The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is the administrative home for two undergraduate majors: Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
Both majors build on the broad exposure to the engineering, chemical, and physical sciences and the mathematics embodied in the General Studies and engineering core courses required of all engineering students.
The Aerospace Engineering major provides students an education in technological areas critical to the design and development of aerospace vehicles and systems. Aerospace Engineering graduates are typically employed at government laboratories (e.g., NASA) and in a wide range of aerospace and mechanical industries. The Mechanical Engineering major is perhaps one of the most broadly applicable programs in engineering, providing education for a wide variety of employment opportunities.
The two majors, discussed in more detail below, can serve as entry points to immediate professional employment or to graduate study. The emphasis in all fields is on the development of fundamental knowledge that will have long-lasting utility in our rapidly changing technical society.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
All degree programs in the department require that students attain a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the engineering core and in the major and take a minimum of 50 upper-division semester hours in order to be eligible for graduation. Also, the department may require additional or remedial course work for those students who have demonstrated a trend toward academic difficulties.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to fulfilling school and major requirements, majors must satisfy all university graduation requirements. See “University Graduation Requirements.”
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
General Studies
See the School of Engineering, “Course Requirements,” for General Studies, school, and engineering core requirements.
Engineering Core Options
Among the options listed in the School of Engineering, “Engineering Core,” as part of the engineering core requirements, students in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering are required to take the following:
| ECE 100 | Introduction to Engineering Design N3 (4) |
| ECE 210 | Engineering Mechanics I: Statics (3) |
| ECE 300 | Intermediate Engineering Design LI (3) |
| ECE 301 | Electrical Networks I (4) |
| ECE 312 | Engineering Mechanics II: Dynamics (3) |
| ECE 313 | Introduction to Deformable Solids (3) |
| ECE 340 | Thermodynamics (3) |
| ECE 350 | Structure and Properties of Materials (3) |
| Total: 26 |
AEROSPACE ENGINEERING—B.S.E.
The goal of the Aerospace Engineering program is to provide students with an education in technological areas critical to the design and development of aerospace vehicles and systems. The program emphasizes aeronautical engineering with topics in required courses covering aerodynamics, aerospace materials, aerospace structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, aircraft performance, and stability and control. Astronautic topics such as orbital mechanics, attitude dynamics, spacecraft control, and rocket propulsion are also covered in required courses.
Design is integrated throughout the curriculum beginning with ECE 100 Introduction to Engineering Design and followed later by ECE 300 Intermediate Engineering Design, both of which focus on basic design theory as well as professional practice. These required courses are followed by topic-specific design content in aerospace engineering courses in the junior and senior years. The senior capstone design course integrates design and analysis topics from the earlier courses and completes the required design sequence. This sequence includes a minimum of 20 semester hours of required design. In addition, many of the aerospace technical electives have design content.
Laboratory experience is provided in the areas of aerodynamics, aerospace structures, and vibrations. Laboratory facilities include four major wind tunnels, an integrated mechanical-testing laboratory, a controls laboratory, and a vibrations laboratory.
