College of EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Nature of the ProfessionMechanical engineering is the broadest of the engineering professions. Mechanical engineers work in a wide variety of technical areas and are employed in a range of job functions. Specialty areas within the mechanical engineering discipline include, among many others, acoustics, biomechanics, CAD, controls, energy conversion and energy management, HVAC, materials, mechanical design, mechatronics, robotics and automation, and turbomachinery. The actual job functions which mechanical engineers perform vary widely as well. ME's work in design, research and development, manufacturing, service and maintenance, as well as technical sales, in almost every industry. Many are in management and administration. Many mechanical engineering graduates go on to more advanced degrees, or continue their education in other fields, such a law or business. Employment OpportunitiesBecause of the diversity and breadth of the mechanical engineering profession, ME graduates find employment in a wide variety of industries, laboratories, and consulting firms. This results in a very stable job market that is not dependent upon a single particular industry. The textile, petroleum, chemical, electronic, automotive, aerospace, power generation, HVAC, and manufacturing industries hire relatively large numbers of mechanical engineering graduates and the starting salaries for ME's are very competitive with the other engineering disciplines Because of the wide diversity of specialties and job functions any two mechanical engineers might have significantly different day-to-day activities and responsibilities. Some may be concerned with very large engineering systems while other are working with small and even microscale devices and components; some work might call for highly analytical or mathematical approaches while other work might be more amenable to experimental or empirical approaches. Mechanical engineers may be involved in the operation of processing plants, or the design of engines, CD players, prosthetic devices, steam and gas turbines or compressors and pumps, alternative fuel devices, and many other devices and systems. At Virginia Tech there is a close association between the ME departments research and design project activities with industry. This enhances the opportunities for student interaction with industry representatives. Mechanical Engineering Educational ObjectivesThe Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is recognized in the United States as the sole agency responsible for accreditation of educational programs leading to degrees in engineering. One important objective of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is to ensure that every mechanical engineering graduate has the knowledge, ability, and understanding required to meet the basic ABET guidelines. The structure and sequence of courses is designed to provide these requirements for every graduate. The department is committed to providing students with an exceptional experience in both the theory and practice of mechanical engineering. In the senior capstone sequence, students are required to apply classroom knowledge to complex engineering problems requiring teamwork, problem formulation, economic analysis, effective communication, and product realization. These projects are carefully selected and updated to ensure relevancy to industrial needs and practices. The department encourages the involvement of underclass students and students outside the department and college in these projects. The department also encourages hands-on student involvement by providing dedicated machine and welding shops that exclusively serve the undergraduate program. The required sophomore-level Manufacturing Processes Laboratory course and certification by a professional machinist are required prior to use of either of these shops. The department employs a full-time writing and presentation skills instructor who works with students in laboratory and design courses to develop these important abilities. Opportunity for professional development is provided by participation in student professional organizations. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers student section is one of the most active in the nation. To ensure the continuing development of graduates, specific instruction is provided in lifelong learning methods, including self-directed and graduate study programs. The CurriculumThe curriculum provides a strong foundation in the basic physical and chemical sciences and in mathematics. These are followed by a sequence of courses that provide a broad background in design methodology, computer programming, electronics, solid and fluid mechanics, manufacturing processes, system modeling, machine design, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, statistics and materials. Courses in English and in the humanities and social sciences are included to broaden the individual. This background is strengthened and unified through a sequence of engineering design and laboratory courses. Instructional laboratories in the junior and senior years provide opportunities for students to learn measurement and instrumentation techniques. Students apply these skills to the acquisition and analysis of data from various engineering systems. In all professional endeavors the mechanical engineer must consider ecological effects as well as the economic and social needs