Mechanical Engineering Technology Courses

The design, evaluation, and documentation of engineering specifications required of manufacturability and assembly are introduced. Emphasis is on CAD-based details, assemblies, design layouts, equipment installations, and related industrial practices.

Force systems, resultants and equilibrium, trusses, frames, beams, and shear and moments in beams are studied.

Concepts of mechanics are applied to structures, machine components, and frames. Stresses and deformations resulting from axial, shear, torsional, and flexural loads are considered. Kinematics and kinetics of motion are introduced.

An overview of structures, properties, processing, and applications of metals and ceramics commonly used in industry is presented. Problem solving skills are developed in the areas of materials selection, evaluation, measurement, and testing.

An overview of structures, properties, processing, and applications of polymers, composites, laminates, biomaterials, green materials, nanomaterials, and pharmaceuticals commonly used in industry is presented. Problem solving skills are developed in the areas of material selection, evaluation, measurement, and testing. This course serves as the gateway for the MET and MFET programs.

Instruction is given in analytical and computational problem-solving techniques. The electronic calculator, the factor-label method of unit conversions, and engineering graphs are used to solve technical problems in mechanical engineering technology. Credit will not be granted for both MET 16000 and 16200.

The principles of strength, stiffness, and stability are introduced and applied primarily to mechanical components.

Applications of engineering mechanics are introduced, based on an elementary expansion of Newtonian physics as applied to static and dynamic force systems. Internal stresses and strains produced by these forces in selected machine elements are considered. Work, energy, and power are discussed. Does not carry credit toward graduation in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Kinematics and kinetics principles of rigid-body dynamics are introduced. Emphasis is on the analysis of bodies in plane motion.

The methods developed in statics, dynamics, and strength of materials are applied to the selection of basic machine components. The fundamental principles required for the selection of individual elements that compose a machine are developed. Selected course topics are included as computer exercises.

Heat/Power is an introduction to the principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer. Basic thermodynamic processes are used to evaluate the performance of energy-based systems such as internal combustion engines, power plants, and refrigeration equipment.

This course consists of the study of compressible and incompressible fluid statics and dynamics as applied to hydraulic and pneumatic pumps, motors, transmissions, and controls.

This course surveys the manufacturing processes and tools commonly used to convert cast, forged, molded, and wrought materials into finished products. It includes the basic mechanisms of material removal, measurement, quality control, assembly processes, cold forming, safety, process planning, and automated manufacturing.

Prerequisite: MA 159 / MET 143 or MET 144 / CGT 100

This course surveys the manufacturing processes and tools commonly used to convert cast and molded, formed, and joined materials into finished products. It includes the fundamentals of material removal, measurement, statistical quality control, assembly processes, process planning and optimization, CNC programming and automated manufacturing.

This course examines the concepts, devices, and common practices associated with modern industrial control systems. Common industrial control devices are studied.Students learn how to wire, program, and troubleshoot programmable logic controller (PLC) based control systems. PLC applications focus on interfacing and controlling a variety of electromechanical devices such as motors and pneumatic actuators. Industrial safety practices and procedures are emphasized throughout the course.

Theory and practice of management, use and integration of computer-aided design systems, and related engineering tools and practices are studied as they are applied in the industrial enterprise. Emphasis is on course projects.

The fundamental principles of fluid mechanics are developed, including properties of fluid, pressure, hydrostatics, dynamics of fluid flow, friction losses, and sizing of pipes. Emphasis is on problem solving.

A broad spectrum of equipment behavior is introduced through the study of four major operating parameters: vibration, noise, temperature, and lubrication. Emphasis is placed on measurement and analysis of data using diagnostic instrumentation and techniques found in modern process and manufacturing plants.

 Hydraulic and pneumatic circuits and their steady state and time variant behavior as it affects the selection and design of components and systems used in fluid power transmission and motion control are studied. Emphasis is placed on industrial and mobile applications, but the principles also apply to aerospace, marine, and other fluid power systems.

