Texas A&M University Graduate Catalog 2004-2005 Edition

Department of Mechanical Engineering

R. M. Alexander, N. K. Anand*, M. J. Andrews, K. Annamalai, A. Beskok, R. M. Bowen, W. L. Bradley, D. E. Bray, C. P. Burger, J. A. Caton, D. W.Childs, R. Chona, D. E. Claridge, A.Cohen, M. A. Colaluca, L. R. Cornwell, T. S. Creasy, J. C. Criscione, L. J. Everett, L. S.Fletcher, R. E. Goforth, R. B. Griffin, J.C.Han, K. T. Hartwig, W. M. Heffington, H. A. Hogan, C. L. Hough, Jr., S. Hsieh, J. D. Humphrey, W. N. P. Hung, S. Jayasuriya, I. Karaman, C. F. Kettleborough, K. D. Kihm, W. Kim, T. J. Kozik, T. R. Lalk, R.Langari, S. C. Lau, S. Lee, R. P. Lucht, E. Marotta, J. E. Mayer, Jr., M. McDermott, A. R. McFarland, R. J. Morgan, G. L.Morrison, D. L. O'Neal (Head), O. O. Ochoa, R. H. Page, A. B. Palazzolo, A. G. Parlos, J. V. Perry, G. P. Peterson, D. J. Phares, M. J.Rabins, K. R. Rajagopal, J.N.Reddy, D. L.Rhode, H. H. Richardson, L. A. San Andres, W. C. Schneider, T. M. Schobeiri, J. Seyed-Yagoobi, S. C. Smith, Jr., A. R. Srinivasa, H.-J. Sue, C. Suh, D. V. Swaroop, H. R. Thornton, W. D. Turner, J. M. Vance, J. Wang, J. A. Weese, A. Wolfenden

* Graduate Advisor

The graduate program in mechanical engineering is designed to offer a choice in curriculum depending upon career objectives. Students interested in research and/or teaching may follow the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy route. Those interested in practicing engineering at an advanced level in government or industry may pursue the Master of Engineering. This degree is offered in those areas of mechanical engineering which have a prescribed plan of study on file in the department. The department also offers courses and faculty supervision for students pursuing the Doctor of Engineering degree. The following courses are provided to enable each student to tailor an individual program consistent with a degree choice.

Each mechanical engineering graduate course is designed to provide a clear presentation of the underlying principles and theories essential to an understanding of the subject. Analytical and experimental techniques are described when required to apply the subject material to modern problems facing the engineers of today. In many cases, the course material supplements active research in mechanical engineering areas currently being done at Texas A&M and other prominent research centers around the world. Active research facilities are available for mechanical testing, fracture testing, metallurgical studies, experimental stress analysis, vibrations and rotating machinery, turbomachinery, fluid dynamics, power generation, combustion, in situ lignite gasification, heat transfer, energy management, corrosion, solar energy and wind tunnel studies. In addition, new research programs have begun in manufacturing processes, nondestructive testing, computer-aided design, manufacturing, plastics engineering, artificial intelligence and robotics.

There is no foreign language requirement for the PhD program in mechanical engineering. Each student, with the advice of his or her chosen advisory committee, selects courses to develop a strength in an area of specialization composed of the following mechanical engineering subgroups: thermal science, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, materials science and mechanical systems.

(MEEN)

601. Advanced Machine Design. (3-0). Credit 3.

Design methodology, functional design, innovation, parameter analysis, design for reliability, manufacturability and strength; design project. Prerequisite: MEEN 446 or equivalent.

606. Polymer Laboratories. (2-3). Credit 3.

Introduction to basic experimental skills relating to Polymers. Experiments to be performed include polymerization, Molecular weight determination, FTIR, tensile text, NMR, DSC, swelling index, viscosity, x-ray diffraction.

612. Mechanics of Robot Manipulators. (3-0). Credit 3.

Kinematics, dynamics and control of industrial robot manipulators. Prerequisites: MEEN 335 and 411 or approval of instructor.

613. Engineering Dynamics. (3-0). Credit 3.

Three dimensional study of dynamics of particles and rigid bodies and application to engineering problems; introduction to Lagrange equations of motion and Hamilton's principle. Prerequisites: MEEN 334; MATH 308.

615. Advanced Engineering Thermodynamics. (3-0). Credit 3.

Theories of thermodynamics and their application to the more involved problems in engineering practice and design; equilibrium, Gibbs' function, nonideal gases and various equations of state; second law analysis and statistical theory. Prerequisite: MEEN 328 or equivalent.