Aerospace Engineering Major
Aerospace Engineering students are required to take the following two courses in addition to those required for the major:
| MAT 242 | Linear Algebra (2) |
| PHY 361 | Introductory Modern Physics (3) |
The Aerospace Engineering major consists of the following courses:
| ECE 384 | Numerical Analysis for Engineers I (2) |
| ECE 386 | Partial Differential Equations for Engineers (2) |
| EEE 350 | Random Signal Analysis (3) |
| MAE 317 | Dynamic Systems and Control (3) |
| MAE 361 | Aerodynamics I (3) |
| MAE 413 | Aircraft Performance, Stability, and Control (3) |
| MAE 415 | Vibration Analysis (4) |
| MAE 425 | Aerospace Structures (4) |
| MAE 460 | Gas Dynamics (3) |
| MAE 462 | Space Vehicle Dynamics and Control (3) |
| MAE 463 | Propulsion (3) |
| MAE 464 | Aerospace Laboratory (3) |
| MAE 468 | Aerospace Systems Design L2 (3) |
| MAE 498 | PS: Principles of Aerospace Design (3) |
| Area of emphasis (technical electives) (6) | |
| Total: 48 | |
Aerospace Engineering Areas of Emphasis
To further the design experience, all Aerospace Engineering students must choose at least one technical elective from the following list of courses:
| MAE 426 | Design of Aerospace Structures (3) |
| MAE 461 | Aerodynamics II (3) |
| MAE 465 | Rocket Propulsion (3) |
| MAE 466 | Rotary Wing Aerodynamics and Performance (3) |
| MAE 467 | Aircraft Performance (3) |
| MAE 469 | Projects in Astronautics and Aeronautics (3) |
The remaining technical elective(s) may be selected from among any of the courses listed in the following course tables or from courses listed under the Mechanical Engineering areas of emphasis. The courses are grouped so that the student may select an elective package of closely related courses. A student may, with prior approval of the advisor and department, select a general area and a corresponding set of courses not listed that would support a career objective not covered by the following categories:
Aerodynamics. Select from these courses:
| MAE 372 | Fluid Mechanics (3) |
| MAE 434 | Internal Combustion Engines (3) |
| MAE 435 | Turbomachinery (3) |
| MAE 461 | Aerodynamics II (3) |
| MAE 463 | Propulsion (3) |
| MAE 466 | Rotary Wing Aerodynamics and Performance (3) |
| MAE 471 | Computational Fluid Dynamics (3) |
| MAE 490 | Projects in Design and Development L2 (3) |
| MAT 421 | Applied Computational Methods N3 (3) |
Aerospace Materials. Select from these courses:
| MAE 455 | Polymers and Composites (3) |
| MSE 355 | Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering (3) |
| MSE 420 | Physical Metallurgy (3) |
| MSE 440 | Mechanical Properties of Solids (3) |
| MSE 441 | Analysis of Material Failures (3) |
| MSE 450 | X-ray and Electron Diffraction (3) |
| MSE 471 | Introduction to Ceramics (3) |
Aerospace Structures. Select from these courses:
| MAE 404 | Finite Elements in Engineering (3) |
| MAE 426 | Design of Aerospace Structures (3) |
| MAE 455 | Polymers and Composites (3) |
| MAE 490 | Projects in Design and Development L2 (3) |
Computer Methods. Select from these courses:
| ASE 485 | Engineering Statistics N2 (3) |
| CSE 310 | Data Structures and Algorithms II (3) |
| CSE 422 | Microprocessor System Design II (4) |
| CSE 428 | Computer-Aided Processes (3) |
| IEE 463 | Computer-Aided Manufacturing and Control N3 (3) |
| IEE 464 | Concurrent Engineering (3) |
| IEE 475 | Introduction to Simulation N3 (3) |
| MAE 404 | Finite Elements in Engineering (3) |
| MAE 406 | CAD/CAM Applications in MAE (4) |
| MAE 471 | Computational Fluid Dynamics (3) |
| MAE 541 | CAD Tools for Engineers (3) |
| MAT 421 | Applied Computational Methods N3 (3) |
| MAT 423 | Numerical Analysis I N3 (3) |
| MAT 425 | Numerical Analysis II N3 (3) |
Design. Select from these courses:
| MAE 341 | Mechanism Analysis and Design (3) |
| MAE 404 | Finite Elements in Engineering (3) |
| MAE 406 | CAD/CAM Applications in MAE (4) |
| MAE 426 | Design of Aerospace Structures (3) |
| MAE 435 | Turbomachinery (3) |
| MAE 442 | Mechanical Systems Design (3) |
| MAE 446 | Thermal Systems Design (3) |
| MAE 455 | Polymers and Composites (3) |
| MAE 466 | Rotary Wing Aerodynamics and Performance (3) |
| MAE 467 | Aircraft Performance (3) |
| MAE 490 | Projects in Design and Development L2 (3) |
| MSE 440 | Mechanical Properties of Solids (3) |
| MSE 441 | Analysis of Material Failures (3) |
Mechanical. Any courses listed under Mechanical Engineering Areas of Emphasis may be selected.
