical implementation of finite-element method, applications to engineering problems such as beam deflection, heat conduction, and plane elastic problems.
Basic principles of naval architecture related to ship geometry, stability, strength, resistance, propulsion, vibration and motions in waves and controllability.
Introduction to spacecraft systems starting from mission design and space environment considerations and proceeding through propulsion, altitude control, spacecraft structural design, thermal control, power and communications for spacecraft.
Special topics of interest with emphasis placed on recent developments in mechanical and aerospace engineering or engineering mechanics. (offered fall, spring, summer)
Individual analytical, computational, and/or experimental study in an area selected by student. Supervised and approved by the advisor.
Applications of linear algebra, ordinary and partial differential equations, and complex variables to engineering problems.
Conservation laws for viscous and inviscid flows. Boundary conditions; analytical and numerical solution of viscous flow problems; boundary-layer theory; 2 and 3-dimensional potential flows; applications to airfoils, wings, and internal flows; introduction to turbulence.
Stress, strain, equilibrium for deformable solids; material behavior of elasticity, hyperelasticity, plasticity and viscoelasticity; failure criteria, fracture; thermal effect; energy methods and their applications to bars and beams for static, stability and dynamic problems.
Advanced kinematics with moving reference frames. Euler equations of motion. Gyroscopic theory. Principle of virtual work, D'Alembert's principle, Hamilton's principle, Lagrange's equations of motion and rigid body dynamics.
Rigorous development of the macroscopic theory of thermodynamics; structural basis for equations of state and general properties of matter; phase and chemical equilibria.
Indicial notations and tensor calculus; strain and stress tensors, rate of deformation tensor, Eulerian and Lagrangian descriptions, conservation principles, constitutive formulations for elastic solids and viscous fluids, formulation of fluid mechanics and solid mechanics problems. Simple applications.
Linear algebra. Vectors and matrices. Partial differential equations. Curve fittings. Applied probabilities. Statistics of distributions. Testing of hypotheses and decisions. Quality control.
Aspects of conduction, convection and radiation heat transfer, including governing equations, boundary layer flows, analytical and numerical solutions to one-, two-, and three-dimensional problems.
Formulation of state space equations governing dynamics and stability of linear systems. Controllability; observability. State feedback control design. Optimal control methods. State observers and estimators.
Student participation for credit based on academic relevance of the work experience, criteria, and evaluative procedures as formally determined by the department and the Cooperative Education program prior to the semester in which the work experience is to take place.
Academic requirements will be established by the department and will vary with the amount of credit desired. Allows students an opportunity to gain short duration career-related experience.
Academic requirements will be established by the department and will vary with the amount of credit desired. Allows students an opportunity to gain short duration career-related experience. Student is usually already employed--this is an additional project within the organization.
This course will focus on formal experiment design. Topics to be discussed will include review of statistics, ANOVA, multiple comparisons, residuals, modal adequacy checking, randomized complete block designs, factorial designs, 2^k factorial and fractional factorial designs, random and mixed effects in factorials, and optimization. The course will also provide an introduction to response surface methods. Laboratory exercises will use designed experiments as applied to aerospace testing, including wind tunnel testing and instrument calibration.
Study of principles of concurrent engineering with emphasis on the design/manufacture interface for single products; Rapid prototyping projects; Designof injection-molded and stamped parts for cost.
Project(s) course to allow graduate students to complete a practical engineering assignment in design and manufacturing areas.
Regular tutorials on recent topics of interest in mechanical and aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics.
Special topics of interest with emphasis placed on recent developments in mechanical and aerospace engineeringor engineering mechanics.
An independent laboratory experience in the area of either aerodynamics, structural dynamics or applied automatic control. Results will be reported in a format and quality similar to a technical conference paper.
Individual analytical, computational and/or experimental study in an area selected by the student. Supervised and approved by the advisor.
Individual project, investigation under the direction of the student's major professor.
Thesis research in mechanical and aerospace engineering or engineering mechanics leading to the Master of Science degree.
