Introduces the materials science field, which emphasizes the structure-processing property-performance relationships for various classes of materials including metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic materials, and magnetic materials. Topics include crystallography, structure of solids, imperfections in crystals, mechanical properties, dislocation theory, slip, strengthening mechanisms, phase equilibrium, phase transformations, diffusion, thermal and optical physical properties, and electrical and magnetic properties. Issues associated with materials selection, including economic and environmental consequences of materials choices, are also addressed. Laboratory experiments, with written memo and report submissions, are required. Includes individual and team-based projects.

ENGL

ENGW

Introduction to Material Science

Accompanies ME 2340. Covers topics from the course through various activities.

Lab for ME 2340

Introduces the vector representation of force and moment, the equivalent force systems, free body diagrams, and equations of equilibrium. Discusses centroids and center of gravity of rigid bodies. Examines applications to beams, trusses, and pin-connected frames and elementary concepts of friction. Discusses variation of internal forces and moments for beams and cable systems. Theory of dry friction is implemented in simple machine elements. Introduces the concepts of virtual work and potential energy. Includes a design project that demonstrates the fundamental concepts of equilibrium.

PHYS

MATH

Statics

Discusses concepts of stress and strain; transformation of stress and strain at a point; stress-strain relations material properties; second moments of cross-sectional areas; stresses and deformations in simple structural members due to axial torsional, and flexural loading for statically determinate and indeterminate cases; design of beams under combined loading; and stability of structures and buckling of columns with various supports. Laboratory experiments and written reports are required.

Mechanics of Materials

Accompanies ME 2355. Covers topics from the course through various activities.

Lab for ME 2355

Defines and calculates thermodynamic properties such as energy, entropy, temperature, and pressure. Work and heat interactions are defined. The first and second laws of thermodynamics and concepts of thermodynamic equilibrium are introduced. Conservation of energy and mass and the entropy balance relation are discussed for open and closed systems. Irreversibility, energy, and the energy balance relation are introduced and applied in analyzing thermodynamic systems. Fundamentals of thermodynamics are used to model power generation and refrigeration systems. Covers thermodynamics of nonreacting gas mixtures with applications to air-water vapor mixtures for air-conditioning systems.

Thermodynamics

Accompanies ME 2380. Offers demonstrations and and opportunities for problem solving.

Recitation for ME 2380

Treats the kinematics and kinetics of particles by using force, mass and acceleration, and energy and momentum methods. Investigates kinematics of rigid bodies in general plane motion. Introduces mass moment of inertia; kinetics of rigid bodies by using force-mass-acceleration, work and energy, and impulse and momentum methods; and free and forced vibration of undamped and damped one-degree-of-freedom systems.

Dynamics

Accompanies ME 3455. Covers topics from the course through various activities.

Lab for ME 3455

Covers fundamental components and mechanisms of robotic systems and their multidisciplinary nature. Introduces the robot’s kinematics, dynamics, and control. Presents a quick overview of forward and inverse kinematics, robot dynamics, as well as path planning and control techniques. Topics also include dynamic modeling and analysis of mechanically, electrically, and magnetically driven hydraulic and pneumatic drives; kinematics and motion analysis of linkages; as well as sensing technologies (e.g., position, linear and angular displacements, velocity and acceleration, force and torque sensors) used in robotic systems. Presents kinematics and control of automatic machinery and manufacturing processes, automatic assembly, and inspection robotic systems as representative examples.

Robot Dynamics and Control

This course takes place in Seattle during Summer 1 2022 term. There is an additional cost of $3,300 associated with this course that includes housing, meal plan, and program fee, that will be posted to your student account at the time of registration. Students must register for the program through the application page and pay a $100 deposit.
Fee: $3,300 ($100 deposit done separately through program form).

Introduction to Flight

Introduces basics for the analysis and design of aircraft engines and reviews the history of gas turbine engines. Introduces general conservation laws of mass, energy, and momentum for compressible flows and application to quasi-one-dimensional internal flows and shock waves in external flows. Reviews thrust and thermodynamic performance of the engines. Discusses designing parameters of the inlets in detail. Uses the principles of chemical equilibrium to calculate the composition of combustion products in a chemical reaction to find flame temperature and energy release, which drive the design of combustors and afterburners. Introduces physics and aerodynamics of compressors and turbines, and reviews basics of gas turbine blades cooling.