Propulsion. Select from these courses:
| MAE 382 | Thermodynamics (3) |
| MAE 388 | Heat Transfer (3) |
| MAE 434 | Internal Combustion Engines (3) |
| MAE 435 | Turbomachinery (3) |
| MAE 436 | Combustion (3) |
| MAE 461 | Aerodynamics II (3) |
| MAE 465 | Rocket Propulsion (3) |
| MAE 466 | Rotary Wing Aerodynamics and Performance (3) |
| MAE 471 | Computational Fluid Dynamics (3) |
| MAE 490 | Projects in Design and Development L2 (3) |
System Dynamics and Control. Select from these courses:
| CSE 428 | Computer-Aided Processes (3) |
| EEE 480 | Feedback Systems (4) |
| EEE 482 | Introduction to State Space Methods (3) |
| MAE 417 | Control System Design (3) |
| MAE 447 | Robotics and Its Influence on Design (3) |
| MAE 469 | Projects in Astronautics or Aeronautics (3) |
| MAE 490 | Projects in Design and Development L2 (3) |
Typical Four-Year Sequence
The first two years are usually devoted to the General Studies and engineering core requirements. Thus, the degree programs in the department share essentially the same course schedule for that period of time. A typical schedule is given below:
First Semester
| CHM 114 | General Chemistry for Engineers S1/S2 (4) |
| or CHM 116 General Chemistry S1/S2 (4) | |
| ECE 100 | Introduction to Engineering Design N3 (4) |
| ENG 101 | First-Year Composition (3) |
| MAT 270 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I N1 (4) |
| Total: 15 |
Second Semester
| ENG 102 | First-Year Composition (3) |
| MAT 242 | Linear Algebra (2) |
| MAT 271 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4) |
| PHY 121 | University Physics I: Mechanics S1/S21 (3) |
| PHY 122 | University Physics Laboratory I S1/S21 (1) |
| HU, SB, and awareness area course2 (3) | |
| Total: 16 | |
First Semester
| ECE 210 | Engineering Mechanics I: Statics (3) |
| MAT 272 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (4) |
| MAT 274 | Elementary Differential Equations (3) |
| PHY 131 | University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism S1/S23 (3) |
| PHY 132 | University Physics Laboratory II S1/S23 (1) |
| ECE 350 | Structure and Properties of Materials (3) |
| Total: 17 |
Second Semester
| ECE 301 | Electrical Networks I (4) |
| ECE 312 | Engineering Mechanics II: Dynamics (3) |
| ECE 313 | Introduction to Deformable Solids (3) |
| ECE 340 | Thermodynamics (3) |
| ECE 384 | Numerical Analysis for Engineers I (2) |
| ECE 386 | Partial Differential Equations for Engineers (2) |
| Total: 17 |
First Semester
| ECE 300 | Intermediate Engineering Design L1 (3) |
| MAE 317 | Dynamic Systems and Control (3) |
| MAE 361 | Aerodynamics I (3) |
| MAE 425 | Aerospace Structures (4) |
| HU, SB, and awareness area course2 (3) | |
| Total: 16 | |
Second Semester
| EEE 350 | Random Signal Analysis (3) |
| MAE 413 | Aircraft Performance, Stability, and Control (3) |
| MAE 460 | Gas Dynamics (3) |
| MAE 498 | PS: Principles of Aerospace Design (3) |
| HU, SB, and awareness area course2 (3) | |
| Total: 15 | |
First Semester
| PHY 361 | Introductory Modern Physics (3) |
| MAE 415 | Vibration Analysis (4) |
| MAE 462 | Space Vehicle Dynamics and Control (3) |
| MAE 463 | Propulsion (3) |
| Required design technical elective (3) | |
| Total: 16 | |
Second Semester
| MAE 464 | Aerospace Laboratory (3) |
| MAE 468 | Aerospace Systems Design L2 (3) |
| Technical electives (3) | |
| HU, SB, and awareness area courses2 (7) | |
| Total: 16 | |
| 1 | Both PHY 121 and 122 must be taken to secure S1 or S2 credit. |
| 2 | Engineering students may not use aerospace studies (AES) or military science (MIS) courses to satisfy HU or SB requirements. See the School of Engineering, “Selected nonengineering topics.” |
| 3 | Both PHY 131 and 132 must be taken to secure S1 or S2 credit. |
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING—B.S.E.
