Mechanical Engineering

MEGN200. INTRODUCTION TO MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: PROGRAMMING AND HARDWARE INTERFACE. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

This course introduces programming skills using Matlab as a means to collect and analyze data and utilizes Arduinos as a platform for prototyping circuits and designs. This course reinforces the engineering design process through problem definition and identifying constraints and criteria, encouraging multiple solutions, and introducing analysis in design through prototyping. Prerequisite: EDNS155 or HNRS105 or HNRS115 or HNRS198, CSCI101, CSCI102.

MEGN201. INTRODUCTION TO MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: DESIGN & FABRICATION. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(I, II, S) This course reinforces basic drawing skills from Cornerstone Design, introduces SolidWorks tools to advance modeling skills, introduces machine shop skills (including safety and use of mill, lathe and CNC) and introduces GDnT practices important in fabrication and manufacturing, and prob-stats relevant to manufacturing. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: EDNS151 or EDNS155. HNRS105 or HNRS198.

MEGN212. INTRODUCTION TO SOLID MECHANICS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Equivalent with MEGN312,
This course introduces students to the principles of Solid Mechanics. Upon completion, students will be able to apply Solid Mechanics theories to analyze and design machine elements and structures using isotropic materials. The skills and knowledge learned in this course form the required foundation for Intro to Finite Element Analysis, Advanced Mechanics of Material, Machine Design and other advanced topics in engineering curricula. Practically, it enables students to solve real-world mechanical behavior problems that involve structural materials. This courses places an early focus on ensuring students have mastered the creation of free body diagrams given a mechanical system, then moves on to introduce and reinforce learning of stress and strain transformations, and failure theories. In practicing this knowledge, students will be able to analyze and design machine elements and structures of homogenous and heterogeneous geometries under axial, torsional, bending, transverse shear, internal pressure loads, and non-uniform loads. Students will be able to quantitatively communicate the outcomes. May not also receive credit for CEEN311. Prerequisite: CEEN241 (C- or better).

MEGN298. SPECIAL TOPICS. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.

MEGN299. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: "Independent Study" form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.

MEGN300. INSTRUMENTATION & AUTOMATION. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

This course will explore instrumentation and automation of electro-mechanical systems. Students will utilize LabView and electro-mechanical instrumentation to solve advanced engineering problems. Class activities and projects will highlight the utility of LabView for real-time instrumentation and control. Prerequisite: MEGN200 (C- or better), MEGN201 (C- or better).

MEGN301. MECHANICAL INTEGRATION & DESIGN. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Students will utilize the engineering design process and knowledge in systems level design to produce a mechanical product/process. Students will reverse engineer a product/process to emphasize the steps in the design process. Students will select a longer course project, which is intended to reinforce engineering skills from other courses. The project topics would parallel one of the four research disciplines in ME, and students would be able to choose a topic pathway that emphasizes opportunities for mechanical engineering graduates. Prerequisite: MEGN200 (C- or better), MEGN201 (C- or better), MEGN300 (C- or better).

MEGN315. DYNAMICS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

This course will cover particle kinematics (including 2-D motion in x-y coordinates, normal-tangential coordinates, & polar coordinates), rigid body kinematics (Including relative velocities and accelerations), rigid body kinetics (including the equation of motion, work and energy, linear impulse-momentum, & angular momentum), and introduction to vibrations. Prerequisite: CEEN241 (C- or better) and MATH225 (C- or better). MATH225.

MEGN324. INTRODUCTION TO FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Equivalent with MEGN424,
This course aims to teach basic proficiency with Finite Element Analysis (FEA), which is the most widely used computer aided engineering tool in industry, academia, and government. Fundamentals of FEA theory are introduced, but the majority of the course is spent learning practical skills with commercial FEA software. Students will work interactively with the instructor and with their peers to complete hands-on FEA examples based primarily on problems in structural mechanics. Applications of FEA for heat conduction, natural frequency analysis, and design optimization are covered briefly. The course will conclude with a mini project on which students use FEA skills for engineering analysis and design. The importance of verification and validation (V&V) for critical evaluation of FEA predictions is emphasized, and students will make frequent use of statics and solid mechanics principles to corroborate their FEA results. Prerequisite: MEGN212 (C- or better) or CEEN311 (C- or better).