Aeronautical Propulsion

Studies fundamental principles in fluid mechanics. Topics include hydrostatics (pressure distribution, forces on submerged surfaces and buoyancy); Newton's law of viscosity; dimensional analysis; integral forms of basic laws (conservation of mass, momentum, and energy); pipe flow analysis; differential formulation of basic laws including Navier-Stokes equations; and the concept of boundary layer and drag coefficient. Includes a team-based independent project.

Fluid Mechanics

Introduces basic measurements and data analysis techniques. Offers students an opportunity to become familiar with various types of measurement systems and to set up and perform experiments according to a given procedure. Covers basic measurement methods of rotational frequency; temperature, pressure, and power; and analog-to-digital conversion techniques and data acquisition. Data analysis topics include statistical analysis of data, probability and inherent uncertainty, basic measurement techniques, primary and secondary standards, system response characteristics, and computerized data acquisition methods. Includes experiments in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. Topics include cycle performance, flow discharge coefficient and heat transfer coefficient measurements, and psychometric applications in the air-conditioning field.

Measurement and Analysis with Thermal Science Application

Accompanies ME 4505. Covers topics from the course through various activities.

Lab for ME 4505

Highlights the role of finite element analysis in product development. Introduces the theory of finite elements in elastic/plastic, static, and transient problems. Emphasis is on solid modeling in design using available commercial finite element software. Also covers other numerical techniques such as finite difference schemes in the solution of systems of partial differential equations, and numerical solution to systems of linear and nonlinear equations.

BIOE

Mechanical Engineering Computation and Design

Explores development of the mechanical design process and its open-ended nature. Reviews fundamentals of stress and theories of failure including fatigue considerations in the analysis of various machine components. Treatment is given to shafts, springs, screws, connections, lubrications, bearings, gears, and tolerances. Includes team-based design projects that involve modeling and the design process.

Mechanical Engineering Design

Presents the theoretical backgrounds for the analysis and design of simple feedback control systems, differential equations, and Laplace transforms. Treats system modeling, linear approximations, transfer functions, and block diagrams; and transient and frequency response and stability-frequency domain and root locus methods. Other topics may include linear systems with time lag and relay servomechanisms with small nonlinearities.

System Analysis and Control

Introduces numerical methods applied to solve fluid flow problems. Includes basic mathematics and physics related to computational fluid dynamics (CFD), together with practical assignments that use commercial CFD packages. Emphasizes finite difference and finite volume methods. Other topics include mathematical properties of partial differential equations, accuracy and stability analysis of numerical solution, CFD verification and validation, application to variety of fluid dynamics problems, grid generation, and turbulence modeling.

Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics

Introduces theories of thermal energy transport, including conduction, convection, and thermal radiation, and the design of thermal systems. Solution methods are developed for steady-state and transient conduction problems including thermal circuit analogies, internal energy sources and extended surfaces. Convective heat transfer mechanisms are introduced and correlations to evaluate the heat transfer coefficient are discussed. Methodologies for calculating the thermal radiation heat transfer between surfaces are introduced. These theories are integrated with thermodynamics and fluid mechanics in the design of thermal systems, including heat exchangers. Includes an open-ended design project and students are expected to use computational methods throughout the course.

Thermal Systems Analysis and Design

Continues studies of the physical basis for the mechanical behavior of solid materials including elasticity, plasticity, viscoelasticity, fracture, fatigue, and creep properties. Also covers materials processing and includes casting, forming, joining, and machining.

Mechanical Behavior and Processing of Materials

Presents the concepts and theories of operation of internal combustion engines based upon the fundamental engineering sciences of thermodynamics, gas dynamics, heat transfer, and mechanics. Discusses the design and operating characteristics of conventional spark-ignition, compression-ignition, Wankel, and stratified charge. Explores the relationship between vehicle load and engine load through differential and transmission gear-ratio selections. Includes laboratory experiments.

Internal Combustion Engine

Offers theoretical or experimental work under the direction of members of the department on a chosen topic. Course content depends on instructor. May be repeated without limit.