Mechanical engineering is a creative discipline that draws upon a number of basic sciences to design the devices, machines, processes, and systems that involve mechanical work and its conversion from and into other forms. It includes: the conversion of thermal, chemical, and nuclear energy into mechanical energy through various engines and power plants; the transport of energy via devices like heat exchangers, pipelines, gears, and linkages; the use of energy to perform a variety of tasks for the benefit of society, such as in transportation vehicles of all types, manufacturing tools and equipment, and household appliances. Furthermore, since all manufactured products must be constructed of solid materials and because most products contain parts that transmit forces, mechanical engineering is involved in the structural integrity and materials selection for almost every product on the market.
Mechanical engineers are employed in virtually every kind of industry. They are involved with seeking new knowledge through research, with doing creative design and development, and with the construction, control, management, and sales of the devices and systems needed by society. Therefore, a major strength of a mechanical engineering education is the flexibility it provides in future employment opportunities for its graduates.
The undergraduate curriculum includes the study of: the principles governing the use of energy; the principles of design, instruments and control devices; and the application of these studies to the creative solution of practical, modern problems.
Design is integrated throughout the curriculum, beginning with ECE 100 Introduction to Engineering Design and followed later by ECE 300 Intermediate Engineering Design, both of which focus on basic design theory as well as professional practice. These required courses are followed by topic specific design content in mechanical engineering courses in the junior and senior years. The senior capstone design course combines the design topics from the earlier courses and completes the required design sequence. In addition, many of the mechanical technical electives have design content.
Laboratory experience is provided in the areas of thermofluid systems, mechanics of materials, and controls. Laboratory facilities include thermal systems, and integrated mechanical-testing laboratory, a controls laboratory, and a manufacturing laboratory.
Mechanical Engineering Major
Mechanical Engineering students are required to select the following supplemental courses:
| ECE 384 | Numerical Analysis for Engineers I (2) |
| ECE 386 | Partial Differential Equations for Engineers (2) |
| EEE 350 | Random Signal Analysis (3) |
| MAT 242 | Elementary Linear Algebra (2) |
| PHY 361 | Introductory Modern Physics (3) |
The Mechanical Engineering major requires the following departmental courses:
| MAE 317 | Dynamic Systems and Control (3) |
| MAE 318 | Dynamic Systems and Control Laboratory (1) |
| MAE 371 | Fluid Mechanics (3) |
| MAE 388 | Heat Transfer (3) |
| MAE 422 | Mechanics of Materials (4) |
| MAE 441 | Principles of Design (3) |
| MAE 443 | Engineering Design (3) |
| MAE 490 | Projects in Design and Development L2 (3) |
| MAE 491 | Experimental Mechanical Engineering (3) |
| Area of emphasis (technical electives) (15) | |
| Total: 53 | |
Areas of Emphasis
Technical electives may be selected from among any of the following courses or from courses listed under the Aerospace Engineering areas of emphasis. The courses are grouped to assist a student in assembling an elective package of closely related courses. Students preferring a broader technical background may choose courses from different areas. With prior approval of the advisor and department, a student may select a general area and a corresponding set of courses not listed that would support a career objective not covered by the following categories:
Aerospace. Any courses listed under Aerospace Engineering areas of emphasis may be selected.
