Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Program Offerings

Offering type
B.S.E.

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering recognizes that students have a variety of career objectives. Some enter industry directly in an engineering capacity and some continue their studies in graduate school in engineering or applied science. Other MAE graduates pursue careers in business, law or medicine. The department offers sufficient flexibility to students planning an undergraduate program that meets any of these objectives and guides them to build fundamental knowledge in key engineering disciplines and develop practical skills in problem-solving and design. The subjects of solid and fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, dynamics, control systems, materials and applied mathematics, combined with the experience of engineering design, are the core of the department's curriculum. Both the mechanical and aerospace engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering.

Goals for Student Learning

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is concerned with the engineering science and technologies associated with ground, air, water and space transportation, including control and dynamics of vehicles and systems, energy conversion and use, environmental effects, fluids, materials and applied physics. To accommodate this breadth of interest, the department offers two programs of study: mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering. Either program may be completed individually or, through careful planning and selection of technical electives, the requirements of both the mechanical and aerospace engineering programs may be satisfied simultaneously. (See the director of undergraduate studies for further information.) Departmental students may also participate in the SEAS Engineering Physics Program or other SEAS programs such as Engineering and Management Systems, Engineering Biology, Applied and Computational Mathematics, Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Materials Science in Engineering, Sustainable Energy and the Program in Applications of Computing.

Both the mechanical and aerospace engineering programs draw on courses in the underlying fundamental sciences and mathematics during the first year and introductory engineering science courses during the second year. Students are shown the creative application of knowledge for the solution of technical problems. Various aspects of engineering design, the process of devising a system to meet a need, are introduced to the student through the laboratories starting in the second year and continue through the upper-level years. All students take a two-semester design sequence and additional engineering science courses, performing analyses and studying applications in the areas of energy, power systems, structures and the dynamics of machines and their control. The courses in design, along with advanced courses in engineering science, enable students to undertake realistic design projects during their senior year. The programs are structured to prepare graduates for an engineering career and the ability to grow professionally.

The department recognizes that students have a wide variety of career objectives. Some may intend to enter industry directly in an engineering capacity or to continue studies in graduate school in engineering or applied science. Others may wish to take an engineering program in preparation for careers in business, law or medicine. Sufficient flexibility is provided within the undergraduate program in the department to permit meeting these and other varied objectives while acquiring a foundation in the engineering disciplines and associated problem-solving skills.

Independent work is an important complement to formal coursework and affords students the opportunity to collaborate closely with faculty and graduate students while working on real engineering problems.

Program(s) Educational Objectives

Aerospace Engineering:

Objective No. 1

Our graduates will think critically and creatively and excel in applying the fundamentals of aerospace engineering.

Objective No. 2

Our graduates will pursue a life of curiosity with a desire for learning and will gain the ability and self-confidence to adapt to rapid and major changes.

Objective No. 3

Our graduates will advance toward leadership in shaping the social, intellectual, business and technical worlds and by excelling in diverse careers.

 

Mechanical Engineering:

Objective No. 1

Our graduates will think critically and creatively and excel in applying the fundamentals of mechanical engineering.

Objective No. 2

Our graduates will pursue a life of curiosity with a desire for learning and will gain the ability and self-confidence to adapt to rapid and major changes.

Objective No. 3

Our graduates will advance toward leadership in shaping the social, intellectual, business and technical worlds and by excelling in diverse careers.

 

The departmental student outcomes are consistent with those prescribed by ABET, which can be briefly summarized as the ability to do the following:

  • solve engineering problems
  • develop designs to meet needs
  • communicate effectively to diverse audiences 
  • recognize ethical responsibilities
  • function as part of a team
  • develop methods to collect and use data to make judgments
  • acquire new knowledge

Program of Study

The department offers two programs of study: mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering. These programs draw on courses in the underlying fundamental sciences and mathematics during the first year, which lead to broad introductory engineering science courses during the second year, where students are introduced to the creative application of this knowledge to the solution of technical problems. Aspects of engineering design, the process of devising a system to meet a need, are introduced to the student through laboratories in the second year and continue through the upper-level years. Starting as early as the second semester of the sophomore year, students take a two-semester design sequence as well as engineering science courses dealing with analysis and application in the areas of energy sources and power systems, structures, aerodynamics and flow systems, and the dynamics of machines and their control. The early introduction of design, combined with further depth in engineering science, enables students to undertake realistic design projects during their senior year. The programs are designed to prepare the graduate for an engineering career and give them the ability to continue to grow professionally.

Mechanical Engineering

This program deals with the analysis and design of machines, their motion, power sources and control. The curriculum is based on dynamics, thermodynamics and the study of the structure and behavior of fluid and solid materials. The Mechanical Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mechanical Engineering. 

Students are exposed to the process of engineering design through 321 Engineering Design, 322 Mechanical Design, 412 Microprocessors for Measurement and Control, or 416 Bioinspired Design, and one additional design elective, which is fulfilled by senior thesis, senior independent work or senior project.

All mechanical engineering students must take:

423 Heat Transfer or 335 Fluid Dynamics or 438 Electrochemical Engineering; and 433 Automatic Control Systems.

Options within the Mechanical Engineering Program 

The dynamics and controls option is recommended for students interested in an emphasis on the study of the motion and control of vehicles and machines. The design option is recommended for students desiring an emphasis on mechanical engineering design. The departmental requirements (provided above) for both of these options are normally satisfied by a selection of courses from the following list:

  • 331 Aircraft Flight Dynamics
  • 341 Space Flight
  • 344 Biomechanics and Biomaterials: From Cells to Organisms
  • 345 Introduction to Robotics
  • 432 Deep Learning and Physical Systems
  • 434 Modern Control

The energy sciences option is recommended for students desiring an emphasis on power sources. Departmental courses available to students with this interest include:

  • 426 Rocket and Air-Breathing Propulsion Technology
  • 427 Energy Conversion and the Environment: Transportation Applications
  • 434 Modern Control

In either case, in order to satisfy the departmental requirement for upper-level courses, at least one course is to be selected from each of the three stems (dynamics and control; fluid mechanics and thermal sciences; and materials/structures).

Aerospace Engineering

This program deals with the analysis and design of aerospace vehicles. The curriculum is based on the applications of principles from dynamics, control, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and solid mechanics; the Aerospace Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Aerospace Engineering. 

Part of the departmental design requirement (provided above) is satisfied by 321 Engineering Design and 332 Aircraft Design or 342 Space System Design.

The departmental requirements are normally satisfied by:

  • 331 Aircraft Flight Dynamics or 341 Space Flight
  • 335 Fluid Dynamics
  • 427 Energy Conversion and the Environment: Transportation Applications or 426 Rocket and Air-Breathing Propulsion Technology
  • 433 Automatic Control Systems

Independent Work

All seniors are required to participate in a research or engineering project by completing at least one semester of independent work. A year-long senior thesis or senior project also meets this requirement. All projects must include engineering design (engineering design is the process of devising a system, component or process to meet desired needs). The following courses satisfy this requirement: senior independent work (439) (one semester offered in fall); senior independent work (440) (one semester offered in spring); senior thesis (442) (year-long individual effort); senior project (444) (year-long team or group effort). Any of these courses may satisfy the third design requirement in either the aerospace or mechanical programs. Students are strongly encouraged to select the year-long thesis or project, for which a final grade is issued in the spring.

Additional Requirements

General Requirements

Requirements for study in the mechanical and aerospace engineering department follow the general requirements for the School of Engineering and Applied Science. In addition, the following four courses and one laboratory are normally completed by departmental students before entry into junior year.

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Programs

  • 206 Introduction to Engineering Dynamics
  • 221 Thermodynamics
  • 222 Mechanics of Fluids
  • 223 Modern Solid Mechanics
  • 224 Integrated Engineering Science Laboratory

MAE 206 is not required for those pursuing only the aerospace degree. Instead, for those students the dynamics requirement is met by an upper-level course focused on aerospace dynamics, MAE 331 or 341.

Some of the above can be satisfied by equivalent courses. For example, students with an interest in structures may take CEE 205 Mechanics of Solids in place of MAE 223; and students with an interest in engineering physics may take PHY 207 From Classical to Quantum Mechanics and PHY 208 Principles of Quantum Mechanics in place of MAE 223 and MAE 206.

Each departmental student will be introduced to instrumentation and computer-based data acquisition in the MAE 224 laboratory.

Departmental Requirements

In order to qualify for graduation, each departmental student must satisfactorily complete the following:

  1. One upper-level course involving applications of mathematics: MAE 305 Mathematics in Engineering I
  2. Eight upper-level departmental courses

 Among these are engineering science courses selected from the following list:

Dynamics and Control

  • 331 Aircraft Flight Dynamics or 341 Space Flight (required for aerospace engineering)
  • 433 Automatic Control Systems (required for all students)
  • 434 Modern Control

Fluid Mechanics/Thermal Sciences

  • 335 Fluid Dynamics (required for aerospace engineering)
  • 423 Heat Transfer
  • 426 Rocket and Air-Breathing Propulsion Technology or 427 Energy Conversion and the Environment: Transportation Applications (required for aerospace engineering)
  • 438 Electrochemical Engineering
  • 552 Viscous Flows—Viscous Flows and Boundary Layers

Materials/Structures

  • 324 Structure and Properties of Materials or MSE 301 Materials Science and Engineering (required for all students)
  • 323 Aerospace Structures or CEE 312 Statics of Structures or CEE 361 Structural Analysis and Introduction to Finite-Element Methods

A minimum of three courses must be in the area of engineering design. At least two of these must be selected from the following list:

  • 321 Engineering Design (required for all students)
  • 322 Mechanical Design (required for mechanical engineering or 412 or 416)
  • 332 Aircraft Design (required for aerospace engineering or 342)
  • 342 Space System Design (required for aerospace engineering or 332)
  • 412 Microprocessors for Measurement and Control (required for mechanical engineering or 322 or 416)
  • 416 Bioinspired Design (required for mechanical engineering or 322 or 412)

All students are required to participate in a self-directed research or engineering project. (See Independent Work below.)

The remainder of the 36 courses required for the B.S.E. may be chosen from a wide variety of options. At least seven of these must be in the humanities or social sciences, as required by the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The rest of the courses may be used to pursue a specialty within the department, combine studies with another department, follow one of the topical program curricula or further expand studies within the humanities or social sciences.

Each student's program is planned individually in consultation with the class adviser. Suggested plans of study for each of the programs in the department are available from the director of undergraduate studies.

 

Additional Information

MAE students also participate in many University programs, including:

Program in Engineering Physics

Students who are considering graduate work in applied science may elect the engineering physics option by combining the engineering courses in the department with the requirements of the interdepartmental engineering physics program.

Program in Sustainable Energy

This program provides an understanding of Earth, global climate and environmental change from the perspective of engineering, technology and policy. The future of societies, the global economy and the global environment depend on collaborative research into renewable energy, alternative fuels, advanced energy conversion and storage systems, technology transfer to developing countries, and prudent judgment on policies to support sustainable energy technology. Innovations and inventions require multidisciplinary approaches and entrepreneurship, as well as grounding in theory and practice, in topics that are not covered by a single department. This program offers an integrated set of core and elective courses, introducing students to fundamental concepts, providing depth in specific fields of interest, gaining laboratory and site visit experiences and setting the stage for further work in the field. See the Program in Sustainable Energy entry or view program information online.

Program in Robotics and Intelligent Systems

Robotics and intelligent systems have become focal points for research and development, and they are central to advances in manufacturing technology. New approaches for analysis, design and synthesis of systems are being developed using symbolic representation of knowledge, electronic neural networks and parallel supercomputers. Students have an opportunity to learn the theory and practice of automation and to pursue independent study projects in related areas. The mechanical and aerospace engineering department offers a number of courses in this area and is preparing a new generation of engineers in robotics and intelligent systems. For more information, see the Program in Robotics and Intelligent Systems entry or view program information online.

Program in Materials Science and Engineering

The materials program in mechanical engineering is designed to provide a coherent understanding of the structure, properties and performance of materials from a mechanics and materials perspective. The materials will provide a foundation in basic and applied science, as well as an introduction to the design and applications of materials. Students are given the opportunity to specialize in areas such as structural materials, biological materials, micro- and nanotechnology, and materials modeling and simulations. This can be achieved by taking a sequence of electives drawn from different departments, and also by engaging in a materials-related senior thesis topic designed to facilitate the specializations. This course of study will prepare students for graduate education in a wide range of areas or the beginning of a professional career in materials engineering. Students electing this major will receive a degree in mechanical engineering. Students are encouraged to simultaneously participate in the Program in Materials Science and Engineering. Most students in this major normally take:

  • MAE 324 Structure and Properties of Materials or MSE 301 Material Science and Engineering
  • CEE 361 Structural Analysis and Finite-Element Methods
  • MAE 344 Biomechanics and Biomaterials: From Cells to Organisms
  • MSE 302 Laboratory Techniques in Materials Science

Program in Energy and Environmental Studies

Students with an interest in energy conversion and the generation and control of environmental pollutants normally take:

  • 423 Heat Transfer
  • 427 Energy Conversion and the Environment: Transportation Applications

See also the Program in Environmental Studies.

Other Programs

Students in mechanical and aerospace engineering with an interest in computing, in addition to their departmental studies, may wish to follow the Program in Applications of Computing. Students may also wish to pursue the Program in Engineering Biology, the Program in Applied and Computational Mathematics and the Program in Optimization and Quantitative Decision Science. Some of the courses in these programs may also satisfy departmental requirements.

 

Faculty

  • Chair

    • Naomi E. Leonard
  • Associate Chair

    • Michael E. Mueller
  • Director of Undergraduate Studies

    • Michael G. Littman
  • Director of Graduate Studies

    • Andrej Kosmrlj
  • Professor

    • Craig B. Arnold
    • Emily Ann Carter
    • Edgar Y. Choueiri
    • Mikko P. Haataja
    • Marcus N. Hultmark
    • Yiguang Ju
    • Chung K. Law
    • Naomi E. Leonard
    • Michael G. Littman
    • Luigi Martinelli
    • Michael E. Mueller
    • Radhika Nagpal
    • Clarence W. Rowley
    • Howard A. Stone
  • Associate Professor

    • Daniel J. Cohen
    • Luc Deike
    • Alexander Glaser
    • Kelsey B. Hatzell
    • Egemen Kolemen
    • Andrej Kosmrlj
    • Anirudha Majumdar
    • Julia Mikhailova
    • Daniel M. Nosenchuck
  • Assistant Professor

    • Christine Allen-Blanchette
    • Ryne Beeson
    • Alison M. Ferris
    • Jesse D. Jenkins
    • Aditya Sood
    • Aimy Wissa
  • Associated Faculty

    • Amir Ali Ahmadi, Oper Res and Financial Eng
    • Elie R. Bou-Zeid, Civil and Environmental Eng
    • Nathaniel J. Fisch, Astrophysical Sciences
    • Bruce E. Koel, Chemical and Biological Eng
    • David J. McComas, Vice President, PPL
    • David N. Spergel, Astrophysical Sciences
    • Salvatore Torquato, Chemistry
    • Claire E. White, Civil and Environmental Eng

For a full list of faculty members and fellows please visit the department or program website.

Courses

MAE 206 - Introduction to Engineering Dynamics Spring QCR

Formulation and solution of equations governing the dynamic behavior of engineering systems. Fundamental principles of Newtonian mechanics. Kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies. Motion relative to moving reference frames. Impulse-momentum and work-energy relations. Free and forced vibrations of mechanical systems. Introduction to dynamic analysis of electromechanical and fluid devices and systems. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Prerequisites: MAT 201, PHY 103, and MAE 223 or CEE 205. Staff

MAE 221 - Thermodynamics (also ENE 221) Fall SEL

Heat and work in physical systems. Concepts of energy conversion and entropy, primarily from a macroscopic viewpoint. Applications to engines, heat pumps, refrigeration, and air-conditioning systems. In the laboratory students will carry out experiments in the fields of analog electronics and thermodynamics. For MAE concentrators only, a combined final laboratory grade will be issued in the spring laboratory course 224, which includes the laboratory work of both 221 and 224. Three lectures, one class, one preceptorial, and one three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: PHY 103 and MAT 201, which may be taken concurrently. K. Hatzell

MAE 222 - Mechanics of Fluids Spring

Introduction to the physical and analytical description of phenomena associated with the flow of fluids. Topics include the principles of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; lift and drag; open channel flow; dynamic similitude; laminar and turbulent flow. Three lectures, one preceptorial. Prerequisites: MAT 104 and 202; MAT 202 may be taken concurrently. M. Hultmark

MAE 223 - Modern Solid Mechanics (also CEE 223) Fall

Fundamental principles of solid mechanics: equilibrium equations, reactions, internal forces, stress, strain, Hooke's law, torsion, beam bending and deflection, and deformation in simple structures. Integrates aspects of solid mechanics with applications to mechanical and aerospace structures (engines and wings), and microelectronic and biomedical devices (thin films). Topics include stress concentration, fracture, plasticity, fatigue, visco-elasticity and thermal expansion. The course synthesizes descriptive observations, mathematical theories, and engineering consequences. Two 90-minute lectures. Prerequisites: MAT 104, and PHY 103. A. Kosmrlj

MAE 224 - Integrated Engineering Science Laboratory Spring SEL

Core laboratory course for concentrators, who carry out experiments in the fields of digital electronics, fluid mechanics, and dynamics. Students also complete an independent research project. Continuation of the laboratory component of 221; a combined final grade will be issued based upon laboratory work in both 221 and 224. Prerequisite: MAT 104, MAT 202, MAE 221 Typically taken concurrently with 222. One three-hour laboratory, one class. D. Nosenchuck

MAE 228 - Energy Technologies for the 21st Century (also CBE 228/EGR 228/ENE 228) Spring SEN

Addresses issues of regional and global energy demands, including sources, carriers, storage, current and future technologies, costs for energy conversion, and their impact on climate and the environment. Also focuses on emissions and regulations for transportation. Students will perform cost-efficiency and environmental impact analyses from source to end-user on both fossil fuels and alternative energy sources. Designed for both engineering and non-engineering concentrators. A. Glaser

MAE 305 - Mathematics in Engineering I (also CBE 305/EGR 305/MAT 391) Fall/Spring QCR

An introduction to ordinary differential equations. Use of numerical methods. Equations of a single variable and systems of linear equations. Method of undermined coefficients and method of variation of parameters. Series solutions. Use of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Laplace transforms. Nonlinear equations and stability; phase portraits. Partial differential equations via separation of variables. Sturm-Liouville theory. Three lectures. Prerequisites: MAT 201 or 203, and MAT 202 or 204. E. Yariv

MAE 306 - Mathematics in Engineering II (also MAT 392) Spring

Solution of partial differential equations. Complex variable methods. Characteristics, orthogonal functions, and integral transforms. Cauchy-Riemann conditions and analytic functions, mapping, the Cauchy integral theorem, and the method of residues with application to inversion of transforms. Applications to diffusion, wave and Laplace equations in fluid mechanics and electrostatics. Three lectures, one preceptorial. Prerequisite: 305, MAT 301 or equivalent. M. Haataja

MAE 321 - Engineering Design Spring

Focus on design processes and procedures using modern engineering tools. Parametric design techniques are introduced in the computer-design laboratory along with simulation tools. Instruction in basic and computer-based manufacturing methods is given in the manufacturing laboratory. Teams of students conduct projects that involve the complete design cycle from concept and first principles through optimization, prototype, and test. G. Northey

MAE 322 - Mechanical Design (also ROB 322) Fall

This course builds on the technical foundation established in 321, and extends the scope to include a range of advanced mechanical design. Teams of students will design and fabricate a wheeled robotic system that will draw upon multidisciplinary engineering elements. The robot will facilitate common daily tasks which vary each year. CAD, CAE, and CAM will be utilized in the design/simulation/prototype process. Labs are designed to reinforce and expand CAD and CAE skills. Two 90-minute lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisites: 321 or instructor's permission. D. Nosenchuck

MAE 324 - Structure and Properties of Materials (also MSE 324) Fall

An introduction to the properties of engineering materials that emphasizes the correlation between atomic and microscopic structure and the macroscopic properties of the materials. Topics include structural, mechanical, thermodynamic, and design-related issues important to engineering applications. Two lectures, one preceptorial. A. Sood

MAE 328 - Energy for a Greenhouse-Constrained World (also EGR 328/ENE 328/ENV 328) Not offered this year SEN

This course addresses, in technical detail, the challenge of changing the future global energy system to accommodate constraints on the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. Energy production strategies are emphasized, including renewable energy, nuclear fission and fusion, the capture and storage of fossil-fuel carbon, and hydrogen and low-carbon fuels. Efficient energy use is also considered, as well as intersections of energy with economic development, international security, local environmental quality, and human behavior and values. Two 90-minute lectures. J. Mikhailova

MAE 331 - Aircraft Flight Dynamics Fall

Introduction to the performance, stability, and control of aircraft. Fundamentals of configuration aerodynamics. Methods for analyzing the dynamics of physical systems. Characterization of modes of motion and desirable flying qualities. Two 90-minute lectures and one preceptorial. Prerequisites: 206 and 222. L. Martinelli

MAE 332 - Aircraft Design Spring

Building on strength of materials and calculus, this course integrates physical laws to analyze stress and displacement fields in structures. The course introduces basic concepts and equations in three dimensions and then applies them to aircraft structures. Phenomena to be discussed include elastic anisotropy, bending, buckling, fracture, and fatigue. The course is important for anyone interested in structured design. Two 90-minute lectures. Prerequisites: 335 or instructor's permission. L. Martinelli

MAE 335 - Fluid Dynamics Fall

Low-speed incompressible potential flow theory and high speed compressible flows. Low-speed topics include circulation, vorticity, d'Alembert's paradox, potential flows, and finite wing theory. High-speed topics include speed of sound, nozzles, shock waves, expansion waves, and effects of heat addition and friction. Three lectures, one preceptorial. Prerequisites: 221, 222 or instructor's permission. D. Nosenchuck

MAE 339 - Junior Independent Work Fall

Independent work is intended for juniors doing only a one-term project. Students develop a topic of their own or select from a list of topics prepared by the faculty. They develop a work plan and select an adviser and are assigned a second reader. At the end of the term, students submit a written report. Enroll in either 339 for fall or 340 for spring. This course does not fulfill the departments independent work or thesis requirement. L. Martinelli

MAE 339D - Junior Independent Work with Design Fall

Independent work with design is intended for juniors doing only a one-term project. Similar to 339, with the principal difference that the project must incorporate aspects and principles of design in a system, product, vehicle, device, apparatus, or other design element. At the end of the term, students submit a written report. Enroll in 339D for fall, or 340D for spring. This course does not fulfill the departments independent work or thesis requirement. L. Martinelli

MAE 340 - Junior Independent Work Spring

Independent work is intended for juniors doing only a one-term project. Students develop a topic of their own or select from a list of topics prepared by the faculty. They develop a work plan and select an adviser and are assigned a second reader. At the end of the term, students submit a written report. Enroll in either MAE 339 for fall or MAE 340 for spring. This course does not fulfill the departments independent work or thesis requirement. L. Martinelli

MAE 340D - Junior Independent Work with Design Spring

Independent work with design is intended for juniors doing only a one-term project. Similar to MAE 340, with the principal difference that the project must incorporate aspects and principles of design in a system, product, vehicle, device, apparatus, or other design element. At the end of the term, students submit a written report. This course will fulfill the additional engineering science elective in the Mechanical Program. It will not fulfill the departments independent work or senior thesis requirement. L. Martinelli

MAE 341 - Space Flight Not offered this year

This course addresses the various concepts that form the basis of modern space flight and astronautics. The focus is on space flight analysis and planning and not hardware or spacecraft design. The topics include space flight history, orbital mechanics, orbit perturbations, near-Earth and interplanetary mission analysis, orbit determination and satellite tracking, spacecraft maneuvers and attitude control, launch, and entry dynamics. Use of advanced software for the planning and analysis of space missions. Two 90-minute lectures. Prerequisite: 305 or instructor's permission. E. Choueiri

MAE 342 - Space System Design Not offered this year

This course examines the design of a modern spacecraft or complex space system, including the space environment and its impact on design. The principles and design aspects of the structure, propulsion, power, thermal, communication, and attitude subsystems are studied. The course also introduces systems engineering, project management, manufacturing and test, mission operations, mission design, and space policy. Acting as a single project team, students will design a satellite or space system from conception to critical design review. Two 90-minute lectures. Prerequisite: 305, 341 recommended, or instructor's permission. R. Beeson

MAE 344 - Biomechanics and Biomaterials: From Cells to Organisms (also MSE 364) SEN

The fundamental concepts required for the design and function of implantable medical devices, including basic applications of materials, solid mechanics and fluid mechanics to bone/implant systems. The course examines the interfaces between cells and the surfaces of synthetic biomaterials that are used in orthopedic and dental applications. Prerequisites: MAT 103 and 104, and PHY 103 and 104. Three one-hour lectures. D. Cohen

MAE 345 - Introduction to Robotics (also COS 346/ECE 345/ROB 345) Fall

Robotics is a rapidly-growing field with applications including unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous cars, and robotic manipulators. This course will provide an introduction to the basic theoretical and algorithmic principles behind robotic systems. The course will also allow students to get hands-on experience through project-based assignments. Topics include inverse kinematics, motion planning, localization, mapping, vision, and reinforcement learning. Prerequisites: MAT 201 or 203, MAT 202 or 204, COS 126. Recommended ORF 309 and MAE 305. A.B. students ST requirement; B.S.E. students 1st-year science requirement. Two 90-minute lectures. R. Nagpal

MAE 412 - Microprocessors for Measurement and Control Spring

Introduction to microcontroller applications. A laboratory course dealing with the design and construction of self-contained computer-based electronics projects. Major topics include a review of digital and linear electronics, an introduction to microcomputer architecture and assembly language programming, device interfacing, mechanical mechanisms, electromechanical actuation, and system design. Two lectures, two two-hour laboratories. Prerequisite: 221 and 224, or equivalent. M. Littman

MAE 416 - Bioinspired Design (also EEB 416/ROB 416) Fall

The bioinspired design course offers interdisciplinary, advanced design and critical thinking experience. Students will work in teams to integrate biological knowledge into the engineering design process. The course uses case studies to show how biological solutions can be transferred into engineering design. The case studies will include themes such as locomotion, materials, and sensing. By the end of the course, students will be able to use analogical design concepts to engineer a prototype based on biological function. A. Wissa

MAE 418 - Virtual and Augmented Reality for Engineers, Scientists, and Architects (also ARC 418/ENE 428) Not offered this year

VR/AR can enable engineers, scientists, and architects to plan and conduct their work in fundamentally new ways, visualize and communicate their findings more effectively, and work in environments that are otherwise difficult, impossible, or too costly to experience in person. This course explores the basic concepts of effective VR/AR experiences, builds skills needed to develop and support innovative science, engineering, or architecture projects. In the second half of the semester, working in small teams, students develop, implement VR/AR projects of their choice. A. Glaser, F. Meggers

MAE 423 - Heat Transfer (also ENE 423) Spring

Covers the fundamentals of heat transfer and applications to practical problems in energy conversion and conservation, electronics, and biological systems. Emphasis will be on developing a physical and analytical understanding of conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer, as well as design of heat exchangers and heat transfer systems involving phase change in process and energy applications. Students will develop an ability to apply governing principles and physical intuition to solve multi-mode heat transfer problems. Three lectures, one preceptorial. D. Nosenchuck

MAE 426 - Rocket and Air-Breathing Propulsion Technology Spring

The study of principles, flight envelopes, and engine designs of rocket and ram/scramjet propulsion systems. Topics include jet propulsion theory, space mission maneuver, combustion control, and system components of chemical and non-chemical rockets (nuclear and electrical propulsion), gas turbine, ramjet, and scramjet engines. Characteristics, optimal flight envelopes, and technical challenges of combined propulsion systems will be analyzed. Prerequisites: 221 and 222. Three lectures. Y. Ju

MAE 427 - Energy Conversion and the Environment: Transportation Applications (also ENE 427) Spring

An overview of energy utilization in, and environmental impacts of, current and future propulsion systems for ground, air, and space propulsion applications. Introduces students to principles of advanced internal combustion, electric hybrid, and fuel cell energy conversion systems for ground transportation.Relevant thermodynamics, chemistry, fluid mechanics, and combustion fundamentals will be stressed. Performance properties of power plants, control of air pollutant emissions, and minimization of resource-to application carbon emissions will be explored.Three lectures, one preceptorial. Prerequisites: 221, 222, or instructor's permission. M. Mueller

MAE 433 - Automatic Control Systems Fall SEL

Introduction to the analysis and design of automatic control systems. Mathematical models of mechanical and electrical feedback systems. Block diagram algebra. Accuracy, speed of response, and stability. Root locus, Bode, and Nyquist techniques. Introduction to digital control. Regulation, tracking, and compensation. Effects of nonlinearity, disturbance, and noise. Prerequisite: 305 or instructor's permission. Two 90-minute lectures, one three-hour laboratory. C. Rowley, M. Littman

MAE 434 - Modern Control Not offered this year

Introduction to modern state-space methods for control system design and analysis. Application to multiple-input, multiple-output dynamical systems, including robotic systems and flexible structures. State-space representation of systems. Stability. Controllability and observability. State feedback control. Observers and output feedback control. Optimal control design methods. Three lectures. N. Leonard

MAE 435 - Special Topics in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Not offered this year

Presentation of timely and advanced topics in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Subject matter will vary depending upon the interest of the faculty and students. Possible topics could include acoustics and noise, biomechanics, lasers, space propulsion, solar energy conversion. Three lectures. Staff

MAE 436 - Special Topics in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Presentation of timely and advanced topics in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Subject matter will vary depending upon the interest of the faculty and students. Possible topics could include acoustics and noise, biomechanics, lasers, space propulsion, solar energy conversion. Staff

MAE 439 - Senior Independent Work Fall

Senior independent work is the culminating experience for the mechanical and aerospace engineering programs. Students select a subject and adviser, define the problem to be studied and propose a work plan. Projects include engineering design, defined as devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. A list of possible subjects of particular interest to faculty and staff members is provided. Students must submit a written final report and present their results to faculty, staff, fellow students, and guests. L. Martinelli

MAE 440 - Senior Independent Work Spring

Senior independent work is the culminating experience for the mechanical and aerospace engineering programs. Students select a subject and adviser, define the problem to be studied and propose a work plan. Projects include engineering design, defined as devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. A list of possible subjects of particular interest to faculty and staff members is provided. Students must submit a written final report and present their results to faculty, staff, fellow students, and guests. L. Martinelli

MAE 442 - Senior Thesis Spring

Senior thesis is a year-long independent study for individual students. It is the culminating experience for the mechanical and aerospace programs. Work begins in fall, but enrollment is in spring when a double grade is recorded. Projects include engineering design, defined as devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. Students develop their own topic or select a faculty proposed topic. Students create a work plan and select an adviser. A written progress report is expected at the end of the fall term. Students submit a written final report and make an oral presentation at the end of the spring term. L. Martinelli

MAE 444 - Senior Project Spring

The senior project is a year-long independent study intended for students who choose to work in teams of two or more. Work begins in fall, but enrollment is in spring when a double grade is recorded. Projects include engineering design, defined as devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. Groups develop their own topic or select a faculty proposed topic. Groups create a work plan and select an adviser. A written progress report is expected at the end of the fall term. Students submit a written final report and make an oral presentation at the end of the spring term. L. Martinelli

AST 309 - The Science of Fission and Fusion Energy (also ENE 309/MAE 309/PHY 309) Spring SEN

We develop the scientific ideas behind fission and fusion energy. For fission we move from elementary nuclear physics to calculations of chain reactions, understanding how both reactors and nuclear weapons work. We examine safety and waste concerns, as well as nuclear proliferation. We look at new reactor concepts. For fusion we address the physics of confining hot, ionized gases, called plasmas. We address the control of large-scale instabilities and small-scale turbulence. We examine progress and prospects, as well as challenges, for the development of economically attractive fusion power. R. Goldston

