Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Program Description

Mission Statement

The Mechanical Engineering program at WPI is designed to develop graduates who can deal with real world situations that involve technological and humanistic/societal issues. Students develop literacy and competency in utilizing scientific and engineering methods for devising useful products in an economical way, while considering the impacts on society. The Mechanical Engineering program is in harmony with the WPI Plan philosophy of education, in which each student develops competence, confidence and the skill of self-learning.

Educational Program Objectives

The Mechanical Engineering Program seeks to have alumni who:

are successful professionals because of their mastery of the fundamental engineering sciences, and mechanical engineering and their understanding of the design process.
are leaders in business and society due to a broad preparation in technology, communication, teamwork, globalization, ethics, business acumen and entrepreneurship.
will use their understanding of the impact of technology on society for the betterment of humankind.

Educational Outcome

Graduating students should demonstrate the following at a level equivalent to an entry-level engineer or first year graduate student:

an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
an ability to communicate effectively
the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context
a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
a knowledge of contemporary issues
an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Introduction

Mechanical engineering uses the basic laws of the physical sciences, life sciences, the social science, and the humanities in their quest to serve mankind.

Airplanes, automobiles, trains, space vehicles, earthmoving equipment, nuclear reactors, plasma generators, heart-lung machines, miniature bearings, machines and machine tools are but a few examples of the products with which mechanical engineering is associated.

Compared with other fields of engineering, mechanical engineering is the broadest in application as well as the most basic. Mechanical engineers design products, supervise production, conduct research and development, and manage businesses or technical operations. In addition, mechanical engineering requires persons who can use the sciences to devise useful products in an economic manner while minimizing the loss of our natural resources.

Looking forward to this wide range of possible careers, mechanical engineering students should get a sound foundation in mathematics and science, plan a sequence of cultural and social studies, aim for a real understanding of the fundamentals of engineering, and achieve a proper balance between theory and application. A working knowledge of computers must be established through formal or informal learning processes. Inspection trips to industrial plants and cooperative education assignments are encouraged.

In this regard, the Mechanical Engineering Department offers extensive, modern, well-equipped facilities in the Higgins and Washburn Laboratories. These laboratories, covering the broad spectrum of mechanical engineering activities, are briefly described in the Resources available to Undergraduate Students section of this Catalog. They are widely used by the students enrolled in Mechanical Engineering and related programs.

Program Distribution Requirements for the Mechanical Engineering Major

The normal period of residency at WPI is 16 terms. In addition to WPI requirements applicable to all students (see page 21), students wishing to receive the ABET-accredited degree designated “Mechanical Engineering” must satisfy certain additional distribution requirements. These requirements apply to 10 units of study in the areas of mathematics, basic science, and engineering science and design as follows:

Requirements	Minimum Units
1. Mathematics and Basic Science (Notes 1, 2, 3).	4
2. Engineering Science and Design (includes MQP) (Notes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9).	6

Notes:

Must include a minimum of 5/3 units of mathematics, including differential and integral calculus and differential equations.
Must include a minimum of 1/3 unit in chemistry and 2/3 unit in physics, or 1/3 unit in physics and 2/3 unit in chemistry.
Must include an activity that involves basic matrix algebra and the solution of systems of linear equations, and an activity that involves data analysis and applied statistical methods.
Must include 1/3 unit in each of the following: electrical engineering, materials science, and mechanical engineering experimentation.
Must include at least one unit of ME courses at the 4000-level.
May include 1000 level courses only if designated ES or ME.
Must include two stems of coherent course and/or project offerings as noted below in a and b.
1. A minimum of one unit of work in thermofluid systems that includes the topics of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer, plus an activity that integrates thermofluid design.
2. A minimum of one unit of work in mechanical systems that includes the topics of statics, dynamics, and stress analysis, plus an activity that integrates mechanical design.
Must include an activity which realizes (constructs) a device or system.
Must include 1/3 unit of Capstone Design Experience. Items 3, 5, 7a integration, 7b integration, 8, 9 may all be “multiple-counted.”

Each Mechanical Engineering student must complete a Capstone Design experience requirement. This capstone design experience is partially or fully accomplished by completing a Major Qualifying Project which integrates the past course work and involves significant engineering design. At the time of registration for the MQP, the project advisor will determine whether the MQP will meet the Capstone Design requirement or not. If not, the advisor will identify an additional 1/3 unit of course work in the area of design (ME 4320, ME 4429, ME 4430, ME 4770, or ME 4810) to be taken in order to meet the ABET Capstone Design requirement.