Biomechanical. Select from these courses:
| BME 411 | Biomedical Engineering I (3) |
| BME 412 | Biomedical Engineering II (3) |
| BME 416 | Biomechanics (3) |
| BME 419 | Biocontrol Systems (3) |
| EEE 302 | Electrical Networks II (3) |
| EEE 434 | Quantum Mechanics for Engineers (3) |
Computer Methods. Select from these courses:
| ASE 485 | Engineering Statistics N2 (3) |
| CSE 310 | Data Structures and Algorithms II (3) |
| CSE 422 | Microprocessor System Design II (4) |
| CSE 428 | Computer-Aided Processes (3) |
| IEE 463 | Computer-Aided Manufacturing and Control N3 (3) |
| IEE 464 | Concurrent Engineering (3) |
| IEE 475 | Introduction to Simulation N3 (3) |
| MAE 404 | Finite Elements in Engineering (3) |
| MAE 406 | CAD/CAM Applications in MAE (4) |
| MAE 471 | Computational Fluid Dynamics (3) |
| MAE 541 | CAD Tools for Engineers (3) |
| MAT 421 | Applied Computational Methods N3 (3) |
| MAT 423 | Numerical Analysis I N3 (3) |
| MAT 425 | Numerical Analysis II N3 (3) |
Control and Dynamic Systems. Select from these courses:
| CSE 428 | Computer-Aided Processes (3) |
| EEE 360 | Energy Conversion and Transport (4) |
| IEE 463 | Computer-Aided Manufacturing and Control N3 (3) |
| MAE 413 | Aircraft Performance, Stability, and Control (3) |
| MAE 417 | Control System Design (3) |
| MAE 462 | Space Vehicle Dynamics and Control (3) |
| MAE 467 | Aircraft Performance (3) |
Design. Select from these courses:
| MAE 341 | Mechanism Analysis and Design (3) |
| MAE 351 | Manufacturing Processes (3) |
| MAE 404 | Finite Elements in Engineering (3) |
| MAE 406 | CAD/CAM Applications in MAE (4) |
| MAE 413 | Aircraft Performance, Stability, and Control (3) |
| MAE 417 | Control System Design (3) |
| MAE 434 | Internal Combustion Engines (3) |
| MAE 435 | Turbomachinery (3) |
| MAE 442 | Mechanical Systems Design (3) |
| MAE 446 | Thermal Systems Design (3) |
| MAE 447 | Robotics and Its Influence on Design (3) |
| MAE 462 | Space Vehicle Dynamics and Control (3) |
| MAE 467 | Aircraft Performance (3) |
Energy Systems. Select from these courses:
| EEE 360 | Energy Conversion and Transport (4) |
| MAE 372 | Fluid Mechanics (3) |
| MAE 382 | Thermodynamics (3) |
| MAE 434 | Internal Combustion Engines (3) |
| MAE 435 | Turbomachinery (3) |
| MAE 436 | Combustion (3) |
| MAE 446 | Thermal Systems Design (3) |
Engineering Mechanics. Select from these courses:
| MAE 341 | Mechanism Analysis and Design (3) |
| MAE 402 | Introduction to Continuum Mechanics (3) |
| MAE 404 | Finite Elements in Engineering (3) |
| MAE 413 | Aircraft Performance, Stability, and Control (3) |
| MAE 415 | Vibration Analysis (4) |
| MAE 426 | Design of Aerospace Structures (3) |
| MAE 442 | Mechanical Systems Design (3) |
| MAE 460 | Gas Dynamics (3) |
| MAE 461 | Aerodynamics II (3) |
| MAE 471 | Computational Fluid Dynamics (3) |
| MAT 421 | Applied Computational Methods N3 (3) |
| MAT 423 | Numerical Analysis I N3 (3) |
| MSE 440 | Mechanical Properties of Solids (3) |
Manufacturing. Select from these courses:
| CSE 428 | Computer-Aided Processes (3) |
| IEE 300 | Economic Analysis for Engineers (3) |
| IEE 374 | Quality Control N2 (3) |
| IEE 461 | Integrated Production Control (3) |
| IEE 463 | Computer-Aided Manufacturing and Control N3 (3) |
| MAE 341 | Mechanism Analysis and Design (3) |
| MAE 351 | Manufacturing Processes (3) |
| MAE 404 | Finite Elements in Engineering (3) |
| MAE 442 | Mechanical Systems Design (3) |
| MAE 447 | Robotics and Its Influence on Design (3) |
| MAE 455 | Polymers and Composites (3) |
| MSE 355 | Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering (3) |
| MSE 420 | Physical Metallurgy (3) |
| MSE 431 | Corrosion and Corrosion Control (3) |
| MSE 440 | Mechanical Properties of Solids (3) |