of people. The mechanical engineer must consider the conservation of natural resources and the environmental impact in the design of systems. These considerations are fundamental to many of the required courses. Students wishing to further strengthen this area may wish to consider the Green Engineering Option at http://ate.cc.vt.edu/eng/green/green.html. The unifying activity in all aspects of mechanical engineering is the design function. A special emphasis has been placed on the use of computer-aided design methods and applied design project experience as an integral part of the curriculum. Elective courses in the junior and senior years provide students with the opportunity to pursue specialized interests related to career plans or preparation for graduate study. The department participates in the Cooperative Education Program in which qualified students may alternate semesters of study with semesters of professional employment. Approximately twenty percent of all mechanical engineering students participate in this program. The Department of Mechanical Engineering actively seeks input on the nature and quality of our program from all interested individuals and organizations, including students, employers and supporting agencies. Our goal is to provide the best possible service to the students who entrust their education to us. Through our Continuous Improvement Program, we pledge to continually improve the content of our curriculum, our educational methods and our facilities. Comments to the department head or any member of the faculty are welcomed. Note that, because of this continuous improvement process, degree requirements and course content are subject to periodic change. Please consult the department academic advisor for current information. Entrance RequirementMechanical Engineering is a restricted major. Students must have a 2.5 or better GPA to gain admission. Satisfactory ProgressUniversity policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the University Core (see Academics chapter in this catalog), and toward the degree in mechanical engineering. Upon having attempted 72 hours (including transfer, advanced placement, advanced standing and credit by exam), satisfactory progress toward a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering will include the following minimum criteria:
The department offers graduate programs leading to the M.S., M.Eng., and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering (see the Graduate Catalog).
Undergraduate Courses (ME)2004 (MATH 2004): ENGINEERING ANALYSIS USING NUMERICAL METHODSNumerical methods applied to engineering analysis. Linear systems. Root finding. Numerical integration. Ordinary differential equations. Programming using a software package such as Matlab. Pre: ENGE 1016, MATH 1206, MATH 1114. (2H,2C) 2024: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN AND ECONOMICS Design process, mini-design projects, collaborative design, product dissection, economics of decision making, reverse engineering, intellectual property, oral, written, and graphic communications, engineering ethics. Pre: ENGE 1016. Co: ESM 2104, PHYS 2306. (3H,3C) 2124: INTRODUCTION TO THERMAL AND FLUID ENGINEERING Basics of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. Fluid and thermal properties of materials. Ideal gas equation of state. First law of thermodynamics in closed systems. Transient heat transfer. First law of thermodynamics in open systems. Fluid mechanics balances, open systems. Emphasis on applications in all topic areas. Pre: ESM 2104. Co: MATH 2214. (2H,2C) II,III. 2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course. 2984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course. 2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course. 3114: ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS General treatment of the basic laws of thermodynamics with emphasis on engineering applications. This course is for curricula not requiring 3105. Pre: MATH 2214. (3H,3C) I,II,IV. 3124: THERMODYNAMICS Classical thermodynamics and its applications. Thermodynamic properties of pure substances: property tables, property software, equations of state. First law of thermodynamics. Second law of thermodynamics. Gas mixtures. Combustion: atom and energy balances. Power and refrigeration cycles. Pre: 2124. (3H,3C) I,II. 3134: FUNDAMENTALS OF THERMODYNAMICS Fundamental concepts, first and second laws, gas and vapor processes with emphasis on chemical reactions, statistical interpretation of entropy, limited use of thermodynamic property tables. This course is for AOE and ESM students. Pre: MATH 2214. (3H,3C) I,II. 3304: HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER Comprehensive basic course in heat and mass transfer for mechanical engineering students. Principles of conduction, convection, and radiation with applications to heat exchangers and other engineering systems. Pre: 3124 or 3114. Co: 3404. (2H,3C) II,III. 3404: FLUID MECHANICS Comprehensive first course in basic and applied fluid mechanics. Fluid properties, statics, kinematics, and dynamics. Euler's and Bernoulli's equations. Hydrodynamics. Dimensional analysis and similitude. Real fluids, laminar and turbulent flows. Boundary layer model and approximate analysis. Compressible flow and propulsion devices. Flow measurement. Introduction to turbomachinery with applications. Pre: ESM 2304, MATH 2214. Co: 3105. (2H,3C) I,II. 3504: DYNAMIC SYSTEMS - VIBRATIONS