Metals and polymers are studied. Topics include the bonding of atoms; the structures of crystals and polymers; the coldworking, alloying, and heat treating of metals; and the physical behavior of plastics. Course emphasis is on the development and control of material properties to meet engineering requirements and specifications.

Concepts, knowledge, and skills in experimental mechanics, production processes, and design are integrated to manufacture a working musical instrument. Production concerns such as fixture design, process variability, and validation testing comprise key course elements.

Prerequisites: MATH-M125/M126, CSCI-A201, ECET 214, and PHYS-P202.

Study of the procedures and techniques essential to industrial measurement and transmission of data is provided in the areas of machine control, process control, and automated testing. Concepts of hysteresis, repeatability, weighted signals, span, suppression, range, and closed loop control are emphasized.

Theory and practice in mechanical design are presented. Modern design methodologies will be studied. The integrative methods discussed in this course reflect the current industry trend to perform product design and development in cross-functional teams. Emphasis is on multiple open-ended projects.

Heat gains and losses, heat-producing equipment, cooling, and refrigeration equipment are studied. System design is presented, including controls and instrumentation for commercial, industrial, and residential systems.

Green manufacturing and sustainability concepts are covered, including topics such as environmental regulations, recycle/reduce/reuse, energy reduction, and environmental management systems. Elucidating methodologies and strategies normally considered when creating strong sustainability programs in various industries receive special emphasis.

The course deals with the fundamentals of internal combustion engines, with emphasis on performance, efficiency, and emissions. A comprehensive review of engine/vehicle operating systems is conducted. Related topics such as turbocharging, fuel oxygenates, lubrication, and computerized engine management are presented.

Hydraulic feedback motion control systems, types, and applications are studied. Simulation and performance of closed loop control systems with single and multiple signal paths are emphasized. Dynamic system performance is predicted and evaluated. System parameters including accuracy, response speed, fluid compressibility effects, load disturbances, and nonlinear behavior of the components are studied.

 The application of pneumatic motion control systems to industrial motion control and robotics is studied. Circuit design with control logic of both fluid and electronic types is stressed, as applied to pneumatic point-to-point and proportional controls. Control designs are implemented, tested, and evaluated in the laboratory.

Topics cover joining technologies such as fastening, welding, brazing/soldering, adhesive, and diffusion bonding processes of metals, ceramics, plastics, and composites. The materials, processes, destructive and non-destructive evaluation, and design aspects of these technologies as well as current production practices will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on identification and optimization of key processing parameters. Students will be exposed to commonly used technologies, equipment, and methods for joint design, formation, testing, and optimization to better understand key parameters and process variables, and their influence on optimum joint designs.

This course will introduce technology graduate students and senior undergraduates to the basic concepts of optimization methods with particular emphasis on applications in product and process design. Unconstrained nonlinear problems will be presented and solved using steepest descent and conjugate directions. Constrained problems will be solved using exterior penalty functions. Permission of department required.

The principles of organizational environmental quality characterization, regulatory management, and engineering control will be covered. The health effects realized by significant exposures to potential indoor and outdoor organizational environmental pollutants from all media types (water, soil, air, artifact) will be elucidated. A special emphasis will be placed on how to develop a sound foundation for designing appropriate engineering control technologies such as ventilation and filtration. Permission of department required.

Introduction to the challenges faced by the practicing technologist when working and interacting with international technical personnel, both here and abroad, including history, standards, education, and practice of technology outside the United States.

A study of the application of the engineering sciences and technology to the solution of problems associated with mechanical and electrical systems in buildings. Emphasizes commercial and industrial facilities. Identifying energy conservation measures for both mechanical and electrical systems and evaluating their economic impact are an important focus of the course.