Stress Analysis, Failure Prevention, and Materials. Select from these courses:
| MAE 341 | Mechanism Analysis and Design (3) |
| MAE 404 | Finite Elements in Engineering (3) |
| MAE 426 | Design of Aerospace Structures (3) |
| MAE 447 | Robotics and Its Influence on Design (3) |
| MAE 455 | Polymers and Composites (3) |
| MSE 355 | Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering (3) |
| MSE 420 | Physical Metallurgy (3) |
| MSE 431 | Corrosion and Corrosion Control (3) |
| MSE 440 | Mechanical Properties of Solids (3) |
| MSE 450 | X-ray and Electron Diffraction (3) |
Thermosciences. Select from these courses:
| MAE 372 | Fluid Mechanics (3) |
| MAE 382 | Thermodynamics (3) |
| MAE 433 | Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (3) |
| MAE 434 | Internal Combustion Engines (3) |
| MAE 435 | Turbomachinery (3) |
| MAE 436 | Combustion (3) |
| MAE 446 | Thermal Systems Design (3) |
| MAE 460 | Gas Dynamics (3) |
| MAE 463 | Propulsion (3) |
| MAE 471 | Computational Fluid Dynamics (3) |
First Semester
| CHM 114 | General Chemistry for Engineers S1/S2 (4) |
| or CHM 116 General Chemistry S1/S2 (4) | |
| ECE 100 | Introduction to Engineering Design N3 (4) |
| ENG 101 | First-Year Composition (3) |
| MAT 270 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I N1 (4) |
| Total: 15 |
Second Semester
| ENG 102 | First-Year Composition (3) |
| MAT 242 | Linear Algebra (2) |
| MAT 271 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4) |
| PHY 121 | University Physics I: Mechanics S1/S21 (3) |
| PHY 122 | University Physics Laboratory I S1/S21 (1) |
| HU, SB, and awareness area course2 (3) | |
| Total: 16 | |
First Semester
| ECE 210 | Engineering Mechanics I: Statics (3) |
| ECE 350 | Structure and Properties of Materials (3) |
| MAT 272 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (4) |
| MAT 274 | Elementary Differential Equations (3) |
| PHY 131 | University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism S1/S23 (3) |
| PHY 132 | University Physics Laboratory II S1/S23 (1) |
| Total: 17 |
Second Semester
| ECE 301 | Electrical Networks I (4) |
| ECE 312 | Engineering Mechanics II: Dynamics (3) |
| ECE 313 | Introduction to Deformable Solids (3) |
| ECE 340 | Thermodynamics (3) |
| ECE 386 | Partial Differential Equations for Engineers (2) |
| Total: 15 |
First Semester
| ECE 300 | Intermediate Engineering Design L1 (3) |
| MAE 317 | Dynamic Systems and Control (3) |
| MAE 318 | Dynamic Systems and Control Laboratory (1) |
| MAE 371 | Fluid Mechanics (3) |
| MAE 422 | Mechanics of Materials (4) |
| HU, SB, and awareness area course2 (3) | |
| Total: 17 | |
Second Semester
| ECE 384 | Numerical Analysis for Engineers I (2) |
| EEE 350 | Random Signal Analysis (3) |
| MAE 388 | Heat Transfer (3) |
| MAE 441 | Principles of Design (3) |
| HU, SB, and awareness area course2 (3) | |
| Technical elective (3) | |
| Total: 17 | |
First Semester
| MAE 491 | Experimental Mechanical Engineering (3) |
| PHY 361 | Introductory Modern Physics (3) |
| HU, SB, and awareness area course(s)2 (4) | |
| Technical electives (6) | |
| Total: 16 | |
Second Semester
| MAE 443 | Engineering Design (3) |
| MAE 490 | Projects in Design and Development L2 (3) |
| HU, SB, and awareness area course2 (3) | |
| Technical electives (6) | |
| Total: 15 | |
| 1 | Both PHY 121 and 122 must be taken to secure S1 or S2 credit. |
| 2 | Engineering students may not use aerospace studies (AES) or military science (MIS) courses to satisfy HU or SB requirements. See the School of Engineering, “Selected nonengineering topics.” |
| 3 | Both PHY 131 and 132 must be taken to secure S1 or S2 credit. |
Omnibus Courses: See omnibus courses that may be offered.
1998–99 General Catalog Table of Contents
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