617. Mechanical Vibrations. (3-0). Credit 3.

Linear theory of vibrations of finite number of degree of freedom systems via Lagrange equations. Engineering applications. Prerequisites: MEEN 335; MATH308.

621. Fluid Mechanics. (3-0). Credit 3.

Dynamics of two-dimensional incompressible and compressible fluids; viscous flow in laminar and turbulent layers, the Navier-Stokes equations and boundary layer theory. Prerequisite: MEEN 344 or equivalent.

622. Advanced Fluid Mechanics. (3-0). Credit 3.

Laminar viscous flows; hydrodynamic stability; transition to turbulence; special topics include atomization, two-phase flows and non-linear theories. Prerequisites: MEEN 621 or equivalent; MATH 601 or equivalent.

624. Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer. (3-0). Credit 3.

Current status of two-phase flow and heat transfer for application to design; basic one dimensional treatment of two-phase flows and the current state of the art in liquid-vapor phase change heat transfer. Prerequisite: Undergraduate courses in fluid mechanics and heat transfer.

626. Lubrication Theory. (3-0). Credit 3.

Development of Reynolds equation from Navier-Stokes equation for study of hydrodynamic lubrication theory as basis for bearing design; application to simple thrust and journal bearings and pads of various geometries; hydrostatic lubrication, floating ring bearing, compressible fluid (gas) lubrication, grease lubrication, dynamically loaded bearings, half speed whirl and stability. Prerequisites: MEEN 344 or equivalent; MATH 308.

627. Heat Transfer-Conduction. (3-0). Credit 3.

Mathematical theory of steady-state and transient heat conduction; solution of the governing differential equations by analytical and numerical methods; applications to various geometric configurations. Prerequisites: MEEN461; MATH 601 or registration therein.

628. Heat Transfer-Convection. (3-0). Credit 3.

Mathematical theory of convection energy transport; applications to the design of heat-transfer apparatus. Prerequisites: MEEN 461; MATH 601 or registration therein.

629. Heat Transfer-Radiation. (3-0). Credit 3.

Mathematical theory of thermal radiation with design applications; ideal and nonideal radiating surfaces, heat transfer in enclosures, solar radiation; analytical, numerical and analogical methods stressed in problem solving. Prerequisites: MEEN 461; MATH 601 or registration therein.

630. Intermediate Heat Transfer. (3-0). Credit 3.

Application of basic laws to the analysis of heat and mass transfer; exact and approximate solutions to conduction, convection and radiation problems; current status of single and two-phase heat transfer for application to design. Prerequisites: Undergraduate courses in fluid mechanics and heat transfer.

631. Microscale Thermodynamics. (3-0). Credit 3.

An understanding of thermodynamics and transport properties from a microscopic viewpoint; principles of quantum mechanics; atomic and molecular contribution to thermodynamic properties; kinetic theory and transport properties. Prerequisite: Graduate classification.

632. Advanced Computer-Aided Engineering. (3-0). Credit 3.

An integrated learning environment that is responsive to industrial need for mechanical engineers with multi-disciplinary design skills; three essentials emphasized in strong teamwork environment; design concept development, design optimization and effective communication via engineering drawings. Prerequisite: Graduate classification in mechanical engineering.

633. Combustion Science and Engineering. (3-0). Credit 3.

Fuels and combustion, mass transfer, transport properties, conservation laws, droplet, particle and slurry combustion, sprays, combustion in flow systems flammability, ignition, extinction, flame stability, laminar and detonation waves, premixed flames, application to burners--residential, utility and transportation, fluidized bed combustors, and fire and flame spread of modern building materials. Prerequisites: MEEN 328, 344, 461 or equivalents.

634. Dynamics and Modeling of Mechatronic Systems. (3-0). Credit 3.

Mechatronic interactions in lumped-parameter and continuum systems. Review of integral and differential electromagnetic laws, including motions. Lumped elements and dynamic equations of motion. Linear and non-linear actuators and transducers. Field transformation and moving media. Electromagnetic force densities and stress tensors. Prerequisites MEEN 364, MATH 308, MEEN 357.

636. Turbulence: Theory and Engineering Applications. (3-0). Credit 3.

Characteristics, concepts, and relationships of detailed turbulent flow analysis and measurement; turbulence origin, energy production, cascade and dissipation; correlation functions, spectra and length scales; closure modeling of the Reynolds-averaged governing equations. Prerequisites: MEEN621 and 622 or equivalents.