Principles of dynamic system modeling with emphasis on second order mechanical systems. Harmonic and nonharmonic vibrations of single and multi-degree of freedom systems. Applications of computer simulation and analysis techniques in vibrations. Pre: MATH 2214, ME 3514. (3H,3C) II,III. 3514: SYSTEM DYNAMICS Mathematical descriptions of physical systems' behavior including mechanical, electrical, thermal, and fluid systems and their combinations; system descriptions using state variable and transfer functions; analysis of system responses: convolution integral, frequency response, numerical simulations, and Laplace transform methods; systems concepts: input-output, causality, and analogies; general process descriptions including first-order, second-order, and time delayed. Pre: ESM 2304. (3H,3C) I,II. 3604: KINEMATICS AND DYNAMICS OF MACHINERY Kinematic analysis and design of cams, gears, and linkages, velocity, acceleration and force analysis, kinematic synthesis, balancing, kinematic and force analysis by complex numbers, computer-aided analysis, and synthesis of linkages. Pre: ESM 2304. (3H,3C) I,II. 3614: MECHANICAL DESIGN I Design of mechanical components subject to static and fatigue loads. Design using screws, fasteners, springs and bearings. Computer-aided design using transfer matrix and finite element methods. Pre: ESM 2204, MATH 2214. (3H,3C) I,II. 4005-4006: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LAB Principles of measurement, measurement standards and accuracy, detectors and transducers, digital data acquisition principles, signal conditioning systems and readout devices statistical concepts in measurement, experimental investigation of engineering systems, technical report writing. Pre: ECE 3254, ME 3514, STAT 3704 for 4005; 4005 for 4006. (2H,3L,3C) 4005: II,IV; 4006: I. 4015-4016: ENGINEERING DESIGN AND PROJECT Team oriented, open-ended, multi-disciplinary design projects focused on industrially relevant problems. A specific, complex engineering design problem is normally taken from problem definition to product realization and testing. Emphasis is placed on documenting and reporting technical work, idea generation and selection, application of design and analysis tools developed in previous courses, project management, selling technical ideas and working in teams. Pre: (4005, 3614, 3304), (3504 or 4504). 4015: (2H,1L,3C) 4016: (3H,3C) 4015: I; 4016: II. 4134: AIR CONDITIONING Analysis and design practice for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. Psychometrics, air quality, space heating and cooling loads, and moisture control in buildings. Configurations and designs for HVAC systems by conventional practice and computer-aided methods. Liquid- and air-based distribution systems. Selection of HVAC system components including compressors, evaporators, heat pumps, and controls for comfort cooling. Pre: 3304. (3H,3C) I. 4144: REFRIGERATION AND CRYOGENIC ENGINEERING Thermodynamics of refrigeration cycles and characteristics of refrigeration equipment. Analysis and design of systems for cold storage, freeze drying, and manufacturing processes. Engineering problems associated with reduction, handling, and storage of cryogenic fluids including liquefied natural gas. Low temperature properties of engineering materials. Pre: 3304. (3H,3C) II. 4154: INDUSTRIAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT Comprehensive study of managing energy resources and usage in an industrial plant. Four areas of energy management are covered: how to organize an energy management program in an industrial plant; techniques for conducting industrial energy surveys; how to make energy systems more efficient; and the design and analysis of energy systems. Pre: 3114 or 3124. (3H,3C) II. 4174 (AOE 4174): SPACECRAFT PROPULSION Spacecraft propulsion systems and their applications in orbital, interplanetary, and interstellar flight. Rocket propulsion fundamentals; advanced mission analysis; physics and engineering of chemical rockets, electrical thrusters, and propellantless systems (tethers and sails); spacecraft integration issues. Pre: 4234 or AOE 4234. (3H,3C) 4204: INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES Analysis and design of gasoline and diesel engines. Fundamental processes and their application in current technology. Thermodynamics: air standard and air-fuel cycles. Combustion: stoichiometry, fuels, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, flame propagation, knock, pollutant formation and control. Flow processes: volumetric efficiency, intake and exhaust tuning, two-stroke scavenging, carburetion, fuel injection, super- and turbo-charging. Pre: 3124, 3404. (3H,3C) I. 4214: POWER GENERATION The design, control, and performance characteristics of electric power generating plants, with major emphasis upon the steam generating system, both fossil and nuclear. Pre: 3124, 3304. Co: 4414. (3H,3C) I. 4224: AIRCRAFT ENGINES AND GAS TURBINES Performance and characteristics of aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines, as determined by thermodynamic, fluid mechanic, heat transfer, and solid mechanic behavior of components. Operational limitations and component matching. Stress and associated temperature limits and influence of blade cooling techniques on turbines. Pre: 4414 or 4234. (3H,3C) II. 4234 (AOE 4234): AEROSPACE PROPULSION SYSTEMS Design principles and performance analysis of atmospheric and space propulsion engines and systems. Application