MEGN330. INTRODUCTION TO BIOMECHANICAL ENGINEERING. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

The application of mechanical engineering principles and techniques to the human body presents many unique challenges. The discipline of Biomedical Engineering (more specifically, Biomechanical Engineering) has evolved over the past 50 years to address these challenges. Biomechanical Engineering includes such areas as biomechanics, biomaterials, bioinstrumentation, medical imaging, and rehabilitation. This course is intended to provide an introduction to, and overview of, Biomechanical Engineering and to prepare the student for more advanced Biomechanical coursework. At the end of the semester, students should have a working knowledge of the special considerations necessary to apply various mechanical engineering principles to the human body. Prerequisite: MEGN212, CEEN311, PHGN200. Co-requisite: MEGN315.

MEGN340. COOPERATIVE EDUCATION. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(I,II,S) Supervised, full-time engineering related employment for a continuous six-month period in which specific educational objectives are achieved. Students must meet with the Department Head prior to enrolling to clarify the educational objectives for their individual Co-op program. Prerequisites: Second semester sophomore status and a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.00. 3 semester hours credit will be granted once toward degree requirements. Credit earned in MEGN340, Cooperative Education, may be used as free elective credit hours if, in the judgment of the Department Head, the required term paper adequately documents the fact that the work experience entailed high-quality application of engineering principles and practice. Applying the credits as free electives requires the student to submit a Declaration of Intent to Request Approval to Apply Co-op Credit toward Graduation Requirements form obtained from the Career Center to the Department Head.

MEGN351. FLUID MECHANICS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

This course wil cover principles of fluid properties, fluid statics, control-volume analysis, Bernoulli equation, differential analysis and Navier-Stokes equations, dimensional analysis, internal flow, external flow, open-channel flow, and turbomachinery. May not also receive credit for CEEN310 or PEGN251. Prerequisite: CEEN241 (C- or better) or MNGN317 (C- or better).

MEGN361. THERMODYNAMICS I. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

This course is a comprehensive treatment of thermodynamics from a mechanical engineering point of view. Topics include: Thermodynamic properties of substances inclusive of phase diagrams, equations of state, internal energy, enthalpy, entropy, and ideal gases; principles of conservation of mass and energy for steady-state and transient analyses; First and Second Law of thermodynamics, heat engines, and thermodynamic efficiencies; Application of fundamental principles with an emphasis on refrigeration and power cycles. May not also receive credit for CBEN210. Prerequisite: MATH213 (C- or better).

MEGN381. MANUFACTURING PROCESSES. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Equivalent with MEGN380,
Manufacturing Processes is a survey course, that introduces a wide variety of traditional and advanced manufacturing processes with emphasis on process selection and hands-on experiences. Students are expected to have basic knowledge in material science, basic machining and GD&T before entering the class. Throughout the course students analyze the relationships between material properties, process variables and product functionality. Students design and evaluate processes for identifying value while eliminating waste using learned skill-sets including lean methodologies, six-sigma and statistical process control. Quality, cost, standards and ethics related to manufacturing are discussed throughout the semester. Prerequisite: MEGN201 with a grade of C- or better and MTGN202. MEGN212.

MEGN391. INTRODUCTION TO AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Automotive engineering involves the design and implementation of complex systems. This course introduces students to the workings of the automotive industry, including its history, future, and the stakeholders that determine its direction. The course also covers the major vehicle subsystems and their functionality, interfaces, components, and recent advancements. Students will apply theoretical and practical systems engineering principles to perform a design of a vehicle subsystem to gain perspective of how the automotive design process is executed and how it fits into the larger scope of the automotive industry. Prerequisite: MEGN200 with of grade C- or better.

MEGN398. SPECIAL TOPICS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING. 6.0 Semester Hrs.

(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.

MEGN399. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: "Independent Study" form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.

MEGN408. INTRODUCTION TO SPACE EXPLORATION. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Overview of extraterrestrial applications of science and engineering by covering all facets of human and robotic space exploration, including its history, current status, and future opportunities in the aerospace and planetary science fields. Subtopics include: the space environment, space transportation systems, destinations (Low-Earth orbit, Moon, Mars, asteroids, other planets), current research, missions, and projects, the international and commercial perspectives, and discussion of potential career opportunities. This seminar style class is taught by CSM faculty, engineers and scientists from space agencies and research organizations, aerospace industry experts, and visionaries and entrepreneurs of the private space commerce sector.

