Mechanical Engineering Graduate Courses

MECH-510 Analysis & Design of Mechanical Assemblies 
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MECH-300, MECH-310, MECH-312, or equivalent, as approved by the professor
The main aim of this course is to integrate the concepts of kinematic & dynamic analyses to the design of machines and mechanical assemblies used in automotive, medical equipment and other applications. These include (but are not limited to) the analysis and design of reciprocating engine sub-systems such as, piston cylinder mechanism, steering linkages, window and door-lock mechanisms, over-head valve linkage system, flywheel, gears & gearboxes, universal couplings and automotive differential. Synthesis of mechanism systems used in medical equipment area will also be covered. Kinematic and dynamic characteristics such as displacement, velocity, acceleration and forces are analyzed by graphical and analytical methods. CAE tools will be used to perform kinematic, dynamic and stress analyses and fatigue design of these systems using CAE tools. Temperature effects will also be included wherever appropriate in the design. Several practical design projects will be assigned during the term of this course.

MECH-514 Experimental Mechanics
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: IME-301 or PHYS-342, MECH-300, MECH-312, MECH-330
The primary purpose of this course is to provide fundamental knowledge in the theory and practical experience in the application of mechanical engineering measurements. Viewed as a system, consideration is given to the performance, limitations, and cost of the detection - transducing stage, the signal conditioning stage and the final termination or readout – recording stage. Sensors such as resistive, capacitive or inductive are considered for the transducing stage. Signal conditioning stage emphasizes the use of a Wheatstone Bridge circuit, operational amplifiers and digital processing. The final readout or termination stage considers visual readouts such as analog or digital meters, charts or scopes in addition to memory devices such as computer hard drives and microprocessors. Nearly 2/3 of the time is spent on an approved team project that produces experimental measurements, which adds knowledge or understanding to some theoretical concepts or rhetorical inquiry. Course is structured so as to qualify as a capstone for cognate mechanical engineering students. Others may use it as a technical elective.

MECH-515 Failure and Material Considerations in Design  
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: None 
Designing components that are safe and reliable requires efficient use of materials and assurance that failure will not occur.  Even still, components do fail.  In this course, students will be introduced to the techniques of designing for life and material considerations involved in that process.  In addition, students will also study how to analyze those components which do fail, and evaluate safe-life and remaining life in a design through the study of real-life component design and current failures.

MECH-516 Introduction to Finite Element Analysis with Structural Application
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MECH-212, MECH-310, MECH-330
The theory of the Finite Element Method will be introduced.  Applications of static and dynamic finite element analysis of real world mechanical systems will be performed.  Commercial F.E.A. codes such as SDRC/I-DEAS and MSC/NASTRAN will be utilized.

MECH-523 Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MECH-320, MECH-322, MATH-313 or MATH-418, or MATH-423, or Permission of Instructor
This course includes solution methods to the Navier-Stokes equations in a discrete domain.  Grid generation, coordinate transformation, discretization, explicit, implicit, semi-implicit, a variety of algorithms, post-processing, and interpretations of results are discussed.  Solution techniques for compressible and incompressible flows, their applicability, robustness, and limitations are covered.  External and internal flows with and without chemical reactions are also discussed.  The learning process involves hands-on experience on grid generation, setting up a CFD code, post-processing, and a thorough discussion on the results.  The students will work on a final project that is a practical problem of significant magnitude and importance to industry.  This work must be publishable in the student’s journal or presentable in a conference.

MECH-526 Fuel Cell Science & Engineering   
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: CHEM-237/238 or CHEM-361 or PHYS-452, MECH-325 or MECH-420
The objectives of this course are to introduce the students to and provide an extensive experience in the engineering and design of fuel cell devices. The course lecture will cover the five main types of fuel cells and their operational parameters and applications, efficiency and open circuit voltages. Other topics include:  fuel cell systems, compressors, turbines, fans, blowers, pumps, DC voltage regulation and voltage conversion, fuels for fuel cells and methods of processing. Codes and standards of operating a fuel cell powered device will be presented as well as laws regulating the transportation of hazardous materials contained within these devices. Students will also study the design requirements for the introduction of fuel cells into various devices such as:  golf cart, bicycles, laptops, toys, road signs, etc. The lecture is supported with laboratory experiences.