637. Turbulence Measurement and Analysis. (3-0). Credit 3.

Instrumentation and measurement techniques used in turbulent flow field analysis with emphasis on understanding the characteristics of the turbulence. Pressure probes, hot-wire/hot-film anemometry, laser anemometry, spectral and temporal analysis techniques, conditional sampling and computer applications. Prerequisite: MEEN 344.

638. Mechanics of Non-Linear Fluids. (3-0). Credit 3.

Introduction to classifications of flows, constitutive theory, fluids of the differential type. Prerequisites: Graduate classification and approval of instructor.

639. Dynamics of Rotating Machinery. (3-0). Credit 3.

Dynamic stability, critical speeds and unbalanced response of rotor-bearing systems; special problems encountered in modern applications operating through and above critical speeds. Prerequisite: MEEN 459 or 613.

641. Quantitative Feedback Theory. (3-0). Credit 3.

Benefits of feedback and cost of feedback; understanding extent to which available design theories meet realistic design constraints; treating the synthesis problem from a quantitative viewpoint; quantitative feedback theory as an effective tool for realistic feedback design problems for multivariable systems having both minimum and non-minimum phase zeros. Prerequisite: MEEN 651 or equivalent.

643. Experimental Methods in Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics. (3-0). Credit 3.

Experimental methods including experiment planning and design, mechanics of measurements, error and uncertainty analysis, standards and calibration, temperature measurement, interferometry, flow rate measurement, hot wire anemometry, subsonic and supersonic flow visualization and data analysis; selected experiments conducted. Prerequisite: Graduate classification.

644. Numerical Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow. (3-0). Credit 3.

Convection-diffusion, up-wind, exponential, exact solution, power law schemes, false diffusion; staggered grid concept; development of simple and simpler algorithms; periodically developed flows. Prerequisites: MEEN 357 and 461; NUEN 430 or equivalent. Cross-listed with NUEN 644.

646. Aerothermodynamics of Turbomachines. (3-0). Credit 3.

Fluid mechanics and thermodynamics as applied to the design of rotating systems; development of turbomachinery equations; detailed aerodynamic design of compressors and turbines. Prerequisites: MEEN 414 and 472; MATH 601 or approval of instructor.

648. Manufacturing Systems Planning and Analysis. (3-0). Credit 3.

The system perspective of a computer integrated manufacturing system; manufacturing and its various levels and the planning and control of product movement through the production system in the context of using realtime control, multiprocessor systems, network architectures and databases. Prerequisite: INEN 420. Cross-listed with INEN 654.

649. Nonlinear Vibrations. (3-0). Credit 3.

Exact and approximate solutions to nonlinear differential equations in mechanical vibrations; application of classical methods in nonlinear analysis such as the Method of Perturbations and Variation of Parameters; virtual Work Technique and the Modified Galerkin Method; applications to selected nonlinear problems. Prerequisites: Course in differential equations; graduate classification.

650. Control Issues in Computer Integrated Manufacturing. (3-0). Credit 3.

Examines the nature of computer aided manufacturing systems with emphasis in control; presentation of architecture for control of CAM systems; control issues; study and development of problems and procedures to control CAM systems. Prerequisite: INEN 654 or approval of instructor. Cross-listed with INEN 655.

651. Control System Design. (3-0). Credit 3.

Frequency domain design of SISO systems for performance and sensitivity reduction; applications of Kalman filter and LQG/LTR techniques; design of sample-data systems; active control of vibration in distributed parameter systems; describing function and relay controls; application of control principles to engineering design. Prerequisite: MEEN 411.

652. Multivariable Control System Design. (3-0). Credit 3.

Advanced issues relevant to the design of multivariable control systems using hybrid (time and frequency domain) design methodologies; design using the LQG/LTR method and advanced practical applications using various robust control system design techniques. Prerequisite: MEEN 651 or ELEN 605. Cross-listed with NUEN 619.

655. Design of Nonlinear Control Systems. (3-0). Credit 3.

To enable the students to design controllers for nonlinear and uncertain systems; and apply their designs to mechanical systems. Prerequisites: Graduate classification, MEEN 651 or equivalent.

659. Vibration Measurement in Rotating Machinery and Machine Structures. (3-0). Credit 3.

Transducers, instruments, measurement techniques, data acquisition methods, data reduction methods for modal analysis, applications to rotating machines, turbomachinery rotordynamics, bearings, gears and machine foundations. Prerequisites: MEEN 459, 617 or 639; graduate classification.

662. Energy Management in Industry. (3-0). Credit 3.

Energy systems and components frequently encountered in industrial environments; application of basic principles of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics and electrical machinery to the analysis and design of industrial system components and systems. Improved energy utilization. Prerequisites: MEEN328 and 461 or approval of instructor.