MEGN412. ADVANCED MECHANICS OF MATERIALS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

This Advanced Mechanics of Materials course builds upon the learning outcomes of the pre-requisite Mechanics of Materials (Solid Mechanics) course to teach students the fundamentals of elastic deformations. Introduction to energy methods, strain and stress transformations, constitutive relations for isotropic and orthotropic materials, and to fracture mechanics is realized through theory development, application examples, and numerical solutions. Knowledge from this course will enable students to work on variety of engineering applications in Mechanical, Materials, Aerospace, Civil and related engineering fields. Prerequisite: MEGN212 (C- or better) or CEEN311 (C- or better).

MEGN414. MECHANICS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Introductory course on the mechanics of fiber-reinforced composite materials. The focus of the course is on the determination of stress and strain in a fiber-reinforced composite material with an emphasis on analysis, design, failure by strength-based criteria, and fracture of composites. Anisotropic materials are discussed from a general perspective then the theory is specialized to the analysis of fiber-reinforced materials. Both thermal and hygroscopic sources of strain are introduced. Classical laminated plate theory is next developed, and design of laminated composite structures is introduced. The analysis of helically reinforced composite tubes concludes the course. Prerequisite: MEGN212 (C- or better).

MEGN416. ENGINEERING VIBRATION. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

This course introduces linear theory of mechanical vibrations as applied to single- and multi-degree-of-freedom systems. Specifically, students learn to analyze and measure free and forced vibrations of spring-mass-damper systems in response to different types of loading including harmonic, impulse, and general transient loading. Force balance and energy methods are introduced as means to create models of vibrating mechanical components. Ultimately, students learn to apply these theories to design vibration isolators and dampers for machines subject to translational and rotational vibrations, including machines with rotating unbalances and two or more vibrating masses. Prerequisite: MEGN315 (C- or better).

MEGN417. VEHICLE DYNAMICS & POWERTRAIN SYSTEMS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

This course offers an introduction to automotive engineering with a focus on vehicle design, suspension, powertrain and aerodynamics. The course is designed to introduce students to both theoretical and practical concepts of vehicle design with applications in increasing fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. The study of automotive engineering is of increasing importance as new technologies emerge and advances continue to be made to existing designs to create the ultimate driving experience; while having minimal impact on the environment by reducing tailpipe gas emissions, noise pollution, and waste material during manufacturing of new vehicles. Prerequisite: MEGN315, MEGN324, MEGN361.

MEGN430. MUSCULOSKELETAL BIOMECHANICS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(II) This course is intended to provide mechanical engineering students with a second course in musculoskeletal biomechanics. At the end of the semester, students should have in-depth knowledge and understanding necessary to apply mechanical engineering principles such as statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials to the human body. The course will focus on the biomechanics of injury since understanding injury will require developing an understanding of normal biomechanics. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: MEGN330 (C- or better).

MEGN435. MODELING AND SIMULATION OF HUMAN MOVEMENT. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Introduction to modeling and simulation in biomechanics. The course includes a synthesis of musculoskeletal properties, interactions with the environment, and computational optimization to construct detailed computer models and simulations of human movement. Prerequisite: MEGN315 with a grade C- or better, MEGN330 with grade of C- or better.

MEGN441. INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(I, II) Overview and introduction to the science and engineering of intelligent mobile robotics and robotic manipulators. Covers guidance and force sensing, perception of the environment around a mobile vehicle, reasoning about the environment to identify obstacles and guidance path features and adaptively controlling and monitoring the vehicle health. A lesser emphasis is placed on robot manipulator kinematics, dynamics, and force and tactile sensing. Surveys manipulator and intelligent mobile robotics research and development. Introduces principles and concepts of guidance, position, and force sensing; vision data processing; basic path and trajectory planning algorithms; and force and position control. EENG307 is recommended to be completed before this course. 2 hours lecture; 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: EENG307, MEGN200 or CSCI261 or CSCI200, EENG281 or EENG282 or PHGN215.

MEGN451. FLUID MECHANICS II - AERODYNAMICS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Review of elementary fluid mechanics and engineering; Two-dimensional external flows, boundary layers, and flow separation; Gas dynamics and compressible flow: Isentropic flow, normal and oblique shocks, rocket propulsion, Prandtl-Meyer expansion fans; Application of computational fluid dynamics. Prerequisite: MEGN351(C- or better).