of thermodynamics, compressible fluid flow and combustion fundamentals to the design of gas turbine and rocket engines and components, including inlets, turbomachines, combustors, and nozzles. Matching of propulsion system to vehicle requirements. Pre: (3124 or 3134), (AOE 3114 or ME 3404). (3H,3C) 4244 (AOE 4244): MARINE ENGINEERING Analysis of major ship propulsion devices (propellers, water jets). Integration with propulsion plant and machinery. Characteristics of marine steam turbines, nuclear power plants, marine diesels, and marine gas turbines. Shafting system, bearings, and vibration problems. Pre: 3134. (3H,3C) 4254: RAMJET AND ROCKET PROPULSION Detailed study of analysis and design of ramjet and rocket propulsion systems. Vehicle performance requirements relating to choice of propulsion systems. Ramjet inlets, combustion chambers, and nozzles; analysis techniques for high-speed flow. Liquid and solid propellent rocket engine designs. Solid propellent burning rates, grain design. Special propulsion systems for high speed, trans-atmospheric, and space flight. Pre: 4234. (3H,3C) II. 4304: HEAT TRANSFER ANALYSIS Methods for solving multidimensional and transient conduction problems. Convective heat and mass transfer with applications to industrial process heating, heat exchanger design, boiling and condensation, cooling tower design, and aerodynamic heating. Radiation properties of materials and heat transfer applications to real surfaces and absorbing-transmitting media including gases and windows. Transfer from wetted surfaces and through porous media with applications to drying, evaporative cooling, and heat pipe theory. Pre: 3304. (3H,3C) II. 4314: HEAT TRANS SYS DESIGN Design methodology applied to thermal systems, such as condensers, heat exchangers, and evaporators. Builds on basic principles from 3304 with the addition of boiling and condensation phenomena. Pre: 3304. (3H,3C) I. 4404: FLUID MECHANICS II Integral and differential equations of mass, momentum, and energy. Equations for turbulent flow. Applications in hydrodynamics, thermodynamics of compressible flow, channel and multiple path systems, boundary layers with exact and approximate solutions, shear and drag, fluid transients, laboratory techniques. Pre: 3404. (3H,3C) II. 4414: FLUID MACHINERY DESIGN Application of fundamental concepts to machines and systems that involve fluid flow, especially turbomachines. Fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and mechanical considerations with emphasis on both fundamentals and creativity in the design of all types of fluid machinery. Pre: 3124, 3404. (3H,3C) I. 4424: THERMODYNAMICS OF FLUID FLOW One-dimensional compressible flow of perfect gases under specialized conditions: isentropic flow (with area change), normal and oblique shocks, constant area flow with friction, constant area flow with heat transfer, Prandtl-Meyer flow, and generalized one-dimensional flow. Introduction to propulsion systems and other selected topics. Pre: (3124 or 3114), 3404. (3H,3C) I. 4434 (BSE 4424): FLUID POWER SYSTEMS AND CONTROLS Design and analysis of industrial and mobile hydraulic systems. Hydrostatic transmissions. Electrohydraulic servovalve characteristics and use in precise position and speed control application. Characteristics of pumps, motors, valves, and activators illustrated in laboratory exercises. Pre: ESM 3024 or ME 3404. (2H,3L,3C) II. 4444: ROTATING MACHINERY Techniques and analysis issues associated with the dynamics, operation, and maintenance of rotating machinery with a focus on turbomachinery issues. Vibration analysis, introductory rotor dynamics, rotor balancing techniques, oil and wear particle sampling, gearbox and bearing issues, industrial case studies, and environmental issues associated with power plant operation. Hands-on experience with small high speed rotors and state-of-the-art monitoring instrumentation in common use throughout the petrochemical and power generation industries. Monitoring of actual steam plant equipment. Pre: 3504. (3H,3C) I. 4504: DYNAMIC SYSTEMS - CONTROLS ENGINEERING I Fundamentals of feedback control theory, classical analysis and design techniques for automatic controls, introduction to modern control theory. Pre: 3514. (3H,3C) I. 4514: CONTROLS ENGINEERING II Applications of classical and modern control techniques in design studies. Introduction to nonlinear systems and nonlinear control strategies and to digital control techniques. Includes design problems and case studies with hands-on experience. Pre: 4504. (3H,3C) 4524: INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION Automation, robot technology, kinematics, dynamics, trajectory planning, and control of two-dimensional and spatial robots; robot programming; design and simulation of robotic devices. (3H,3C) II. 4534: LAND VEHICLE DYNAMICS Analytical methods for land vehicle dynamics. Mechanics of pneumatic tires on pavement and steel wheels on rails. Vehicle stability, handling, response to random guideway and roadway irregularities, ride quality computation methods and standards, suspension design. Pre: 3514. (3H,3C) 4544: AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING Vehicle performance, drive train, suspension, steering, and brake systems. Steady state and transient conditions. Senior standing in Mechanical Engineering required. (3H,3C) 4554: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR MOTOR VEHICLES Energy use and environmental issues for