Directed Study

Covers basic aspects of computer graphics and CAD/CAM. Topics include hardware and software concepts, generic structure of CAD/CAM software and its modules, and CAD/CAM database structure. Also covers the parametric representations of curves, surfaces, solids, and features that are widely used in existing commercial CAD/CAM systems. Discusses geometrical transformations, CAD/CAM data exchange formats, prototyping techniques, and PDM. Presents applications such as mass properties calculations, assemblies, mechanical tolerancing, simulation, finite element mesh generation, process planning and CAPP, CNC part programming, and Web-based CAD/CAM.

Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing

Mechatronic Systems

Covers kinematics and dynamics of robot manipulators, including the development of kinematics equations of manipulators, the inverse kinematics problem, and motion trajectories. Employs Lagrangian mechanics to cover dynamics of manipulators for the purpose of control. Covers control and programming of robots, steady state errors, calculations of servoparameters, robot vision systems and algorithms, as well as imaging techniques and the concept of mobile robots.

Robot Mechanics and Control

Offers topics of current interest in mechanical engineering.

ST: Multiphase Transport

Examines the actual sensors and mathematical techniques for robotic sensing and navigation with a focus on sensors such as cameras, sonars, and laser scanners. These are used in association with techniques and algorithms for dead reckoning and visual inertial odometry in conjunction with GPS and inertial measurement units. Covers Kalman filters and particle filters as applied to the SLAM problem. A large component of the class involves programming in both the ROS and LCM environments with real field robotics sensor data sets. Labs incorporate real field sensors and platforms. Culminates with both an individual design project and a team-based final project of considerable complexity.

EECE

Robotics Sensing and Navigation

Covers the fundamentals and usage of processes and techniques for bulk, thick film, thin film, and patterned structures. Covers techniques for improvement of mechanical or functional properties, for reliability, or for operation in harsh environments. Includes case studies for which processes are selected based on efficacy, material input, and cost. Systems studied include biocompatible implants and materials for the telecommunication, semiconductor, energy, and aerospace industries.

Materials Processing and Process Selection

Offers a deep dive into the interdisciplinary field of materials science that addresses the discovery, design, and prediction of new materials, with an emphasis on solids. Offers students an opportunity to gain knowledge and practice in issues of materials science. Consists of fundamentals, properties (emphasis on electronic properties), applications, and advanced topics. Provides specific readings from the literature assigned to support the in-class lectures. Offers a variety of opportunities to practice and demonstrate comprehension and learning.

Fundamentals of Advanced Materials

Discusses fundamentals, process characteristics, and practical applications of various additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Covers digital workflow for AM, implications of AM on design, material for AM and material properties, energy sources and interaction with materials, AM processes, process characteristics and capabilities, process models, design of experiments and Taguchi methods for AM process parameter optimization, postprocessing of AM parts, process defects, and the Ansys AM module.

Additive Manufacturing

Advanced Mechanics of Materials

Covers stress and strain analysis in continuous media. Analyzes Cartesian tensors using indicial notation; stress and strain concepts; point stress and strain; relation to tensor concepts; equations of equilibrium and compatibility; constitutive laws for elastic, general, axisymmetric, plane stress, and plane strain formulations and solutions; the relation of elasticity to structural mechanics theories; physical basis of plastic/inelastic deformation of solids; and constitutive descriptions of plasticity including yielding, hardening rules, Prandtl-Reuss constitutive laws, and viscoplasticity.

Elasticity and Plasticity

Covers dynamic response of discrete and continuous media. Topics include work and energy, impulse and momentum, Lagrangian dynamics, free and forced response to periodic and transient excitations, vibration absorber, free and forced response of multiple degree-of-freedom systems with and without damping, method of modal analysis, vibrations of continuous media such as extensional, torsional, and bending vibrations of bars, and approximate methods of analysis. Permission of instructor required for undergraduate students.