This course will examine governing equations for supersonic flow, including full potential equations, small disturbance theory, hodographs, and method of characteristics. It will also serve as an introduction to three-dimensional flows, compressible boundary layer flows, internal flows in nozzles and diffusers, airfoil flows, slender bodies of revolution flows, conical flows, and wing flows.
General consideration of hypersonic flow and similarity principles, hypersonic flow past slender bodies with sharp and blunt leading edges. Hypersonic blunt-body flow. Real gas, viscous and low density effects, and consideration of nonequilibrium phenomena in hypersonic flows.
This course will examine techniques for static and dynamic measurement of pressure, temperature, and velocity. Experiment control and statistical treatment of data will be discussed, as will probe methods, including multi-hole pressure probes and hot-wire anemometers, and non-intrusive methods, including laser Doppler velocimetry and other optical methods. Surface and stream flow visualization and surface measurements will also be covered.
Isotropic and homogeneous turbulence. Mixing length theories, Equilibrium turbulence models, Two-equation models (k-epsilon). Large eddy simulation. Reynold's stress transport models. Numerical simulations. Compressible and non-equilibrium turbulence effects.
Boundary layer equations; method of matched asymptotic expansions; body oriented coordinates, finite-difference solutions; separations, wake and jet flows; thermal and compressible boundary layers, transformations and finite-difference solutions, unsteady boundary layers. Introduction to hydrodynamic stability and turbulence.
This course will cover the following topics: classification of single partial differential equations; finite difference methods; stability analysis, including convergence, consistency, and efficiency; basics of finite volume methods; model equations of hyperbolic, parabolic and elliptic type; and explicit and implicit schemes, central and upwind schemes, and weak solutions of quasi-linear hyperbolic equations.
A comprehensive examination of aerodynamic test facilities for use in subsonic, transonic, supersonic and hypersonic flow regimes. Aspects of wind tunnel design and operation will be discussed, as will flow quality and wall and support interferences. Advanced concepts including cryogenic wind tunnels, adaptive wall test sections and magnetic suspension will be examined, in addition to dynamic testing. There will be a review of flight test methods, including extraction of aerodynamic parameters from flight test data, a review of engine test facilities, and a review of ground test facilities for space structures and other space systems.
Aspects of conduction, convection and radiation heat transfer, including governing equations, boundary layer flows, analytical and numerical solutions to one-, two- and three-dimensional problems.
This course will consider nuclear power plant systems, and will introduce power reactor control kinetic behavior including safety coefficients, accumulative poisons, and temperature control parameters. It will also examine primary and secondary plant as a transient system.
This course provides an understanding of the finite element method (FEM) as derived from an integral formulation perspective. It demonstrates the solutions of (1-D and 2-D) continuum mechanics problems such as solid mechanics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. It also provides insight into the theoretical formulation and numerical implementation of finite element methods.
Stress-strain relations for a lamina; failure theories. Micro-mechanical behavior of a lamina. Constitutive relations of a laminate. Bending, buckling and vibration of laminated plates. Approximate and finite element methods of solution.
This course will introduce applied modal analysis, modes of vibration of discrete systems, modal coordinates, transfer functions in frequency domain, modes of vibration of continuous systems, and approximate systems response. It will also examine Finite Elements methods and nonlinear vibrations. Applications will be extended to rods, beams, plates and shells.
Kinematics, dynamics and control of complex non-linear electro-mechanical systems, particularly robotic manipulators.
Parameter optimization, optimization problem for dynamic systems with terminal and path constraints; optimal feedback control with and without the presence of uncertainty; nonlinear optimal control system.
Basic theories are presented for formulation of equations of kinematics and dynamics of systems made of interconnected bodies. Topics include constrained motion, principle of virtual work and constrained dynamics. Examples cover robotic motion and biomechanics applications such as human locomotion.