MECH-527 Energy and the Environment 
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: None
This course covers energy conversion and conservation, fossil fuels, renewable and bio-fuels, solar, geothermal and nuclear energy, alternative energy (wind, water, biomass), hydrogen as an energy carrier, historical context of the technology, the role of energy in society (economic, ethical, and environmental considerations), energy forecasts and the trend toward a hydrogen economy.  Public policy, global warming and CO2 footprints and offsetting are also discussed.  Several laboratory experiments including solar heating, ethanol production and wind energy will be included in this course. 

MECH-528 Bio and Renewable Energy Laboratory 
4 credit hours               

Prerequisite: MECH-320, MECH-322, Minimum Class Standing: None
This course provides an opportunity for the students to perform hands-on laboratory experiments in the area of sustainable energy. The fundamental principles required will be provided prior to laboratory experimentation. Topics covered include but are not limited to PEM and solid oxide fuel cells, energy storage in batteries and ultra-capacitors, heat of combustion and calorimetry, solar-thermal energy and photovoltaics, wind energy, ethanol production from corn and sugar and bio-diesel extraction from algae. A field-trip is also included as a part of this course. 

MECH-529 Design and Modeling of Fuel Cell Systems
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MECH-322, MECH-420, Corequisite: MECH-422, MECH-526
A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that directly converts energy from fuels into electrical power. It has the potential for highly efficient and environmentally-friendly  power. Recently, emphasis has been placed into the development of fuel cell systems for power sources including portable, APU, and stationary applications. The fundamental principles applied to fuel cells including the relevant electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and transport processes will be reviewed in this course. The primary focus will be on fundamental principles and processes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cells including modeling of both types of cells. An introduction to fuel cell stack design and system integration will be presented, in which the analysis and optimization of various components will be discussed. A survey of the cutting-edge issues including the future direction of fuel cell technology will also be conducted. Class projects will focus on the design of a fuel cell system for an application chosen by the students where teamwork will be emphasized. This course is designed to provide the student with the know-how to design a fuel cell system for a specific application of power generation.

MECH-540 Introduction to Internal Combustion Engines and Automotive Power Systems
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: MECH-320 
The fundamentals of internal combustion engines (ICE) is an introduction to engine design with topics that include: air capacity, engine vibration, kinematics and dynamics of the crank mechanism, air cycles, combustion, petroleum and alternative fuels, engine electronics and fuel cells.  Automotive emissions, government standards, test procedures, instrumentation, and laboratory reports are emphasized.

MECH-541 Advanced Automotive Power Systems
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: MECH-540

This course serves to expand student’s knowledge of automotive power systems.  Topics covered include detailed thermodynamic cycle analysis of various power cycles, emerging alternative fuels and power systems for automotive use (current topics include high-blend alcohol/gasoline fuels, gasoline direct injections [GDI] engines, hybrid electronic powertrains and fuel cells).  Students are also expected to work on design projects which are determined by the instructor.  Students are expected to work on projects leading to the development of presentations and/or technical papers for professional society meetings (i.e., SAE, Global Powertrain Congress, etc.). 

MECH-542 Chassis System Design
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: Dynamics and Vibrations
The objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive experience in the area of automotive chassis engineering.  Students will work in teams to complete a chassis design project applicable to passenger cars or light trucks.  The course covers tires and wheels, brakes, suspensions and steering.  A vehicle system approach is used in learning and application and the logic of vehicle dynamics and the science of improvement are integrated into the course content.  Professional computer-aided engineering tools are introduced and applied in the areas of suspension design and overall vehicle dynamic performance.

MECH-544 Introduction to Automotive Powertrains
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: MECH-212, Corequisite: MECH-312
An introduction to the performance of motor vehicles and the design of automotive power transmission systems.  Topics covered include loads on the vehicle, evaluation of various engine and vehicle drive ratios on acceleration performance and fuel economy, manual transmission design and automatic transmission design.

MECH-545 Hybrid Electric Vehicle Propulsion
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: None, Corequisites: EE-432 or MECH-430 or permission of instructor
This course is an introduction to the principles of hybrid electrical vehicle propulsion systems for Mechanical and Electrical Engineering students. A major emphasis of the course will be to broaden the mechanical engineering student’s knowledge of electrical engineering so that he/she can understand the fundamentals of electrical motors, electrical motor controls, and electrical energy storage systems. The course is also intended to strengthen the knowledge of electrical engineering students relative to automotive powertrain design. With this background, the integration of these hybrid electric components into the hybrid electric vehicle powertrain system will be studied, including electric energy storage (batteries, flywheels, ultra-capacitors) and electrical energy production-fuel cells. Relevant codes and standards will be emphasized.