Fundamentals in the Major

The WPI philosophy of education emphasizes the development of competence in students’ abilities in self-learning. In the context of the flexible WPI degree requirements and the breadth of the mechanical engineering profession, it is not possible—or beneficial—to specify a rigid educational pattern. Rather, each student, with advice, should develop a program that best meets personal and professional goals.

It is clear that the profession of mechanical engineering rests on a deep understanding of the concepts of science and mathematics. The distribution requirements establish the minimum framework for meeting the student’s educational goals.

Humanities/Social Sciences

It is difficult for mechanical engineers to design systems without being literate in the disciplines making up the social sciences, for the concerns of people and the flow of capital—economies—are central to technological development. The questions of values and mankind’s cultural experiences as exemplified in the humanities are critical to the study of modern technology. More and more engineering students recognize the need for literacy in the humanities and social sciences, and the Humanities and Arts Sufficiency and Social Sciences degree requirements are designed to meet this need. Mechanical engineering students are urged to work closely with their Sufficiency and Social Studies advisors as well as their academic advisor in the Mechanical Engineering Department to develop a program which meets their needs.

Disciplinary Literacy

In addition to disciplinary literacy, the process of design and problem solving is best met by multidisciplinary, problem-oriented experiences. At WPI, projects and independent studies are best suited to this educational experience. It may be difficult to generalize as to whether the student should develop literacy in a particular area by course or project experiences. Courses are sometimes the optimum mode in developing a disciplinary background, while projects are often effective in multidisciplinary, problem-centered studies. Mechanical engineering students should design programs that take full advantage of both of these learning modes.

The academic program of the student should be designed to provide for a continuous development in the scientific and engineering areas, including analysis, design, and experimental studies. Students are urged to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination, the first step toward becoming a registered professional engineer (P.E.), at the earliest opportunity.

Mechanical Engineering Department Concentrations

Aerospace Engineering (Gatsonis)

Students are provided with ample opportunity to develop technical competence in low- and high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, structures, and aerospace systems design. Experimental facilities available for course and projects in aerospace engineering include several wind tunnels, vacuum chambers, and controls instrumentation. Modern computational laboratories are also available.

Typical MQPs include: the design, construction, and testing of remotely piloted aircraft and micro aerial vehicles; aerodynamics; flow and structural control; gas dynamics; combustion; electric propulsion; micropropulsion.

Aerospace

2 Required
ME 2713 Astronautics
ME 3711 Subsonic Aerodynamics

Select 4
ME 3410 Flow of Compressible Fluids
ME 4712 Supersonic Aerodynamics
ME 4713 Spacecraft Dynamics and Controls
ME 4715 Aerospace Structures
ME 4716 Air Breathing Propulsion
ME 4717 Rocket and Spacecraft Propulsion
ME 4724 High Speed Flow
ME 4770 Aircraft Design
ME 4771 Spacecraft and Mission Design

*Plus Aerospace MQP

Biomechanical (Hoffman)

Students blend biology and biotechnology coursework with continuum mechanics, biomechanics, biofluids, and biomedical materials to support their individual interest. MQPs are usually developed jointly with off-campus medical facilities, including the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.

Typically MQP topics include: soft tissue mechanics, flow in constricted blood vessels, joint kinematics, prosthetic devices, sports biomechanics, biomaterials, tissue engineering and rehabilitation.

Biomechanical

Two (2) Biology and Biotechnology (BB) Courses

Select 4
ME 3501 Elementary Continuum Mechanics
ME 3506 Rehabilitation Engineering
ME 4504 Biomechanics
ME 4606 Biofluids
ME 4814 Biomedical Materials
Any BME course at the 3000-level or higher

* Plus Biomechanical-related MQP

Engineering Mechanics (Hou)

Students select courses to develop the ability to construct models to analyze, predict, and test the performance of solid structures, fluids, and composite materials under various situations.

Typical MQP topics include: mechanical vibrations, stress and strain analysis, computer methods in engineering mechanics, finite element analysis, and vibration isolation. Departmental testing facilities and computer and software support are available.

Engineering Mechanics

Select 6
ME 3023 Mech. Behavior & Modeling Properties of Eng’g Mat’ls
ME 3501 Elementary Continuum Mechanics
ME 3506 Rehabilitation Engineering
ME 3602 Intermediate Fluid Dynamics
ME/BME 4504 Biomechanics
ME 4505 Advanced Dynamics
ME 4506 Mechanical Vibrations
ME 4512 Introduction to the Finite Element Method

* Plus Engineering Mechanics MQP

Mechanical Design (Norton)

Courses are available to support development of student interest in the design, analysis, and optimization of an assembly of components which produce a machine. Computer- based techniques are widely used in support of these activities.

Typical MQP topics are: optimum design of mechanical elements, stress analysis of machine components, evaluation and design of industrial machine components and systems, robotics, and computer-aided design and synthesis.

Mechanical Design

2 Required
ME 3310 Kinematics of Mechanisms
ME 3320 Design of Machine Elements

Select 4
ES 1310 Engineering Design Graphics
ES 3323 Introduction to CAD
ME 2300 Introduction to Engineering Design
ME 3311 Dynamics of Mechanisms and Machines
ME 3321 Dynamic Modeling
ME 3506 Rehabilitation Engineering
ME 4320 Advanced Engineering Design
ME 4322 Modeling and Analysis of Mechatronic Systems
ME 4810 Automotive Materials and Process Design
ME 4815 Industrial Robotics
ME 4816 Materials Optimization for Engineers

* Plus Mechanical Design MQP

Manufacturing (R. D. Sisson)

Courses are available to support student interest in manufacturing engineering, computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, robotics, vision systems, and a variety of manufacturing processes. Typical MQPs include: robotics, composite materials, factory automation, materials processing, computercontrolled machining, surface metrology, fixturing, machine dynamics, grinding, precision engineering, prototype manufacturing.

See also the Manufacturing Engineering degree program.

Manufacturing

Select 2
ME 1800 Materials Selection and Manufacturing Processes
ME 2820 Materials Processing
ME 3023 Mechanical Behavior and Modeling Properties of Engineering Materials
ME 4810 Automotive Materials and Process Design
ME 4821 Plastics

Select 2
ES 3011 Control Engineering I
ME 3820 Computer-Aided Manufacturing
ME 4815 Industrial Robotics

Select 2
OIE 2850 Engineering Economics
OIE 3400 Production System Design
OIE 3401 Production Planning and Control

* Plus Manufacturing MQP

Materials Science And Engineering (Sisson)

Students interested in a strong materials science and engineering component can elect course and project activities in metals, ceramics, polymers, and composite materials with laboratory and project experience using facilities in Stoddard Laboratories.

Typical MQP topics include: X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, computer modeling, mechanical testing and deformation mapping, plastic deformation, ceramic processing, friction, wear, corrosion, and materials processing. Another option in the materials program is a Minor in Materials, which is described under Materials Engineering in this catalog.

Materials Science

Select 2
ME 2820 Materials Processing
ME 4810 Automotive Materials and Process Design

Select 2
ME 3023 Mech. Behavior and Modeling Properties of Eng’g Mat’ls
ME 4813 Ceramics
ME 4814 Biomedical Materials
ME 4821 Plastics
ME 4832 Corrosion and Corrosion Control

Select 2
ME 3801 Experimental Methods in Materials Science and Engineering
ME 4840 Physical Metallurgy
Any 500-level MTE course

* Plus Materials Science MQP

Thermal-Fluid Engineering (Olinger)

Students study the theoretical and empirical bases of thermodynamics, heat transfer, mass transfer, and fluid flow, as well as the application of these fundamental engineering sciences to energy conversion, environmental control, and vehicular systems.

Typical MQPs include: biological fluid mechanics, laminar/ turbulent separation, lifting bodies, heat pipes, electronic component cooling, power cycles, fluid component analysis and design, and energy storage.

Thermal-Fluids

Select 6
ME 3410 Compressible Flow
ME 3602 Intermediate Fluid Mechanics
ME 3711 Subsonic Aerodynamics
ME 4429 Thermodynamic Applications and Design
ME 4606 Biofluids
ME 4716 Airbreathing Propulsion
ME 4724 High Speed Flow

* Plus Thermal-Fluids MQP

Notes:

A Concentration area requires a 1 unit of MQP in that area.
After consultation with their academic advisor, students may petition the M.E. Dept. Curriculum Committee for approval of a Concentration plan at any time, preferably prior to the middle of their Junior Year.

Areas in Which Competence Should be Developed

The academic program of mechanical engineering students typically progresses from mathematics and basic science in the earliest years, through the engineering sciences, and then to analysis, design and experimentation. An operational capability in the use of computers must be acquired early in students’ programs, as well as an overall skill in graphic, oral, and written communications. Humanities and arts and social science studies are essential in the program. When applicable, advanced placement from high schools will be given appropriate credit and noted on the WPI transcript.

Mathematics and Basic Sciences

It is essential that mechanical engineering students establish a solid foundation in mathematics, the fundamental language of engineers. It is recommended that mechanical engineering students develop competence, as a minimum, in calculus and differential equations through such courses as: MA 1021, MA 1022, MA 1023, MA 1024, MA 2051. Additional courses are desirable and should be selected in consultation with the student’s academic advisor as preparation for advanced-level course and project work.