Classification of mechanisms; type and number synthesis, application of graph theory, expert systems for synthesis; introduction to dimensional synthesis via path and function generation; finite displacement theory including concept of poles, circlepoint, and centerpoint curves; structural error minimization using Chebychev's approximation; optimization approaches, current applications to robot manipulators, robot hands, space structures, and combustion engines.
Principles governing the dynamics and control of vehicles in atmospheric flight. Equations of motion development and solution including inertial/gravitational/aerodynamic/propulvsive loads, linear longitudinal and lateral-directional motions, and nonlinear trim and simulation. Flight control system design and analysis incorporating flying quality requirements, linear conventional/contemporary and frequency/time domain techniques for control and guidance functions, validation with nonlinear simulation, gain scheduling.
Principles governing the dynamics and control of vehicles in space flight. Equations of motion development and solution including inertial/gravitational/aerodynamic/propulsive loads, decoupled translational and attitude motions. Ortibal mechanics including elements, initial-value propagation, adjustments/transfers, Lambert boundary-value problem, perturbations, and nonlinear simulation. Attitude dynamics including torque free, gravity moment, axisymmetric/unsymmetric vehicles, and dual spinners. Flight control system design and analysis including impulsive velocities, finite burns, Lambert targeting, linear designusing momentum wheels, and nonlinear phase-plane design using thrusters.
Review of multivariable dynamic math models including state space, transfer function, and matrix fractions. Multivariable design criteria including stability, performance,and robustness. Theory and application of multivariable control design techniques including LQR/LQG/LTR, H-infinity, Eigenspace Assignment and other advanced methods.
This course will study the flight performance of aerospace vehicles, including a review of aerodynamic and propulsion characteristics. Range, flight and maneuver envelopes for vehicles in atmospheric flight will also be examined. It will introduce various methods of design for trajectory optimization, including launch vehicles. An open-ended, design-oriented project will be required.
This course will provide an overview of the governing principles and operations of actuator and sensor hardware used in aircraft and spacecraft flight control systems. Hydraulic, electro-hydraulic and electric actuators will be examined, as well as control jets and momentum wheels, accelerometers, and rate gyros. Other topics include air-data systems, inertial navigation systems and satellite navigation systems. The course will also examine dynamic model development, analysis and simulation, nonlinear hardware characteristics, and the influence on closed-loop vehicle behavior.
Elastic and plastic properties of nanoscale materials, strain gradient dislocation plasticity, nanoindentation and nanoindentation creep, thin film mechanical and structural properties, kinetic-based investigations of hardening mechanisms in nanolayer composites.
Divided into areas of fatigue and fracture; stress-controlled and strain-controlled fatigue; effect of mean stresses, notches, etc.; multiaxial stresses; variable amplitude loading; ductile and brittle fracture; linear elastic fracture mechanics; crack-tip plasticity; fracture testing; applications to fatigue life estimation. Requires permission of the instructor.
This course will examine the macroscopic behavior of materials with respect to elasticity, plasticity, and viscoelasticity. Other topics include yield criteria, fracture, the influence of high and low temperatures, and corrosion and radiation.
This course will examine reinforcements, matrices, particulate-composites, short-fiber and continuous-fiber reinforced composites. Directionally solidified composites will also be studied, including the prediction of elastic failure properties. Other topics to be covered include design considerations and experimental work.
An applied course in response surface methodology with aerospace applications. Empirical model building, method of least squares, second order models, model adequacy checking, canonical analysis. Method of steepest ascent, multiple response optimization. Rotatable, cuboidal and small run designs. Design optimality and efficiency metrics, robust design, restrictions on randomization. Laboratory exercises include RSM applied to wind tunnel testing and optimization.
Formulation and solution algorithms for Linear Programming (LP) problems. Unconstrained and constrained nonlinear programming (NLP) problems. Optimum solution for practical engineering systems.
Concepts, principles and procedures related to analysis of stresses and strains in machine components. Consideration of function of parts along with factors such as forces, life required, maximum cost, weight and space restrictions, number of parts to be produced, material selection, kinematics,environmental restrictions. Finite element analysis to illustrate different aspects of stress analysis. Requires permission of the instructor.