Dynamics and Mechanical Vibration

Focuses on numerical techniques for solving engineering problems. Topics include introduction to the finite element method; methods of approximations and variational methods; Rayleigh-Ritz method and Galerkin formulation; interpolation functions; truss, beam, plate, shell, and solid elements; stiffness matrix and assembly of element equations; application of finite element method in fluid and heat transfer problems; linear, nonlinear, and transient problems; numerical integration and methods of solving systems of equations for static and dynamic problems; and use of a finite element general-purpose commercial package. Permission of instructor required for undergraduate students.

Finite Element Method

Covers the stresses, strains, and displacements in general continuous media. Topics include vector and tensor calculus; definitions of stress, strain, and deformation; kinematics of a continuous medium; material derivatives; rate of deformation tensor, finite strain, and deformation; Eulerian and Lagrangian formulations; geometric measures of strain; relative deformation gradient, rotation, and stretch tensors; compatibility conditions; general principles; conservation of mass; momentum principles; energy balance; constitutive theories of materials (i.e., heat conduction, fluid mechanics, elastic solids, nonlinear elasticity, inelastic deformation of solids); variational principles; introduction to the nonlinear finite element formulations for solids, such as nonlinearities in solid mechanics, governing equations (strong form and weak form), finite element approximation, Newton-Raphson method, Lagrangian finite elements (total and updated Lagrangian approaches), and solution procedure.

Continuum Mechanics

Covers concepts in design and control of dynamical systems. Topics include review of continuous-time system modeling and dynamic response; principles of feedback, classical and modern control analyses, and design techniques such as root locus, frequency response (e.g., Bode plots and Nyquist Criteria), and state-space feedback; dynamic analysis, design, and control of electromechanical systems; block diagram algebra or signal-flow graphs, effects of poles and zeros on system response characteristics; principles of controllability, observability, observer designs, and pole placement techniques; introduction to adaptive and learning control and digital implementation of control algorithms.

Control Systems Engineering

Using a three-part format, emphasizes the quantitative analysis of human musculoskeletal system statics and dynamics, including, in part I, gait analysis and estimation of the complex loads on human joint systems. Investigates how the form of connective tissue and bone is derived from function in part II, including a quantitative analysis of the material properties of bone, ligament, tendon, and cartilage. Working in groups in part III, students select and investigate a relevant, current topic in musculoskeletal biomechanics and present their findings to the class. Requires prior completion of an undergraduate course in biomechanics (Northeastern's BIOE 2350 or equivalent). Permission of instructor required for undergraduate students.

Musculoskeletal Biomechanics

Develops a model for the hourly direct and diffuse radiation under a cover of scattered clouds and the transmission and absorption of this radiation by passive and active systems. Considers the design of air heating systems and the storage of the collected energy by a pebble bed, and considers elements of heater exchanger design. Makes a study of the economics of a domestic water and/or space heating system using f-chart analysis. Requires prior completion of ME 4570 or equivalent.

Solar Thermal Engineering

Offers students an opportunity to obtain an understanding of the basic physical, chemical, and aerodynamic processes associated with combustion in gas turbine engines and their relevance to combustor design and performance in applications ranging from aeronautical to power generation. Topics include the history and evolution of gas turbine engines, thermodynamic cycles, conventional and alternative aviation fuels, combustion fundamentals, fuel injection and atomization, advanced wall cooling techniques, mechanisms of combustion noise and approaches to noise control, and design and performance for ultra-low emissions.

Gas Turbine Combustion

Focuses on topics of practical importance in applications of fluid mechanics to external flows over bodies. Covers compressible flow analysis in order to use the concepts of sound speed and Mach number and to design subsonic and supersonic nozzles, diffusers, and airfoils. Introduces normal and oblique shock waves and the Prandtl-Meyer expansion applied to supersonic flows over bodies and surfaces. Discusses Rayleigh and Fanno flows. Studies and applies the Bernoulli equation and potential flow theory to external flow analyses and the theory of lift generation on airfoils.

Aerodynamics

Offers theoretical or experimental work under individual faculty supervision. May be repeated without limit.

Independent Study

Offers an opportunity to conduct research under faculty supervision. May be repeated without limit.