MEGN453. AEROSPACE STRUCTURES. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

This course covers advanced mechanics of materials relevant to the analysis and design of aerospace structures. Focused topics include multiaxial stress states, nonsymmetric loading, composites, airframe loads, and shear flow emphasizing lightweight, often thin-walled structures common in aerospace applications. Other advanced topics will be introduced, time permitting. Prerequisite: MEGN212.

MEGN455. AEROSPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

An introduction to aerospace systems engineering. This course is designed for students to explore both theoretical and practical systems engineering concepts and knowledge using examples drawn from the aerospace and defense industries. Starting with the systems engineering v model, students will gain hands on experience working with modern Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) software and develop systems engineering deliverables such as Concepts of Operations (ConOps) documents as part of a semester long project. Prerequisite: Best taken just before Senior Design or as a co-req with Senior Design I.

MEGN456. SPACE OPERATIONS AND MISSION DESIGN. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Space Operations and Mission Design (SOMD) is a course for upper level undergraduate and graduate students at Mines who are interested in expanding their knowledge of astrodynamics, spacecraft and space mission design, project management, and systems engineering. Upon leaving the course, students will have a head start on potential internships/careers in the aerospace industry armed with key vocabulary and terms, experience with industry relevant software and tools, and core skills and knowledge gained through practice addressing real-world problems in the space domain. Prerequisite: MEGN455.

MEGN458. INTRO TO SPACE EXPLORATION AND RESOURCES. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Overview of human and robotic space exploration, including its history, current status, and future opportunities. Course topics cover the space environment, space transportation systems, destinations (Low-Earth orbit, Moon, Mars, asteroids, other planets), the aerospace industry, space commerce and law, and the international space activity. Emphasis is placed on the field of space resources, including their identification, extraction, and utilization to enable future space exploration and the new space economy.

MEGN461. THERMODYNAMICS II. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

This course extends the subject matter of Thermodynamics I (MEGN361) to include the study of exergy, ideal gas mixture properties, psychrometrics and humid air processes, chemical reactions, and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Laws of Thermodynamics as applied to reacting systems. Chemical equilibrium of multi-component systems, and simultaneous chemical reactions of real combustion and reaction processes are studied. Concepts of the above are explored through the analysis of advanced thermodynamic systems. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: MEGN351 (C- or better), MEGN361 (C- or better).

MEGN466. INTRODUCTION TO INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Introduction to Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs); with a specific focus on Compression Ignition (CI) and Spark Ignition (SI) reciprocating engines. This is an applied thermo science course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of both 4-stroke and 2-stroke reciprocating engines ranging in size from model airplane engines to large cargo ship engines. Course is designed as a one-semester course for students without prior experience with IC engines, however, the course will also include advanced engine technologies designed to deliver more horsepower, utilize less fuel, and meet stringent emission regulations. Discussion of advancements in alternative fueled engines will be covered as well. This course also includes an engine laboratory designed to provide hands-on experience and provide further insight into the material covered in the lectures. Prerequisite: MEGN351 with a grade of C- or better, MEGN361 with a grade of C- or better. Co-requisite: MEGN471.

MEGN467. PRINCIPLES OF BUILDING SCIENCE. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

This course covers the fundamentals of building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and the use of numerical heat and moisture transfer models to analyze or design different building envelope and HVAC systems. Prerequisite: MEGN351 with a grade of C- or better, MEGN361 with a grade of C- or better. Co-requisite: MEGN471.

MEGN469. FUEL CELL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Equivalent with CBEN469,MTGN469,
Investigate fundamentals of fuel-cell operation and electrochemistry from a chemical-thermodynamics and materials- science perspective. Review types of fuel cells, fuel-processing requirements and approaches, and fuel-cell system integration. Examine current topics in fuel-cell science and technology. Fabricate and test operational fuel cells in the Colorado Fuel Cell Center. Prerequisite: MEGN361 with a grade of C- or better or CBEN357 with a grade of C- or better.

MEGN471. HEAT TRANSFER. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(I, II) Engineering approach to conduction, convection, and radiation, including steadystate conduction, nonsteady-state conduction, internal heat generation conduction in one, two, and three dimensions, and combined conduction and convection. Free and forced convection including laminar and turbulent flow, internal and external flow. Radiation of black and grey surfaces, shape factors and electrical equivalence. Prerequisite: MEGN351 (C- or better), MEGN361 (C- or better), and MATH307. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.