This course will introduce the engineering of industrial robots used for manufacturing automation. Topics to be covered include spatial descriptions and transformations of manipulators, manipulator kinematics and inverse kinematics; manipulator velocities; static forces; and dynamics and trajectory generation. Other topics to be covered include design and on-line computer control of the manipulator.
Treatment of the next generation of manufacturing technology. Topics include additive manufacturing; rapid prototypying; electronic manufacturing; micro and nanofabrication; process simulation; product life cycle management; and sustainable design and manufacturing.
The concepts and algorithms of computational intelligence and their application to engineering design are discussed, including artificial neural networks, evolutionary optimization, and swarm intelligence. Both single and multi-objective optimization problems with continuous and/or discrete variables are also discussed.
An introduction to managing uncertainties and risk in strength design of mechanical components, including the study of the theoretical background, computational implementation, and applications of reliability-based methods for engineering analysis and design.
A broad introduction to the field of cellular biomechanics. Topics include overview of cell architecture, cytoskeleton, adhesion and molecular motors, biomolecular/biopolymer dynamics and mechanics, techniques to measure cell mechanical properties, techniques to mechanically stimulate cells, models of cell mechanical behavior, mechanobiology and mechanotransduction. Will include discussion of classic and current research articles. Course content will aim to cater to students with diverse backgrounds – students with biological science background will be exposed to physical science concepts and analysis; students with engineering/physical science background will be exposed to biological phenomena and concepts.
Selected topics in mechanical and aerospace engineering or engineering mechanics.
Individual analytical, computational and/or experimental study in an area selected by the student. Supervised and approved by the advisor.
This course will examine governing equations for supersonic flow, including full potential equations, small disturbance theory, hodographs, and method of characteristics. It will also serve as an introduction to three-dimensional flows, compressible boundary layer flows, internal flows in nozzles and diffusers, airfoil flows, slender bodies of revolution flows, conical flows, and wing flows.
General consideration of hypersonic flow and similarity principles, hypersonic flow past slender bodies with sharp and blunt leading edges. Hypersonic blunt-body flow. Real gas, viscous and low density effects, and consideration of nonequilibrium phenomena in hypersonic flows.
This course will examine techniques for static and dynamic measurement of pressure, temperature, and velocity. Experiment control and statistical treatment of data will be discussed, as will probe methods, including multi-hole pressure probes and hot-wire anemometers, and non-intrusive methods, including laser Doppler velocimetry and other optical methods. Surface and stream flow visualization and surface measurements will also be covered.
Isotropic and homogeneous turbulence. Mixing length theories, Equilibrium turbulence models, Two-equation models (k-epsilon). Large eddy simulation. Reynold's stress transport models. Numerical simulations. Compressible and non-equilibrium turbulence effects.
Boundary layer equations; method of matched asymptotic expansions; body oriented coordinates, finite-difference solutions; separations, wake and jet flows; thermal and compressible boundary layers, transformations and finite-difference solutions, unsteady boundary layers. Introduction to hydrodynamic stability and turbulence.
This course will cover the following topics: classification of single partial differential equations; finite difference methods; stability analysis, including convergence, consistency, and efficiency; basics of finite volume methods; model equations of hyperbolic, parabolic and elliptic type; and explicit and implicit schemes, central and upwind schemes, and weak solutions of quasi-linear hyperbolic equations.
A comprehensive examination of aerodynamic test facilities for use in subsonic, transonic, supersonic and hypersonic flow regimes. Aspects of wind tunnel design and operation will be discussed, as will flow quality and wall and support interferences. Advanced concepts, including cryogenic wind tunnels, adaptive wall test sections and magnetic suspension will be examined, in addition to dynamic testing. There will be a review of flight test methods, including extraction of aerodynamic parameters from flight test data, a review of engine test facilities, and a review of ground test facilities for space structures and other space systems.