Research

Focuses on linear algebra, vector analysis, ordinary, and partial differential equations with mechanical engineering applications. Topics include linear algebra, linear vector spaces, matrices, and eigenvectors; vector field theory, curvilinear coordinates, and integral theorems; power series methods for second order linear ODEs, special functions, Sturm-Liouville theory, and orthogonal function expansions including Fourier series; second order linear PDEs including the Laplace, diffusion, and wave equations and solution techniques such as separation of variables and orthogonal function decomposition.

Mathematical Methods for Mechanical Engineers 1

Provides an introduction to microelectromechanical systems including principles of sensing and actuation, microfabrication technology for MEMS, noise concepts, and packaging techniques. Covers a wide range of disciplines, from electronics to mechanics, material properties, microfabrication technology, electromagnetics, and optics. Studies several classes of devices including inertial measurement devices, pressure sensors, rf components, and optical MEMS. Devotes the last third of the semester largely to design projects, involving design of MEMS devices to specifications in a realistic fabrication process.

Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)

Offered for graduate students who are interested in mechanics in emerging engineering frontiers including mechanical metamaterials, bio-inspired engineering, additive manufacturing, and smart and functional materials. Provides an overview of the new interdisciplinary fields and the application of mechanics in these fields. Also examines advanced theories in mechanics and their applications in new engineering frontiers. Mechanics together with modern engineering technologies including computer aided design, computer simulations, and 3D/4D printing serve as tools to explore engineering solutions. Students practice how to apply physical principles to engineering innovations.

Mechanics in New Engineering Frontiers

Introduces the governing equations of linear isotropic elasticity and solves the boundary value problems associated with two-dimensional (planar) and three-dimensional elasticity. In two-dimensional elasticity, presents the use of Airy stress function in Cartesian and polar coordinates; asymptotic fields at discontinuities; forces and dislocations; contact and crack problems; and rotating and accelerating bodies. In three-dimensional elasticity, presents Galerkin and Papkovich-Neuber solutions; singular solutions; spherical harmonics; thermoelasticity; axisymmetric contact and crack problems; and axisymmetric torsion.

Boundary Value Problems in Linear Elasticity

Focuses on advanced techniques for solving engineering problems with the finite element method. Topics include review of finite element method; solution of linear and nonlinear algebraic problems; solution of dynamics problems; solution of contact problems using penalty and Lagrange multiplier methods; solution of nonlinear beams, plates, and shells; finite element formulations of solid continua including Lagrangian and updated Lagrangian formulations, material nonlinearities, and use of a commercially available finite element package.

Advanced Finite Element Method

Reviews topics from modern control engineering and characteristics of nonlinear systems. Covers fundamentals of Lyapunov theory and stability analysis as well as nonlinear feedback control systems using the Lyapunov method. Includes an introduction to advanced topics: variable structure system control, adaptive control-system analysis and design, robust adaptive control, and optimal and digital control. Requires prior completion of ME 5659 or a graduate-level course in modern control.

Advanced Control Engineering

Examines fundamentals of equilibrium thermodynamics. Topics include work, energy, heat, temperature, available energy, entropy, first and second law of thermodynamics, simple systems, closed and open systems, availability loss and irreversibility, heat engines, multicomponent systems, mixtures of gases, chemical reactions, and chemical equilibrium.

General Thermodynamics

Offers a fundamental course in fluid dynamics designed to prepare the student for more advanced courses in the thermofluids curriculum while providing a strong background in fluid mechanics. Topics include Cartesian tensors; differential and integral formulation of the equations of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; molecular and continuum transport phenomena; the Navier-Stokes equations; vorticity; inviscid incompressible flow, the velocity potential, and Bernoulli&#8216;s equation; viscous incompressible flow; the stream function; some exact solutions; energy equation including heat conduction and viscous dissipation, low Reynolds number flow, exact and approximate approaches to laminar boundary layers in high Reynolds number flows, stability of laminar flows and the transition to turbulence, and treatment of incompressible turbulent mean flow; and internal and external flows.

