Global Arc

The senior project is a year-long independent study intended for students who choose to work in teams of two or more. Work begins in fall, but enrollment is in spring when a double grade is recorded. Projects include engineering design, defined as devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. Groups develop their own topic or select a faculty proposed topic. Groups create a work plan and select an adviser. A written progress report is expected at the end of the fall term. Students submit a written final report and make an oral presentation at the end of the spring term.

This course describes natural patterns arising from instabilities in nature, and discusses their importance in the environment. We will analyze phenomena at various scales, as diverse as wave breaking at the ocean surface, internal mixing in the atmosphere and the ocean, volcanic plumes, convection cells in the atmosphere, the break-up of fluid ligaments or bubble bursting at an interface. The course will detail mathematical tools (linear and non-linear stability analysis, symmetry arguments, solutions to non-linear equations such as shocks and solitons), as well as present laboratory and numerical demonstrations of the instabilities.

Accounts of human flight are pervasive in the myths of ancient civilizations, some dating back as far as 3500 BC. So, why did it take so long for humankind to take charge of the Kingdom of the Air? This course is an introduction to the fundamentals, disciplines, and technologies associated with flight, including elements of aerodynamics, light-weight structures, propulsion, and flight mechanics. A practical laboratory component, designed to give the students a hands-on experience in these basic disciplines, complements the lectures.

Formulation and solution of equations governing the dynamic behavior of engineering systems. Fundamental principles of Newtonian mechanics. Kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies. Motion relative to moving reference frames. Impulse-momentum and work-energy relations. Free and forced vibrations of mechanical systems. Introduction to dynamic analysis of electromechanical and fluid devices and systems. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Prerequisites: MAT 201, PHY 103, and MAE 223 or CEE 205.

Heat and work in physical systems. Concepts of energy conversion and entropy, primarily from a macroscopic viewpoint. Applications to engines, heat pumps, refrigeration, and air-conditioning systems. In the laboratory students will carry out experiments in the fields of analog electronics and thermodynamics. For MAE concentrators only, a combined final laboratory grade will be issued in the spring laboratory course 224, which includes the laboratory work of both 221 and 224. Three lectures, one class, one preceptorial, and one three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: PHY 103 and MAT 201, which may be taken concurrently.

Introduction to the physical and analytical description of phenomena associated with the flow of fluids. Topics include the principles of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; lift and drag; open channel flow; dynamic similitude; laminar and turbulent flow. Three lectures, one preceptorial. Prerequisites: MAT 104 and 202; MAT 202 may be taken concurrently.

Fundamental principles of solid mechanics: equilibrium equations, reactions, internal forces, stress, strain, Hooke's law, torsion, beam bending and deflection, and deformation in simple structures. Integrates aspects of solid mechanics with applications to mechanical and aerospace structures (engines and wings), and microelectronic and biomedical devices (thin films). Topics include stress concentration, fracture, plasticity, fatigue, visco-elasticity and thermal expansion. The course synthesizes descriptive observations, mathematical theories, and engineering consequences. Two 90-minute lectures. Prerequisites: MAT 104, and PHY 103.

Core laboratory course for concentrators, who carry out experiments in the fields of digital electronics, fluid mechanics, and dynamics. Students also complete an independent research project. Continuation of the laboratory component of 221; a combined final grade will be issued based upon laboratory work in both 221 and 224. Prerequisite: MAT 104, MAT 202, MAE 221 Typically taken concurrently with 222. One three-hour laboratory, one class.

Introductory lecture and laboratory course for current or prospective Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering students that focuses on analytical methods and skills. For AY 2016-17, the course will explore sensors, actuators, and elementary electronics. Electronic circuit assembly includes the use of schematic capture software and the design and fabrication of printed circuit boards. Students will participate in weekly lectures and laboratories. Basic concepts in the course will be reinforced by the development of an independent project. This elective course is PDF only, and it does not count towards the degree requirements in MAE.

Addresses issues of regional and global energy demands, including sources, carriers, storage, current and future technologies, costs for energy conversion, and their impact on climate and the environment. Also focuses on emissions and regulations for transportation. Students will perform cost-efficiency and environmental impact analyses from source to end-user on both fossil fuels and alternative energy sources. Designed for both engineering and non-engineering concentrators.