Aspects of conduction, convection and radiation heat transfer, including governing equations, boundary layer flows, analytical and numerical solutions to one-, two- and three-dimensional problems.
This course will consider nuclear power plant systems, and will introduce power reactor control kinetic behavior including safety coefficients, accumulative poisons, and temperature control parameters. It will also examine primary and secondary plant as a transient system.
This course provides an understanding of the finite element method (FEM) as derived from an integral formulation perspective. It demonstrates the solutions of (1-D and 2-D) continuum mechanics problems such as solid mechanics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. It also provides insight into the theoretical formulation and numerical implementation of finite element methods.
Stress-strain relations for a lamina; failure theories. Micro-mechanical behavior of a lamina. Constitutive relations of a laminate. Bending, buckling and vibration of laminated plates. Approximate and finite element methods of solution.
This course will introduce applied modal analysis, modes of vibration of discrete systems, modal coordinates, transfer functions in frequency domain, modes of vibration of continuous systems, and approximate systems response. It will also examine Finite Elements methods and nonlinear vibrations. Applications will be extended to rods, beams, plates and shells.
Kinematics, dynamics and control of complex non-linear electro-mechanical systems, particularly robotic manipulators.
Parameter optimization, optimization problem for dynamic systems with terminal and path constraints; optimal feedback control with and without the presence of uncertainty; nonlinear optimal control system.
Basic theories are presented for formulation of equations of kinematics and dynamics of systems made of interconnected bodies. Topics include constrained motion, principle of virtual work and constrained dynamics. Examples cover robotic motion and biomechanics applications such as human locomotion.
Classification of mechanisms; type and number synthesis, application of graph theory, expert systems for synthesis; introduction to dimensional synthesis via path and function generation; finite displacement theory including concept of poles, circlepoint, and centerpoint curves; structural error minimization using Chebychev's approximation; optimization approaches, current applications to robot manipulators, robot hands, space structures, and combustion engines.
Principles governing the dynamics and control of vehicles in atmospheric flight. Equations of motion development and solution including inertial/gravitational/aerodynamic/propulvsive loads, linear longitudinal and lateral-directional motions, and nonlinear trim and simulation. Flight control system design and analysis incorporating flying quality requirements, linear conventional/contemporary and frequency/time domain techniques for control and guidance functions, validation with nonlinear simulation, gain scheduling.
Principles governing the dynamics and control of vehicles in space flight. Equations of motion development and solution including inertial/gravitational/aerodynamic/propulsive loads, decoupled translational and attitude motions. Ortibal mechanics including elements, initial-value propagation, adjustments/transfers, Lambert boundary-value problem, perturbations, and nonlinear simulation. Attitude dynamics including torque free, gravity moment, axisymmetric/unsymmetric vehicles, and dual spinners. Flight control system design and analysis including impulsive velocities, finite burns, Lambert targeting, linear designusing momentum wheels, and nonlinear phase-plane design using thrusters.
Review of multivariable dynamic math models including state space, transfer function, and matrix fractions. Multivariable design criteria including stability, performance,and robustness. Theory and application of multivariable control design techniques including LQR/LQG/LTR, H-infinity, Eigenspace Assignment and other advanced methods.
This course will study the flight performance of aerospace vehicles, including a review of aerodynamic and propulsion characteristics. Range, flight and maneuver envelopes for vehicles in atmospheric flight will be examined. It will introduce various methods of design for trajectory optimization, including launch vehicles. An open-ended, design-oriented project will also be required.
This course will provide an overview of the governing principles and operations of actuator and sensor hardware used in aircraft and spacecraft flight control systems. Hydraulic, electro-hydraulic and electric actuators will be examined, as well as control jets and momentum wheels, accelerometers, and rate gyros. Other topics include air-data systems, inertial navigation systems and satellite navigation systems. The course will also examine dynamic model development, analysis and simulation, nonlinear hardware characteristics, and the influence on closed-loop vehicle behavior.
