Engineering Mechanics Major

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ENGINEERING MECHANICS (Engr Mech)
Offered by the Department of Engineering Mechanics.

Engr Mech 220. Fundamentals of Mechanics. An introduction to the fundamental principles of statics and mechanics of materials applied to aerospace systems. Topics include: force and moment equilibrium in three dimensions using free body diagrams and vector algebra; stress, strain and deformation response of deformable bodies to axial, torsional, flexural and combined loadings; material properties and selection criteria; failure modes of materials and structures.

Engr Mech 305. Engineering Tools Seminar. A junior-level seminar course designed to help Engr Mech and Mech Engr majors transition into the degree-granting program. Content includes essential skills required for success in the Engr Mech and Mech Engr programs. Emphasis is on safe operation of critical lab equipment and hands-on engineering tools with in-class practice using related hardware, software, and program-specific techniques. No homework or outside preparation required.

Engr Mech 320. Dynamics. This course covers the analysis of kinematics and kinetic motions of particles and rigid bodies, as well as an introduction to mechanical vibrations of simple systems. Topics include kinematics with absolute and relative motions in Cartesian, path and polar coordinates; and kinetics using force-mass-acceleration, work-energy and impulse-momentum methods; and vibration equation-of-motion generation and analysis. Methods emphasize vector solutions.

Engr Mech 330. Mechanics of Deformable Bodies. Axial Loading. Statically indeterminate structures. Beam theory: shear and moment diagrams, stress, and deflection. Transformation of stress and strain. Mohr’s circle. Introduction to failure theories. Introduction to classical lamination theory. Eular buckling. Stress Concentrations. Introduction to energy methods and Castigliano’s theorems.

Engr Mech 332. Aerospace Structures. Analysis and design of lightweight, thin-walled and semimonocoque structures. Margin of Safety. Material selection including strength, stiffness and weight considerations.

Engr Mech 340. Materials Science for Engineers. Survey of engineering applications of nonferrous and ferrous alloys, polymers, ceramics and composites. Basic crystallographic notation and molecular structure of common engineering materials. Principles of metallurgical thermodynamics and kinetics applied to phase transformations and strengthening mechanisms.

Engr Mech 350. Mechanical Behavior of Materials. Behavior of materials under simple axial, biaxial and triaxial states of stress. Micromechanisms of elastic and inelastic deformation and strengthening mechanisms. Introduction to linear elastic fracture mechanics. Fatigue failure theories and fatigue crack growth analysis. Applications to design of aerospace vehicles and structures.

Engr Mech 421. Vibrations. Free and forced vibrations of discrete systems. Effect of viscous and other types of damping considered. Matrix methods used to analyze multidegree of freedom systems. Dynamic analysis of continuous systems.

Engr Mech 431. Introduction to Finite Element Analysis. Analysis and design of truss, frame and shell, and solid structures using the direct stiffness and energy formulation method. Topics include: theoretical development of elementary finite elements and models, thermal and dynamic structural analysis, and computer-aided design and analysis projects using commercial, professional software.

Engr Mech 432. Finite Element Analysis. Analysis and design of complex structural components using the finite element method. Theoretical development of two-dimensional finite elements for static, vibration and heat transfer analyses. Special topics in solving Laplace’s equation. Computer-aided design and analysis projects using commercial finite element software.

Engr Mech 440. Physical Metallurgy. Physical metallurgy related to properties of engineering metals. Study of crystal structure and imperfections, diffusion, thermodynamics, phases and phase transformations and material processing and how each alters material properties. Discussion of specific metals/alloy systems and design philosophies for new alloys. Thermomechanical strengthening design project and semester-long knife design and construction project.

Engr Mech 445. Failure Analysis and Prevention. Failure analysis and preventions is a technical discipline that integrates mechanical engineering, materials engineering, and structural analysis into component analysis and design. Laboratory techniques including scanning electron microscopy, metallography, x-ray and analysis, ultrasonic inspection, and mechanical testing will be used to determine the causes of failures of mechanical components. Re-design may include changes in geometry, materials selection, or operation to preclude failure.

Engr Mech 450. Aerospace Composite Materials. Introduction to select advanced aerospace materials. Topics covered include: mechanical behavior, design and analysis, processing, testing, inspection and repair of resin-matrix composite materials, and processing and application of metal-matrix and ceramic-matrix composites. Topics emphasized through hands-on projects in design, fabrication and testing of a composite structure.

Engr Mech 460. Experimental Mechanics. Introduction to experimental measurements and their role in the mechanical design process. Includes theory and application of static and dynamic instrumentation to include: strain, vibration, temperature and pressure transducers. Hands-on laboratory experience constitutes one-half of the course. Laboratory sessions involve analysis, design, test plans, calibration and testing.

Engr Mech 495. Special Topics. Selected topics in mechanics.

Engr Mech 499. Independent Study. Individual study, research or design on an engineering topic.