motor vehicles: Emissions standards, fleet requirements, dynamometer testing, fuel economy, and vehicle performance. Alternative fuel vehicles: Characteristics and infrastructure of fuels, batteries, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles. Vehicle design: Modeling and simulation of vehicle energy use and performance, component sizing. Fuel cells for transportation. Heavy-duty vehicles and busses. Low mass vehicles and future vehicle technology. Pre: 3114 or 3124 or 3134. (3H,3C) 4604: MECHANISMS Advanced cam design using analytical and computer methods, design of nonstandard spur-gears cut with a hob and with a pinion-shaper cutter; introduction to computer methods in the design of spur gears; kinematic synthesis by graphical, analytical, and computer methods; balancing of rotating and reciprocating masses, balancing of linkages. Pre: 3604. (3H,3C) 4614: MECHANICAL DESIGN II Design of mechanical elements such as welded joints hydrodynamic bearings, spur gears, shafts, brakes. Alternative fatigue design methods, cumulative fatigue, mechanical design computer software. Pre: 3614. (3H,3C) I. 4624: FINITE ELEMENT PRACTICE IN MECHANICAL DESIGN Application of the finite element method to stress analysis problems in mechanical design. Modeling techniques, proper use of existing computer programs, interpreting of results, application to design modification. Pre: 3614. (3H,3C) I. 4634: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING Participants will study the computer-aided design and manufacturing of mechanical systems. A mechanical system will be designed including preliminary design, analysis, detail design, numerical control programming, and documentation. Applications programs will be written and interfaced to the CAD/CAM database. All assignments will be carried out on a CAD/CAM system. (2H,3L,3C) I,II. 4644: INTRODUCTION TO RAPID PROTOTYPING Participants will study topics fundamental to rapid prototyping and automated fabrication, including the generation of suitable CAD models, current rapid prototyping fabrication technologies, their underlying material science, the use of secondary processing, and the impact of these technologies on society. The rapid prototyping process will be illustrated by the actual design and fabrication of a part. Programming skills required. Co: 4634. (3H,3C) II. 4704 (MSE 4064): TRIBOLOGY Basic principles of tribology--the study of friction, wear, and lubrication--including the importance of materials, surfaces, design, operating conditions, environment, and lubrication on friction, wear, and surface damage in any system. Application of tribological theories, concepts, techniques, and approaches to design, research, development, evaluation, and problem-solving. Pre: MSE 2034 or MSE 2044, MSE 3034 or ME 3404. (3H,3C) I. 4714: THEORY AND APPLICATION OF HYDRODYNAMIC LUBRICATION Basic equation of lubrication as applied to design problems. Reynolds equation, plain journal bearing analysis, fixed arc geometry bearing analysis, tilting pad bearing analysis. Fluid film seal analysis and design. Thrust bearing design and application. Introduction to gas bearing theory. Finite element solution for fluid film bearing analysis. Pre: 3404. (3H,3C) II. 4724: ENGINEERING ACOUSTICS Basic acoustical theory and practice, acoustic terminology, measurement, transmission, and perception of sound, muffler design, noise control techniques. Pre: 3404, 3124. (3H,3C) I. 4734 (ECE 4734): MECHATRONICS Electromechanical system modeling, control and applications. Design of electronic interfaces and controllers for mechanical devices. Sensor technology, signal acquisition, filtering, and conditioning. Microcontroller-based closed-loop control and device communications. Sensor and actuator selection, installation, and application strategies. Pre: ECE 2504, ECE 2704 or ME 3514. (3H,3C) I. 4744: THE COMPLEXITY OF SOCIO-TECHNOLOGICAL PROBLEMS Examines the complexity and interconnectedness of problems involving technology and society (environmental pollution, waste of natural resources, energy, automation, computers and privacy, medical technology, genetic engineering, hunger, the third world, military spending, nuclear arms and war, etc.). Includes readings, guest lectures, discussion, and project work in small groups on real problems. Junior or Senior standing in any field required. (3H,3C) II. 4754: IMPACT BIOMECHANICS Introduction to impact biomechanics. Covers in-depth background of human tolerance to impact loading. Emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of impact biomechanics. Use of fundamental engineering principles and advanced medical technologies to develop injury prevention measures. Real world examples from automobile safety, military applications, and sport biomechanics. Pre: ESM 2204, ESM 2304. (3H,3C) 4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course. 4984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course. 4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course. College of Engineering Programs of Study Engineering Education | Aerospace and Ocean Engineering | Biological Systems Engineering | Chemical Engineering Civil and Environmental Engineering | Computer Science | Electrical and Computer Engineering Engineering Science and Mechanics | General Engineering | Industrial and Systems Engineering Materials Science and Engineering | Mechanical Engineering | Mining Engineering |
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