MECH-546 Vehicle System Dynamics
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MECH-330
This course begins with an introduction of Ride and Handling concepts followed by the study of mechanics of pneumatic tires. Mathematical models for ride and handling are derived and presented. Vehicle ride and handling design criteria are demonstrated. Chassis design factors (CDF) and their effect on ride and handling are emphasized. Static, Dynamic and proving ground testing will be presented and demonstrated. Computer simulation design using software (e.g., Matlab, Mathcad, ADAMS Working model, sSnap, Car-Sim and others) will be used as an integral part of the course and for the two projects assigned during the semester. Overview on state-of-the-art technology and latest developments in the field of vehicle systems dynamics (e.g., SAE, ASME publications) will be part of this course.

MECH-550 Automotive Bioengineering: Occupant Protection and Safety
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: MECH-310
This course deals with a discussion and application of the following fundamental concepts: (1) an overview of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; (2) basic anatomy and physiology of the overall human body; (3) introduction to injury biomechanics including rate, load, and acceleration dependent injury mechanisms; (4) overview of injury prevention strategies including a variety of air bags, multipoint restraint systems, and occupant sensing methodologies; (5) the basic structure and function of anthropomorphic test devices; (6) introduction to experimental crash simulation; (7) virtual occupant simulation using MADYMO or similar computational tools.

MECH-551 Vehicular Crash Dynamics and Accident Reconstruction
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MECH-310 
This course deals with a discussion and application of the following fundamental concepts: (1) 2D and 3D dynamics of vehicular crash, (2) application of linear and angular momentum principles to vehicular impact, (3) application of energy principle to vehicular impact, (4) estimation of crash energy from vehicular crash profile, (5) vehicular crash pulse analysis, (6) occupant kinematics, (7) dynamics of rollover and pole collision, (8) crash data recorder (CDR) analysis, (9) and special topics in accident investigation forensics.

MECH-562 Compressible Flow/Gas Dynamics
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MECH-320, MECH-322 or Permission of Instructor, Minimum Class Standing: JR
The course includes the derivation and physical interpretation of the Navier-Stokes equations for compressible flows. Analysis of one-dimensional flows with discussions on normal, oblique, and bow shocks. Sound waves and unsteady wave motion are also covered. The method of characteristic (MOC) is taught and standard JANNAF CFD codes is utilized to understand the compressible flows and shock formation and behavior. The study is then further carried out to nozzle flows and jet/shock layer interaction. The students are required to not only understand the conventional methods used to obtain solution for compressible flow problems, but also to be able to utilize CFD and experimental methods to obtain solution for complex problems.

MECH-564 Aerodynamics and Wing Theory
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: MECH-320, MECH-322, MATH-305 or MECH-522, or permission of instructor
This course includes discussions on fundamentals of inviscid and viscous incompressible flows. Important topics in fluid mechanics such as potential flow, vortices, point sources, and coupling of inviscid and boundary layer flows are covered. Two and three dimensional wings (or airfoils) and some exact solutions to such flow problems are discussed. Semi-analytical methods for disturbance distribution on wings are introduced by perturbation method. The computational Panel method for two and three dimensional aerodynamics problems is discussed. Commercial computer programs are used to solve realistic problems in a three dimensional space.

MECH-570 Computer Simulation of Metal Forming Processes
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: IME-301, MECH-212, MECH-310, Corequisite: MECH-300
The main aim of this course is to introduce some of the latest techniques for modeling bulk and surface deformation processes through computer simulation.  This requires an integration of the knowledge attained in other related courses such as engineering materials, solid mechanics, dynamics, and computer-aided engineering.  The computer simulations include sheet metal forming operations, rolling, swaging and the other bulk deformation processes.  Modern high-speed computer aided design methodology is introduced to study the behavior of the material during metal forming process, including the study of the strain pattern.  Commercially available one-step and incremental software codes such as Quickstamp®, and LS-DYNA® will be used for the course.  These solution procedures along with limitations of the software will be discussed with emphasis on techniques in an applied manner.

MECH-572 CAD/CAM and Rapid Prototyping Project
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MECH-100, MECH-300  
Capstone design project course in which students acquire an integrating experience leading them from CAD of a part (designed using sculptured surface and solid modeling techniques), through rapid prototyping of that part (using stereolithography) and into mold or die design and manufacture, (using CAD/CAM system such as I-DEAS, Solid Edge, and Unigraphics).

MECH-580 Properties of Polymers
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: IME-301, MECH-212, MECH-300 
This course begins with thermo-mechanical properties of commodity thermoplastics and includes a review of structure/nomenclature.  The course then addresses: polymer shape and size, amorphous and crystalline states, Tg, Tm, rubber elasticity and viscoelasticity (creep).  There will be materials’ selection and design projects.

MECH-582 Mechanics and Design Simulation of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials
4 credit hours

Prerequisites MECH-212, MECH-300, Minimum Class Standing: SO
This course focuses on the properties, mechanics, and design simulation aspects of fiber-reinforced composite materials. Topics include: constituents and interfacial bonding, microstructure and micromechanics, theory of anisotropy, classical laminate theory, material characterization, failure and damage, manufacturing techniques, composite structure design, and introduction of nanocomposite. 

MECH-595 Automotive Seminar I             
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: None
Kettering has a partnership with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to offer both a certificate in Automotive Systems, as well as, a graduate degree in either Automotive Systems or the Mechanical Cognate. This seminar course would be comprised of a total of 4 Continuing Education Units (CEU) from SAE seminars, which have been reviewed and approved by a faculty review committee, consistent with Graduate academic policy. The transfer of credit must be supported by documentation from SAE for each individual applicant seeking such transfer. This course is not open to undergraduates.

MECH-596 Automotive Seminar II
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: None
Kettering has a partnership with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to offer both a certificate in Automotive Systems, as well as, a graduate degree in either Automotive Systems or the Mechanical Cognate. This seminar course would be comprised of a total of 4 Continuing Education Units (CEU) from SAE seminars, which have been reviewed and approved by a faculty review committee, consistent with Graduate academic policy. The transfer of credit must be supported by documentation from SAE for each individual applicant seeking such transfer. This course is not open to undergraduates.

MECH-600 Engineering Mathematics with Applications
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MATH-204, MATH-305 or  MATH-307, MECH-420
The objectives of this course are to introduce students to various analytical and numerical methods used in the modeling, analysis, and design of engineering systems. The theory and application of these methods will be introduced. Applications to real-world mechanical and thermal-fluid systems will be performed.

MECH-610 Mechanics of Materials I: Linear Elasticity 
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: None  
This course introduces the general model of deformation and displacements; and, their application to linear elastic solids. The formulation of deformation gradients, displacement gradient, strain, and stress tensors will be discussed. The derivation of the general equation of motion of a deforming solid will be conducted. The general constitutive relation of elastic materials will be introduced. The linearized general deformation measures and constitutive relation will be utilized with the general equation of motion and compatibility conditions to develop the general theory of linear elasticity. The developed theory will then be applied to solve for the deformation and stresses of elastic solids under plane strain, plane stress and beam theory conditions.

MECH-611 Mechanics of Materials II: Nonlinear Elastic-Plastic Behavior 
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MECH-610
This course deals with the general nonlinear theory of deformation and its application to elastic-plastic behavior of materials. The linear elastic behavior will be reviewed along with its application to deformation of plates and shells. The geometric nonlinear deformation measures will be discussed. The application of the general equation of motion to nonlinear deformation of solids will be conducted. The nonlinear theories of elasticity and plasticity materials will be introduced. The nonlinear deformation measures and constitutive relation will be utilized with the general equation of motion to address the nonlinear deformation of elastic-plastic materials. The developed relations will then be applied to solve for the deformation and stresses of several nonlinear problems.

MECH-613 Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MECH-611
This course introduces the theory and application of nonlinear finite element analysis in engineering design. The classification and formulation of different nonlinear behaviors and computational techniques will be discussed. Material and geometric nonlinear behaviors will be studied. The computational techniques for solving the different classes of nonlinear problems will be formulated. These techniques include implicit and explicit methods. Commercial software will be used to apply the formulated algorithms to the analyses of nonlinear crash and metal forming engineering problems.