This course provides an insight to the underlying principles and applications of this emerging field of Nanotechnology. Participants will be introduced to the scientific principles and theory of nanoscale dimension and discusses the current and future Nanotechnology applications and research in different fields. Graduate student status or senior status with instructor approval. Graduate students with insufficient background may be required to take leveling courses.

The course focuses on optimal design of metalcastings to fit structural requirements (applied loads) and to assure sound manufacturability (castability). Students are expected to learn the general principles of design optimization through hands-on laboratory exercises based on the application of finite element and computational fluid dynamics software.

A study of the development of CIM (computer integrated manufacturing) from the application of basic automation to a fully integrated system for the operation of the business enterprise. Emphasis is placed on the technology, systems, and human resources, which are integrated to accomplish the objectives of the company. Permission of instructor required.

Micro and nanomachining introduces technology students of many disciplines to discover how machining processes enable the development of MEMS and NEMS products and services. The focus of this course is to develop an understanding of machining processes at the micro and nanoscales.

Advanced study of technical and professional topics. Emphasis is on new developments relating to technical, operational, and training aspects of industry and technology education.

Independent study of a special problem under the guidance of a member of the staff. Does not substitute for either M.S. thesis or M.S. project credit. Permission of instructor required.

A formal investigation of a particular problem under the guidance of the advisory committee. Not applicable to a thesis option plan of study. Enrollment during at least two consecutive terms for a total of three credits is required. Permission of instructor required.

Research MS Thesis. Permission of instructor required.

Shop floor components of computer-integrated manufacturing are introduced. Emphasis is focused on current applications and programming practices of various computer automated manufacturing processes and technologies. Topics include: CAD/CAM integration, computer-assisted numerical control programming, computer-assisted quality control, and automatic identification.

Prerequisite: ECET 214 and MET 242 or 245

Basic introduction to automation applications in manufacturing and the impact of computer-based systems on a manufacturing company. Coverage includes practices and the various issues related to the application of computer-integrated manufacturing. Emphasis placed on CAD, CAM, CNC, robotics, industrial control elements, PLCs, and computer-based process controls. Does not carry credit toward graduation in CIMT.

This course will address advanced manufacturing processes and practices. Topics include: the impact of product manufacturability upon manufacturing operations, concurrent engineering, rapid prototyping, nontraditional manufacturing processes, and design specifications for manufacturing tooling and machinery.

Shop floor components of computer-integrated manufacturing are explored. Emphasis is focused on current applications and programming practices of various computer automated manufacturing processes and technologies. Topics include CAD/CAM integration, computer-assisted numerical control programming for 2 ½ and 3 axis contouring, and CNC program verification.

Industrial robots and general motion control systems will be studied. Topics include: robot classifications and programming, end-of-arm tooling, operation simulation, safety considerations, robot vision systems and sensors. Students are introduced to general motion control through the application of stepper motor technology, servo motor technology, and feedback devices.

The fundamentals of data communications and local area networks are taught in order to show students how to integrate modern manufacturing systems. Emphasis is on the various levels of communications between shop floor computers, PLCs, robots, and automatic identification equipment. Database technology is used as an integration tool. This course prepares students for the MFET capstone course.

This course will study the technology associated with computer integrated manufacturing (CIM). Conventional manufacturing technologies and methods will be introduced, followed by computer automation and CIM. The course will include computer-aided design (CAD), automated manufacturing processes, integrated manufacturing processes, integrated manufacturing systems, and other related topics. Does not carry credit toward graduation in MET/CIMT.

Application and implementation of formal control systems for production and inventory control, advanced manufacturing planning, operations management, and related topics. Topics will include advanced software applications and the integration of planning and control systems for manufacturing.

This is the first of two courses that complete the capstone requirement. The course focus is on the project planning, system design and management activities necessary for the implementation of a successful manufacturing integration project.

This capstone course emphasizes the integration of manufacturing activities into a complete system. The course brings together elements of prior courses including: production processes, planning systems, system integration, and manufacturing controls. Primary course activities are centered around a semester-long team project.