Elastic and plastic properties of nanoscale materials, strain gradient dislocation plasticity, nanoindentation and nanoindentation creep, thin film mechanical and structural properties, kinetic-based investigations of hardening mechanisms in nanolayer composites.
Divided into areas of fatigue and fracture; stress-controlled and strain-controlled fatigue; effect of mean stresses, notches, etc.; multiaxial stresses; variable amplitude loading; ductile and brittle fracture; linear elastic fracture mechanics; crack-tip plasticity; fracture testing; applications to fatigue life estimation. Requires permission of the instructor.
An examination of the macroscopic behavior of materials with respect to elasticity, plasticity, and viscoelasticity; yield criteria; fracture; influence of high and low temperatures; and corrosion and radiation.
This course will examine reinforcements, matrices, particulate-composites, short-fiber and continuous-fiber reinforced composites. Directionally solidified composites will also be studied, including the prediction of elastic failure properties. Other topics to be covered include design considerations and experimental work.
An applied course in response surface methodology with aerospace applications. Empirical model building, method of least squares, second order models, model adequacy checking, canonical analysis. Method of steepest ascent, multiple response optimization. Rotatable, cuboidal and small run designs. Design optimality and efficiency metrics, robust design, restrictions on randomization. Laboratory exercises include RSM applied to wind tunnel testing and optimization.
Formulation and solution algorithms for Linear Programming (LP) problems. Unconstrained and constrained nonlinear programming (NLP) problems. Optimum solution for practical engineering systems.
Concepts, principles and procedures related to analysis of stresses and strains in machine components. Consideration of function of parts along with factors such as forces, life required, maximum cost, weight and space restrictions, number of parts to be produced, material selection, kinematics,environmental restrictions. Finite element analysis to illustrate different aspects of stress analysis. Requires permission of the instructor.
This course will introduce the engineering of industrial robots used for manufacturing automation. Topics to be covered include spatial descriptions and transformations of manipulators, manipulator kinematics and inverse kinematics; manipulator velocities; static forces; and dynamics and trajectory generation. Other topics to be covered include design and on-line computer control of the manipulator.
Treatment of the next generation of manufacturing technology. Topics include additive manufacturing; rapid prototyping; electronic manufacturing; micro and nanofabrication; process simulation; product life cycle management; and sustainable design and manufacturing.
The concepts and algorithms of computational intelligence and their application to engineering design are discussed, including artificial neural networks, evolutionary optimization, and swarm intelligence. Both single and multi-objective optimization problems with continuous and/or discrete variables are also discussed.
An introduction to managing uncertainties and risk in strength design of mechanical components, including the study of theoretical background, computational implementation, and applications of reliability-based methods for engineering analysis and design.
A broad introduction to the field of cellular biomechanics. Topics include overview of cell architecture, cytoskeleton, adhesion and molecular motors, biomolecular/biopolymer dynamics and mechanics, techniques to measure cell mechanical properties, techniques to mechanically stimulate cells, models of cell mechanical behavior, mechanobiology and mechanotransduction. Will include discussion of classic and current research articles. Course content will aim to cater to students with diverse backgrounds – students with biological science background will be exposed to physical science concepts and analysis; students with engineering/physical science background will be exposed to biological phenomena and concepts.
Selected topics in mechanical and aerospace engineering or engineering mechanics.
Individual analytical, computational and/or experimental study in an area selected by the student. Supervised and approved by the advisor.
Based on the Ph.D candidate's dissertation research in mechanical and aerospace engineering topics under the direction of the candidate's advisor.
This course is a pass/fail course for master's students in their final semester. It may be taken to fulfill the registration requirement necessary for graduation. All master's students are required to be registered for at least one graduate credit hour in the semester of their graduation.
This course is a pass/fail course doctoral students may take to maintain active status after successfully passing the candidacy examination. All doctoral students are required to be registered for at least one graduate credit hour every semester until their graduation.