MEGN475. INTRODUCTION TO NUCLEAR ENGINEERING. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

An overview of major concepts and themes of nuclear engineering founded on the fundamental properties of the neutron, and emphasizing the nuclear physics bases of nuclear reactor design and its relationship to nuclear engineering problems. Major topics that introduce fundamental concepts in nuclear engineering include the physics and chemistry of radioactive decay, radiation detection, neutron physics, heat transfer in nuclear reactors, and health physics. Nuclear engineering topics relevant to current events are also introduced including nuclear weapons, nuclear proliferation, and nuclear medicine. Prerequisite: MATH225, PHGN200.

MEGN479. OPTIMIZATION MODELS IN MANUFACTURING. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

We address the mathematical formulation and solution of optimization models relevant in manufacturing operations. The types of deterministic optimization models examined include: (i) network models; (ii) linear programs; (iii) integer programs; and, (iv) nonlinear programs. Application areas include scheduling, blending, equipment replacement, logistics and transportation, among other topics. Students learn not only how to mathematically formulate the models, but also how to solve them with a state-of-the-art modeling language (Ampl) and appropriate solver (e.g., Cplex or Minos). Algorithms for each problem class will be briefly discussed.

MEGN481. MACHINE DESIGN. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(I, II) In this course, students develop their knowledge of machine components and materials for the purpose of effective and efficient mechanical design. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical methods and tools that aid the decision making process. The course focuses on determination of stress, strain, and deflection for static, static multiaxial, impact, dynamic, and dynamic multiaxial loading. Students will learn about fatigue failure in mechanical design and calculate how long mechanical components are expected to last. Specific machine components covered include shafts, springs, gears, fasteners, and bearings. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: MEGN315 (C- or better) or PHGN350 (C- or better), and MEGN324 (C- or better).

MEGN485. MANUFACTURING OPTIMIZATION WITH NETWORK MODELS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Equivalent with EBGN456,
(I) We examine network flow models that arise in manufacturing, energy, mining, transportation and logistics: minimum cost flow models in transportation, shortest path problems in assigning inspection effort on a manufacturing line, and maximum flow models to allocate machine-hours to jobs. We also discuss an algorithm or two applicable to each problem class. Computer use for modeling (in a language such as AMPL) and solving (with software such as CPLEX) these optimization problems is introduced. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: MATH111.

MEGN486. LINEAR OPTIMIZATION. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

This course addresses the formulation of linear programming models, linear programs in two dimensions, standard form, the Simplex method, duality theory, complementary slackness conditions, sensitivity analysis, and multi-objective programming. Applications of linear programming models include, but are not limited to, the areas of manufacturing, energy, mining, transportation and logistics, and the military. Computer use for modeling (in a language such as AMPL) and solving (with software such as CPLEX) these optimization problems is introduced. Offered every other year. Prerequisite: MATH332 or EBGN509.

MEGN487. NONLINEAR OPTIMIZATION. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Equivalent with MEGN587,
This course addresses both unconstrained and constrained nonlinear model formulation and corresponding algorithms (e.g., Gradient Search and Newton's Method, and Lagrange Multiplier Methods and Reduced Gradient Algorithms, respectively). Applications of state-of-the-art hardware and software will emphasize solving real-world engineering problems in areas such as manufacturing, energy, mining, transportation and logistics, and the military. Computer use for modeling (in a language such as AMPL) and solving (with an algorithm such as MINOS) these optimization problems is introduced. Offered every other year. Prerequisite: MATH111.

MEGN488. INTEGER OPTIMIZATION. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Equivalent with MEGN588,
(I) This course addresses the formulation of integer programming models, the branch-and-bound algorithm, total unimodularity and the ease with which these models are solved, and then suggest methods to increase tractability, including cuts, strong formulations, and decomposition techniques, e.g., Lagrangian relaxation, Benders decomposition. Applications include manufacturing, energy, mining, transportation and logistics, and the military. Computer use for modeling (in a language such as AMPL) and solving (with software such as CPLEX) these optimization problems is introduced. Offered every other year. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: MATH111.

MEGN498. SPECIAL TOPICS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.

MEGN499. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 1-6 Semester Hr.

Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Note that MEGN499 does not count as an MEGN Teachnical Elective, though the course does count as a Free Elective. Prerequisite: Independent Study form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar.