Mechanical Engineering (BSME)

Catalog Year

2021-2022

Degree

Bach Sci-Mechanical Engineering

Major Credits

105

Total Credits

128

Locations

Mankato

Mesabi Range

Accreditation

ABET

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology

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Program Requirements

Required General Education

Required Special General Education (23 credits)
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree does not adhere to the standard general education program required by other majors. Rather, it requires a special distribution of communication, humanities, and social science courses. Courses may be chosen to satisfy the university cultural diversity requirement concurrently.
Required Humanities and Social Science Courses (minimum of 16 credits) To satisfy this requirement, the courses selected must provide both breadth and depth and not be limited to a selection of unrelated introductory courses. Each student should discuss with his/her mechanical engineering advisor the selection of courses to meet this requirement early in their academic career. A current list of acceptable courses is posted in the department office and on the department web site. Specifically, the minimum requirements consist of (a) three credits of microeconomics or macroeconomics, (b) at least 6 credits in the humanities area, and (c) at least 6 credits in the social science area; again, (a), (b), and (c) must total at least 16 credits.
To provide the measure of depth to the course of study, at least 3 credits at the 300-level or above must be included in the 16 credit requirement. At least one upper division course must follow a course in the same subject area as a course at the 100 or 200 level.

Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1A

Choose 3 - 4 Credit(s).

A course in communication principles to develop skills in the analysis and presentation of speeches.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1B

Introduction to learning the written and oral communication of technical information. Assignments include writing and presenting proposals, reports, and documentation. Emphasis on use of rhetorical analysis, computer applications, collaborative writing, and usability testing to complete technical communication tasks in the workplace.

Prerequisites: ENG 101 

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-13

Prerequisites to the Major

From an engineering perspective, concepts of general chemistry will be investigated. Topics include atomic structure, stoichiometry, gas laws, periodic trends chemical bonds, thermodynamics, kinetics and organic chemistry.

Prerequisites: High school chemistry or “C” (2.0) or higher in CHEM 104. Student must demonstrate math placement requirements at or above MATH 115 in the placement chart. See Mathematics for details.

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-03

Limits, continuity, the derivative and applications, transcendental functions, L'Hopital's Rule, and development of the Riemann integral.

Prerequisites: Satisfy Placement Table in this section, MATH 115 or both MATH 112 and MATH 113 with “C” (2.0) or better.

Goal Areas: GE-04

Techniques of integration, applications of integration, improper integrals, numerical integration, the calculus of parametric curves, and infinite series and sequences.

Prerequisites: MATH 121 with “C” (2.0) or better or consent

Surfaces, vector-valued functions, partial differentiation, multiple integration, and vector calculus.

Prerequisites: MATH 122 with “C” (2.0) or better, or consent

This course presents the theory, computations, and applications of first and second order differential equations and two-dimensional systems.

Prerequisites: MATH 122 with “C” (2.0) or better or consent

Designed for science and engineering students. Calculus-based physics. Covers elementary mechanics including kinematics, statics, equilibrium and dynamics of particles, work and energy, rotational motion, gravitation, and oscillation. Lecture and Laboratory. MATH 121 must be completed with a C or better prior to taking this course or must be taken concurrently. High school physics or PHYS 101 is also strongly encouraged. Fall, Spring

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-03

Designed for science and engineering students. Calculus-based physics. Covers electrical charge and field; magnetic field and its sources; current and resistance; simple DC and AC circuits; and electromagnetic induction. Lecture only. (Associated laboratory course is PHYS 232.) MATH 121 must be completed with a C or better prior to taking this course. MATH 122 must be completed before taking this course or taken concurrently. Fall, Spring

Prerequisites: MATH 121 with a “C” or better; PHYS 221 with a “C” or better.

Designed for science and engineering students. Laboratory course accompanying PHYS 222. Experiments involving electric and magnetic fields, electric potential, electric and magnetic forces, and simple circuits. Laboratory only. Prereq: PHYS 221 with a C or better; and PHYS 222 or concurrent. Fall, Spring

Prerequisites: PHYS 221 with a “C” or better; and PHYS 222 or concurrent.

Major Common Core

This course is meant to develop Electrical Engineering Circuit Analysis skills in DC and AC circuits. It includes circuit laws and theorems, mesh and node analysis. Natural and step response of RL, RC, and RLC circuits.

Prerequisites: PHYS 222 or concurrent, MATH 321 or concurrent

Laboratory support for EE 230. Use of laboratory instrumentation to measure currents and voltages associated with DC and AC circuits. Statistical analysis of measurement data. Measurements of series, parallel and series-parallel DC and AC circuits. Measurement of properties for circuits using operational amplifiers. Measurement of transient responses for R-L and R-C circuits. Simulation of DC and AC circuits using PSPICE. Concepts covered in EE 230 will be verified in the laboratory. Pre-req: Must be taken concurrently with EE 230.

Prerequisites: Must be taken concurrently with EE 230. 

Simple coding schemes, Boolean algebra fundamentals, elements of digital building blocks such as gates, flip-flops, shift registers, memories, etc.; basic engineering aspects of computer architecture.

Prerequisites: none

To prepare students for a career in engineering with emphasis on mechanical; introduce the engineering fundamentals and the skills necessary to have a successful learning experience; and to prepare students for engineering education and profession through interactions with upper-class engineering students and practitioners.

Prerequisites: ACT Math Subscore of 23 or higher.

Standards of graphics communication. Orthographic projections, dimensioning, tolerancing, section views. Extensive use of modern software to create engineering drawings. Introduction to solid modeling of parts and assemblies. This course includes laboratory component.

Prerequisites: none

This course has two main parts. Part one covers problem solving and fundamentals of programming including data types, decision making, repetitive loops, and arrays. Engineering applications requiring programming are included. Part two covers engineering design philosophy and methodology, communication skills, and teamwork. A design project is also included. Coreq: ME 103, MATH 121

Prerequisites: ME 101 

This course is intended to provide the students with an understanding of the principles and methodologies of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. Topics include: Datums, Material condition symbols, Tolerances of Form and profile, Tolerances of orientation and runout, locations tolerances, and Virtual condition. This course includes laboratory component. Coreq: ME 103

Prerequisites: ME 103, ME 201 

Resultants of force systems, equilibrium, analysis of forces acting on structural and machine elements, friction, second moments, virtual work.

Prerequisites: PHYS 221

Kinematics and kinetics of particles, systems of particles and rigid bodies, work-energy, linear and angular impulse momentum, vibrations.

Prerequisites: ME 212 

Load deformation, stress, strain, stress-strain relationship, buckling, energy concepts, stress analysis of structural and machine elements.

Prerequisites: ME 212 

Fundamental concepts of thermodynamics. Thermal properties of substances and state equations. Conservation of mass, first and second laws. Examples of applications to different engineering systems.

Prerequisites: PHYS 221 

Probability and statistics. Uncertainty, distributions. Numerical solution of algebraic, transcendental and differential equations. Numerical integration and differentiation. Structured programming language required. Prerequisite: CIVE 201 or ME 201 or EE107 with C (2.0) or better, ME 212 Co-requisite: MATH 321 Fall, Spring

Prerequisites: ME 212. Select one course from CIVE 201, EE 107, or ME 201 with "C" (2.0) or better).

Physical principles of elastic and plastic deformation of materials. Dislocation theory. Fatigue, creep, fracture, hardness, phase diagrams and other mechanical phenomena in materials. Ceramics and composite materials. Residual stresses. Lecture and lab demonstrations.

Prerequisites: ME 223

Introduction to fluid properties, fluid statics, buoyancy, fluid kinematics, Bernoulli's equation, control volume and differential approach to flow conservation equations, dimensional analysis, similitude, viscous flow in pipes, flow over immersed bodies, and pumps. Includes significant design component. Prerequisite: MATH 223, ME 214 Co-requisite: ME 241

Prerequisites: MATH 223, ME 214

Steady and unsteady conduction. Free and forced convection. Heat transfer by radiation. Combined modes of heat transfer. Elements of heat exchangers design. Includes significant design component.

Prerequisites: ME 241, ME 321 

Energy analysis and design of thermodynamic systems including power and refrigeration cycles. Thermodynamic relations. Application of thermodynamics to mixtures and solutions. Psychometrics. Introduction to chemical thermodynamics. Third law of thermodynamics. Includes significant design component.

Prerequisites: CHEM 191, ME 241

Introduction to manufacturing, tribology, casting, bulk deformation, sheet metal forming, material removal, joining, polymers, powder metals, ceramics, automation, integrated systems. Design for manufacture. Includes significant design component.

Prerequisites: ME 206, ME 223 

Experiments in Mechanical Engineering, load-deformation, load-failure, fatigue, impact, hardness. Introduction to traditional machining and material processing. This course includes laboratory.

Prerequisites: none

Analysis of linear systems in the time and frequency domains. Physical systems modeled and analyzed using time domain techniques. Fourier and Laplace Transforms.

Prerequisites: ME 214, PHYS 222, EE 230, MATH 321

Application of principles of mechanics to the design of various machine elements such as gears, bearings, springs, rivets, welding. Stresses in mechanical elements. Design factors, fatigue, manufacturability. Lectures and design projects. Includes significant design content.

Prerequisites: ME 214, ME 223 

This course provides the students with sound understanding of both solid modeling techniques and finite element analysis. It covers the major features as well as feature manipulation techniques. It also provides a background in deriving, understanding and applying the stiffness matrices and finite element equations for various types of finite elements and systems. Static stress analyses, sensitivity studies and optimization studies are covered. Includes significant design component. Prerequisite: ME 203, ME 324, ME 417 Fall

Prerequisites: ME 203, ME 324, ME 417

The first course in a two semester sequence that provides a complete design experience under professional guidance. The course covers: the product realization process, financial analysis, quality, patents, ethics and case studies. The students initiate a design project early in the semester to be completed in ME 438. Prereq: senior standing in ME

Prerequisites: ME 324, ME 329, ME 333, ME 336, ME 341, ME 417 

Experimental and analytical studies of phenomena and performance of fluid flow, heat transfer, thermodynamics, refrigeration and mechanical power systems. Extensive writing component.

Prerequisites: ME 291, ME 324, ME 329

The second course of a two semester sequence providing a complete design experience and introduction to professional practice. This course includes: completion of the design project, design presentations, and the final design report. Students will prepare for and complete the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.

Prerequisites: ME 428 

Analysis of control systems using the methods of Evans, Nyquist and Bode. Improvement of system performance by feedback compensation. Introduction to digital control. Includes significant design component.

Prerequisites: ME 341 

Experiments in vibrations: Motion measurement, force measurement, free vibration, frequency response, impact response, noise, signal processing. Experiments in control: system modelling and characterization in the time and frequency domains, feedback and compensation, PID control, control of velocity and position. This course includes laboratory.

Prerequisites: ME 463 

To acquaint students with various engineering careers, various industries, and various societal and ethical problems. Prereq: senior standing in ME

Prerequisites: Senior standing in Mechanical Engineering 

Major Restricted Electives

Mechanical Engineering Electives - Choose 6 Credit(s). Consult with your advisor for selection of appropriate mechanical engineering electives.

Math/Science Electives - Choose 4 Credit(s).

Study of biological processes at the suborganismal level including cell chemistry, metabolism, reproduction, genetics, and complex tissue physiology. Laboratory and discussion sessions stress problem solving and experimental design.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03

Continuation of the basic principles of chemistry including properties of solutions, kinetics, acids and bases, equilibria, buffers, precipitation reactions, electron transfer reactions, electrochemistry, entropy and free energy. Laboratory will reinforce lecture concepts.

Prerequisites: “C” (2.0) or higher in CHEM 201 

This course is designed to introduce students to the complex field of environmental science. Reading assignments, lectures, discussions and other class assignments will introduce students to the structure and functions of ecosystems, the concept of sustainability, issues in environmental protection with an emphasis on global commons, the interrelationships between environment, culture, government and economics and what individuals or groups can do to influence environmental policy/rules.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-08, GE-10

Matrices, determinants, systems of linear equations, vector spaces, linear transformations, and characteristic value problems.

Prerequisites: MATH 122 with “C” (2.0) or better or consent

This course presents the theory, computations, and applications of partial differential equations and Fourier series.

Prerequisites: MATH 223 and MATH 321 with “C” (2.0) or better or consent

Designed for science and engineering students. Calculus-based physics. Covers fluids, thermodynamics, mechanical and sound waves, geometrical optics, physical optics, and modern physics. Lecture only. (Associated laboratory course is PHYS 233.) Pre: MATH 121 with a Cor better; and PHYS 221 with a C or better. MATH 122 must be completed before taking this course or taken concurrently. Spring

Prerequisites: MATH 121 with a “C” or better; and PHYS 221 with a “C” or better

Designed for science and engineering students. Laboratory course accompanying PHYS 223. Experiments involving fluids, thermodynamics, mechanical waves, geometrical optics, and physical optics. Laboratory only. Prereq: PHYS 221 with a C or better; and PHYS 223 or concurrent. Spring

Prerequisites: PHYS 221 with a “C” or better; and PHYS 223 or concurrent.