663. Cogeneration Systems. (3-0). Credit 3.

Design and analysis of cogeneration systems; selection of prime mover-steam turbine, or reciprocating engine; economic and financial evaluations; legal and institutional considerations; case studies. Prerequisite: MEEN 328.

664. Energy Management in Commercial Buildings. (3-0). Credit 3.

Basic heating, ventilating and air conditioning system design/selection criteria for air conditioning and heat system and design/selection of central plant components and equipment. Prerequisites: MEEN 328 and 461 or approval of instructor.

665. Application of Energy Management. (3-0). Credit 3.

Continuation of MEEN 662 and 664; case studies by students of energy conservation opportunities using energy audits and building load computer simulation. Prerequisites: MEEN 662 and 664 or approval of instructor.

667. Mechatronics. (3-0). Credit 3.

Mechatronics; logic circuits in mechanical systems; electrical-mechanical interfacing; analysis and applications of computerized machinery. Prerequisite: Graduate classification in engineering.

668. Rotordynamics. (3-0). Credit 3.

This course teaches the phenomena which occur in rotordynamics of turbomachinery, modeling techniques for turbomachines, and analysis techniques for rotordynamics analysis of real machines. Prerequisite: Graduate classification.

674. Modern Control. (3-0). Credit 3.

Vector Norms, Induced Operator Norm; Lp stability; the small gain theorem; performance/robustness tradeoffs; l1 and H00 optimal control as operator norm minimization; H2 optimal control. Prerequisite: ELEN 605 or equivalent. Cross-listed with ELEN 608.

675. Adaptive Control. (3-0). Credit 3.

Basic principles of parameter identification and parameter adaptive control; robustness and examples of instability; development of a unified approach to the design of robust adaptive schemes. Prerequisite: ELEN 605 or equivalent. Cross-listed with ELEN 609.

676. Fuzzy Logic and Intelligent Systems. (3-0). Credit 3.

Introduces the basics of fuzzy logic and its role in developing intelligent systems; topics include fuzzy set theory, fuzzy rule inference, fuzzy logic in control, fuzzy pattern recognition, neural fuzzy systems, and fuzzy model identification using genetic algorithms. Prerequisite: CPSC 625 or approval of instructor. Cross-listed with CPSC 639.

677. Aerosol Science. (3-0). Credit 3.

Multidisciplinary survey of methods for describing aerosol particles and systems: gas kinetics and transport theory, formation and growth thermodynamics, electrical properties, coagulation, light scattering; selected topics from current literature. Prerequisite: Graduate classification in engineering or approval of instructor. Cross-listed with NUEN 677.

678. Aerosol Mechanics. (3-0). Credit 3.

Provides the basis for understanding and modeling aerosol behavior; mechanical, fluid dynamical, electrical, optical and molecular effects are considered; applications include sprays and atomization, aerosol collection, aerosol sampling and visibility. Prerequisite: Graduate classification in engineering or approval of instructor.

679. Spectral Methods in Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow. (3-0). Credit 3.

Introduces theoretical and applications aspects of spectral and multi-domain spectral methods for computational heat transfer and fluid flow problems. Prerequisites: MEEN 357, 344, 461; graduate classification.

680. Optical Techniques for Engineers. (3-0). Credit 3.

The course will discuss basic optical theories and their practical applications with an emphasis on flow visualization for thermal and fluid engineering. The course will also discuss the operating principles and applications of at least seven different optical diagnostic instruments. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

681. Seminar. (0-1). Credit 1.

Current research in a wide range of fields described by guest lecturers who are prominent in their fields. Discussion period at the end of each lecture will permit the students to learn more about the lecturer and his/her work. Prerequisite: Graduate classification in mechanical engineering.

684. Professional Internship. Credit 1 or more each semester.

Supervised work in an area closely related to the specialized field of study undertaken by a Master of Engineering candidate. Prerequisite: Admission to a specialized Master of Engineering program in mechanical engineering.

685. Directed Studies. Credit 1 to 12.

Content will be adapted to interest and needs of group enrolled.

689. Special Topics in... Credit 1 to 4.

Special topics in an identified area of mechanical engineering. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.

691. Research. Credit 1 or more each semester.

Methods and practice in mechanical engineering research for thesis or dissertation.

692. Professional Study. Credit 1 to 9.

Approved professional study or project; may be taken more than once, but not to exceed 6 hours of credit toward a degree. Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.

The following courses are described in the section entitled Mechanics and Materials (MEMA) are part of the curriculum in mechanical engineering.