Essentials of Fluid Dynamics

Emphasizes analytical techniques in conduction and radiative transfer. Topics include formulation of steady- and unsteady-state one-dimensional and multidimensional heat conduction problems, solution techniques for linear problems including the method of separation of variables, Laplace transforms and integral transforms, approximate analytical methods, phase change problems, and nonlinear problems. Offers an introduction to thermal radiation heat transfer including the electromagnetic background of radiation, nature of thermal radiation, radiation intensity, black body intensity, and radiation through nonparticipating media. Discusses the fundamentals of radiation in absorbing, emitting, and scattering media including the equation of radiative transfer with methods of solution, pure radiative transfer in participating media, and interaction of radiation with conduction and/or convection. Requires undergraduate heat transfer course.

Heat Conduction and Thermal Radiation

Focuses on the fundamental equations of convective heat transfer including heat transfer in incompressible external laminar boundary layers, integral boundary layer equations, laminar forced convection in internal flows, and turbulent forced convection in internal and external flows. Develops analogies between heat and momentum transfer including the Reynolds, Taylor, and Martinelli analogies. Covers natural convection, heat transfer in high-speed flow, and transient forced convection.

Convective Heat Transfer

Deals with the formation of pollutants during combustion processes and their subsequent transformations in the atmosphere. Emphasis is on the effects of design and operating parameters of combustion devices on the nature and composition of exhaust gases, improvements, postcombustion treatment of effluent gases, atmospheric chemistry, and atmospheric transport of pollutants, smog formation, acid rain, ozone formation, and destruction.

Combustion and Air Pollution

Offers an advanced course in numerical methods applied to fluid flows with heat transfer. Topics include finite difference and finite volume methods for solving partial differential equations, with particular emphasis on the equations of fluid dynamics and heat transfer. Other topics include mathematical properties of partial differential equations, accuracy and stability analysis of numerical solutions, applications to a variety of fluid dynamics and heat transfer problems, grid generation, and an introduction to turbulence modeling. Requires knowledge of computer programming.

Computational Fluid Dynamics with Heat Transfer

Offers topics of interest to the staff member conducting this class for advanced study. May be repeated without limit.

Wearable Robotics

Offers students an opportunity to develop and present a plan for the demonstration of a marketable technology product or prototype with a mechanical engineering focus. Constitutes the first half of a thesis-scale project in technology commercialization. Requires work/training with a sponsoring organization or employer to improve a process or develop a project that is of significant value to the organization and demonstrates a quantifiable market impact while enhancing the student's technological and engineering depth and fostering the student's leadership development.

Mechanical Engineering Leadership Challenge Project 1

Continues ME 7440, a thesis-scale project in technology commercialization. Offers students an opportunity to demonstrate their development of a marketable technology product or prototype with a mechanical engineering focus and to produce a written documentary report on the project to the satisfaction of an advising committee. Requires work/training with a sponsoring organization or employer to improve a process or develop a project that is of significant value to the organization and demonstrates a quantifiable market impact while enhancing the student's technological and engineering depth and fostering the student's leadership development.

Mechanical Engineering Leadership Challenge Project 2

Offers theoretical or experimental work under individual faculty supervision.

Master's Project

Offers theoretical or experimental work under individual faculty supervision. An independent study must be petitioned and approved by the academic advisor. The petition must clearly state the reason for taking the course; a brief description of goals; as well as the expected outcomes, deliverables, and grading scheme. Master’s degree students in thesis or project options are not eligible to take independent study.

Offers students an opportunity to conduct full-time research under faculty supervision.

Offers analytical and/or experimental work conducted under the direction of the faculty in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree. Requires first-year students to attend a graduate seminar program that introduces the students to the methods of choosing a research topic, conducting research, and preparing a thesis. Requires successful completion of the seminar program. May be repeated without limit.

Thesis

Continues thesis work conducted under the supervision of a departmental faculty member.

Thesis Continuation

Offers students an opportunity to prepare for the PhD qualifying exam under faculty supervision. Intended for students who have completed all required PhD course work and have not yet achieved PhD candidacy; students who have not completed all required PhD course work are not allowed to register for this course. May be repeated once.

Candidacy Preparation&#8212;Doctoral

Offers students an opportunity to conduct full-time research under faculty supervision. May be repeated without limit.

Offers dissertation supervision under individual faculty supervision.

Dissertation Term 1

Offers dissertation supervision by members of the department.

Dissertation Term 2

Offers continuing dissertation supervision under individual faculty supervision.