MECH-615 Engineering Optimization 
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MECH-522
This course introduces the general model of numerical optimization and its application to engineering design. The formulation and classification of the optimization problems will be discussed. The computational search techniques for solving the different classes of optimization problems will be studied. These techniques include single and multi variable, zero and first order constrained and unconstrained, linear and nonlinear search algorithms. The developed algorithms will be used to find the optimum solutions for a variety of engineering design problems.

MECH-621 Applied Transport Phenomena
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MECH-322, MECH-420
The objective of this course is to introduce concepts normally not covered in undergraduate Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow. Concepts relating to advanced heat convection and mass diffusion, turbulent and laminar boundary layer flows with heat transfer and mass transfer will be introduced. Topics in advanced heat conduction and droplet evaporation will also be introduced. Heat transfer for internal and external flow problems will be considered. The relationship between fluid flow, heat, and mass transfer in engineering systems will be discussed. Analytical and approximate solutions to these problems will be presented.

MECH-622 Computational Heat & Mass Transfer 
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MATH-601, MECH-522
The objective of this course is to introduce the student to the use of numerical methods that are commonly used to solve transient, non-linear, three-dimensional engineering problems with complicated geometries. Analytical methods that could be used to solve these types of problems will be presented.  Some of these analytical methods can only be used to solve problems with simple geometries and simple boundary conditions. However, numerical methods can be used to solve problems with complicated geometries and boundary conditions. Engineering problems involving several different physical phenomena simultaneously, such as fluid flow with heat transfer and mass transfer, will be considered. In this case, the governing differential equations are coupled and should be solved simultaneously. Methods on how to treat non-linear terms will be discussed. Moreover, the method of staggered grids and upwind schemes that are used to solve fluid flow problems will be presented. For transient problems, implicit and explicit methods will also be presented. The student will be required to write his or her own computer code to implement these methods to solve engineering problems. For very complicated geometries, the student will be required to use a commercial or existing code. The student will be able to relate the computer output to the performance/behavior of the physical system. The limitations and convergence/stability issues associated with these numerical methods will be discussed.

MECH-626 Hydrogen Generation, Storage and Safety
4 credit hours

Prerequisite: Undergraduate Chemistry, Fuel Cell Science and Technology or Instructor’s Permission
This course covers various methods of hydrogen production: water electrolysis using photovoltaics, steam reformation and partial oxidation techniques of various types of conventional and alternative fuels. Various methods of hydrogen storage – compressed gas, liquefied gas, metal and chemical hydrides and nanotubes are included. Codes for underground and above ground pressurized hydrogen gas storage systems and safety aspects are covered. A comparison is made between hydrogen properties and known conventional fuels such as, methane (natural gas), gasoline, methanol and ethanol. Infrastructure design studies, dispensing transportation, codes and standards are covered. A hydrogen storage/production/safety laboratory for experimental studies is planned to be a major component of this course.

MECH-627 Green Energy Conversion 
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MECH-320, MECH-322, MECH-420
This course covers radiant energy transfer from the sun and its application to solar exchangers. Basic theory, energy balances for solar exchangers, economics, and practice of solar energy applications are included. The concepts are applied to renewable energy systems such as solar heating and cooling systems for homes, businesses, and industry. Windmill theory and applications as well as system design are also covered. Data obtained on large scale solar and windmill systems will be analyzed and discussed.

MECH-641 Combustion & Emissions
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: MECH-322, MECH-420
This course introduces the student to the basic principles of combustion and how to apply them to basic engineering problems. Various technologies of this field will be explored. However, a large portion of the course will cover the fundamentals of combustion. Topics relating to flame speed, flame thickness, flame spread, flame quenching, blow-off, stabilization, ignition energy, flammability limits, and flashback will be presented. Laminar and turbulent premixed and diffusion flames will be discussed. These topics will be related to combustion and emissions in spark-ignition and diesel engines.

MECH-643 Noise, Vibration & Harshness
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: Graduate Standing
An integrated approach to the analysis of Noise, Vibration and Harshness of automotive engineering is presented. Techniques for evaluating the vibration and acoustic characteristics of vehicle systems are discussed. Then the principles of noise and vibrations control are presented through automotive applications.