An adequate background in the basic sciences is mandatory for mechanical engineering students and typically includes physics, chemistry, and other sciences. Programs should be planned so that topics related to mechanics, energy, heat, light, sound, optics, and electricity are covered in preparation for the material to be studied in the engineering sciences. Students, in consultation with their advisors, are urged to include in their programs courses from the following list which support their technical interest: PH 1110, PH 1120, PH 1130, CH 1010, CH 1020, CH 1030, BB 1001, BB 2002, GE 2341, GE 3050. Mathematics and basic sciences must include a minimum of four units, include both chemistry and physics with a minimum of two courses in either, and include differential and integral calculus and differential equations.

Engineering Science and Design

For mechanical engineering students, the engineering science and design will normally require the equivalent of a year and a half of full-time study. In the engineering sciences, graphics; mechanics of solids, including stress analysis and dynamics; thermodynamics; fluid and continuum mechanics; materials science; and materials processing provide a background for the higher-level experiences. Students must also develop competence in closely-related engineering and science areas, such as electrical engineering, control engineering, computer science, and heat and mass transfer. A partial listing of engineering science courses of direct interest to the mechanical engineering student follows: ES 1310, ES 2001, ES 2501, ES 2503, ES 3001, ES 3003, ES 3004, ES 3011, ES 3323, ME 3501, ES 2502, ME 3502, ME 3505, ECE 2011, ECE 2022, ECE 3601, and ES 2011.

With mastery of the basic and engineering sciences, mechanical engineering students are in a strong position to utilize the tools of their profession for the gaining of new knowledge and the solution of significant real-world problems, often termed “design.” Their MQP and IQP enable them to specialize in a given area of mechanical engineering in an interdisciplinary setting.

Engineering design is the decision-making experience of an engineer in which the combination of the basic sciences, engineering sciences and mathematics is applied, with judgment, to use resources economically to meet stated objectives. The development of literacy and skill in design may include the establishment of objectives, criteria, synthesis, analysis, construction, experimentation, evaluation, and communication. Students should consult their advisors in selecting appropriate courses, projects and independent studies to meet their design requirements. Programs include the equivalent of at least onehalf year of a design experience and often involve courses such as ME 2300, ME 3310, ME 3311, ME 3320, ME 3321, ME 4320, and ES 3323 plus the Major and Interactive Qualifying Projects along with independent study. Advanced design courses are available if a student decides to do in-depth study in this area. A minimum of six units of engineering science/design is required, and subdivided between engineering science and design on a 2:1 basis.

The one unit energy stem requirement is normally satisfied by taking courses such as ES 3001, ES 3003, and

ES 3004. The one unit mechanical systems stem requirement
is normally satisfied by taking courses such as ES 2501, ES 2502, and ES 2503.

Field trips and professional society activities are encouraged as they enhance overall professional perspectives.

Mechanical Engineering Department Concentrations

After developing competence in the basic engineering and science areas, mechanical engineering students are encouraged to select courses and projects in line with their personal and professional interests.

For those students having broad technical interests, and who wish to select wide-ranging upper-level courses (see the Mechanical Engineering Program Chart) and suitable MQP, early and continuing consultation with their academic advisors is encouraged to ensure that suitable preliminary work is completed on an appropriate schedule.

For those students that have an interest in pursuing upper- level activities within a narrow area of mechanical engineering, the Department offers seven specialty areas in which a “Concentration” may be earned. Each requires completion of six courses specified by that area, plus an MQP in that area. A brief description of each Concentration area, the name of a faculty member well versed in all phases of that area, and the particular course options and requirements are noted in the Mechanical Engineering Concentrations chart.

Students should note that they may utilize graduate courses if they are appropriate. The academic advisor must approve the course in advance. Integrated undergraduate- graduate programs are encouraged.

Enhanced Programs

BS-MS Program in Mechanical Engineering

Outstanding students are encouraged to combine a master’s degree with their undergraduate WPI studies. Details are found in the WPI GRADUATE PROGRAM section of this catalog, and interested students should initiate discussions with their advisor early in their junior year.

Cooperative Education Program

The WPI Cooperative Education Program provides an opportunity to integrate “real-world” experience into an educational program. Details are found in the Cooperative Education Program section on page 257.

Mechanical Engineering Minor (for Non-Majors)

Non- ME majors interested in developing a ME minor in conjunction with their major should consult with the Department Head or the lead faculty member in the specific ME sub-area of interest to define a program leading to recognition of the minor. Each individual student minor must then be approved by the Committee on Academic Operations.

Maintained by webmaster@wpi.edu
Last modified: Nov 02, 2005, 10:09 EST