CEE 102A - Engineering in the Modern World (also EGR 102A/MAE 102A) Fall HA

Lectures and readings focus on bridges, railroads, power plants, steamboats, telegraph, highways, automobiles, aircraft, computers, and the microchip. Historical analysis provides a basis for studying societal impact by focusing on scientific, political, ethical, and aesthetic aspects in the evolution of engineering over the past two and a half centuries. The precepts and the papers will focus historically on engineering ideas including the social and political issues raised by these innovations and how they were shaped by society as well as how they helped shape culture. Two lectures, one preceptorial. M. Littman

CEE 102B - Engineering in the Modern World (also EGR 102B/MAE 102B) Fall SEL

Lectures and readings focus on bridges, railroads, power plants, steamboats, telegraph, highways, automobiles, aircraft, computers, and the microchip. We study some of the most important engineering innovations since the Industrial Revolution. The laboratory centers on technical analysis that is the foundation for design of these major innovations. The experiments are modeled after those carried out by the innovators themselves, whose ideas are explored in the light of the social environment within which they worked. Two lectures, one three-hour laboratory. M. Littman

CEE 312 - Statics of Structures (also MAE 312) Spring SEN

Develop notions of internal forces and displacements. Instruct how to design and analyze structures. Present fundamental principles of structural analysis, determination of internal forces, deflections under the static load conditions. Introduce the bending theory of plane beams and the basic energy theorems. Develop the theory of the first order for continuous girders, frames, arches, suspension bridges, trusses, including both statically determinate and indeterminate structures. Present basic principles for construction of influence lines and determination of extreme influences. Two lectures, one precept. Prerequisite: CEE205 or MAE223. B. Glisic

CEE 361 - Matrix Structural Analysis and Introduction to Finite-Element Methods (also MAE 325/MSE 331) Not offered this year QCR

This course presents the Matrix Structural Analysis (MSA) and Finite Element Methods (FEM) in a cohesive framework. The first half of the semester is devoted to MSA topics: derivation of truss, beam and frame elements; assembly and partitioning of the global stiffness matrix; equivalent nodal loads. The second half covers the following FEM topics: strong and weak forms of boundary value problems, and linear elasticity, Galerkin approximations, constant strain triangle, isoparametric quads. Modern topics will be introduced. MATLAB is used for computer assignments. Prerequisite: CEE205 or MAE223 or permission of instructor. Two 90-min lectures. Staff

ECE 455 - Optical and Photonic Systems for Environmental Sensing (also CEE 455/MAE 455/MSE 455) Spring

This class will teach students about optical and photonic sensing technologies and their applications to environmental monitoring. The course will contain elements of atmospheric science and Earth observation, fundamentals of optics, photonics and laser physics, as well as a survey of modern optical and spectroscopic sensing applications. S. Chou

ENE 308 - Engineering the Climate: Technical & Policy Challenges (also GEO 308/MAE 308)

This seminar focuses on the science, engineering, policy and ethics of climate engineering -- the deliberate human intervention in the world climate in order to reduce global warming. Climate/ocean models and control theory are introduced. The technology, economics, and climate response for the most favorable climate engineering methods (carbon dioxide removal, solar radiation management) are reviewed. Policy and ethics challenges are discussed. E. Kolemen

ENE 422 - Introduction to the Electricity Sector-Engineering, Economics, and Regulation (also MAE 422) Spring SEN

This course provides an introduction to the electricity sector drawing on engineering, economics, and regulatory policy perspectives. It introduces the engineering principles behind various power generation technologies and transmission and distribution networks; the economics of electricity markets; and the regulation of electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and retail sales. Open challenges related to the growth of distributed energy resources, the transition to low-carbon electricity sources, and the role of the electricity sector in mitigating global climate change are also discussed. J. Jenkins

GEO 425 - Introduction to Ocean Physics for Climate (also MAE 425) Fall

The study of the role of and mechanisms behind oceanic transport, storage and exchange of energy, freshwater and momentum in the climate system. Exploration of ocean circulation, mixing, thermodynamic properties and variability. Understanding the physical constraints on the ocean, including Coriolis-dominated equations of motion, the wind-driven and thermohaline circulations, and the adjustment of the ocean to perturbations. El Niño, oceans and global warming & sea ice. Three 50-minute classes. P. Yi

SPI 353 - Science and Global Security: From Nuclear Weapons to Cyberwarfare and Artificial Intelligence (also MAE 353) Fall SEN

This course will provide students with a basic technical understanding of some of the critical technologies that are relevant to national and global security and will equip students with the skills to better assess the challenge of developing effective policies to manage such technologies. Case studies will inter alia include nuclear weapons and their proliferation, nuclear and radiological terrorism, space weapons, biosecurity and cyberware. Two lectures. S. Philippe