Santa Clara University

Mechanical Engineering

The department has a 3-year course plan for the Academic Year 2008-09, 2009-00, and 2000-01.  To see what courses may be offered for each of the academic year, see Mechanical Engineering 3-Year Course Plan.  To check the lastest course offerings, go to Course Schedules that are posted quarterly.

MECH 202. Mathematical Methods in Mechanical Engineering

Analytic solution of ordinary differential equations. Fourier series. Analytic solution of linear partial differential equations by separation of variables. Numerical solution of ordinary differential equations by iterative and direct methods. Review of vectors and introduction to vector calculus. Introduction to complex variables. (Also listed as AMTH 202.) (2 units)

MECH 203. Analytical Dynamics I

Virtual displacement and virtual work, D’Alembert’s principle, Hamilton’s principle, generalized coordinates, Lagrange’s equations, treatment of constraints. Applications to central force motion, gyrodynamics, and other mechanical systems. Prerequisite: MECH 140. (2 units)

MECH 204. Analytical Dynamics II

Variational principles, Gibbs-Appell equations, Hamilton’s equations, Hamilton-Jacobi theorem. Stability of motion. Impulsive motion. Systems with varying mass, special relativity, and other advanced topics. Applications to mechanical systems. Prerequisite: MECH 203. (2 units)

MECH 207. Advanced Mechatronics I

Theory of operation, analysis, and implementation of fundamental physical and electrical device components: basic circuit elements, transistors, op-amps, sensors, electro-mechanical actuators. Application to the development of simple devices. (Also listed as ELEN 460.) Prerequisite: MECH 141 or ELEN 100. (2 units)

MECH 208. Advanced Mechatronics II

Theory of operation, analysis, and implementation of fundamental controller implementations: analog computers, digital state machines, microcontrollers. Application to the development of closed-loop control systems. (Also listed as ELEN 461.) Prerequisites: MECH 207 and 217. (2 units)

MECH 209. Advanced Mechatronics III

Electro-mechanical modeling and system development. Introduction to mechatronic support subsystems: power, communications. Fabrication techniques. Functional implementation of hybrid systems involving dynamic control and command logic. Prerequisite: MECH 208. (2 units)

MECH 214. Advanced Dynamics I

Partial differentiation of vector functions in a reference frame. Configuration constraints. Generalized speeds. Motion constraints. Partial angular velocities and partial linear velocities. Inertia scalars, vectors, matrices, and dyadics; principal moments of inertia. Prerequisites: MECH 140 and AMTH 106. (2 units)

MECH 215. Advanced Dynamics II

Generalized active forces. Contributing and noncontributing interaction forces. Generalized inertia forces. Relationship between generalized active forces and potential energy; generalized inertia forces and kinetic energy. Prerequisite: MECH 214. (2 units)

MECH 216. Advanced Dynamics III

Dynamical equations of motion. Linearization. Steady motion and motions resembling states of rest. Integrals of equations of motion. Determination of constraint forces and constraint torques. Prerequisite: MECH 215. (2 units)

MECH 217. Introduction to Control

Laplace transforms, block diagrams, modeling of control system components and kinematics and dynamics of control systems, and compensation. Frequency domain techniques, such as root-locus, gain-phase, Nyquist and Nichols diagrams used to analyze control systems applications. Prerequisite: AMTH 106. (2 units)

MECH 218. Guidance and Control I

Modern and classical concepts for synthesis and analysis of guidance and control systems. Frequency and time domain methods for both continuous-time and sampled data systems. Compensation techniques for continuous-time and discrete-time control systems. Prerequisite: MECH 217, 142, or consent of instructor. (2 units)

MECH 219. Guidance and Control II

Continuation of MECH 218. Design and synthesis of digital and continuous-time control systems. Nonlinear control system design using phase plane and describing functions. Relay and modulator controllers. (Also listed as ELEN 462.) Prerequisite: MECH 218. (2 units)

MECH 225. Gas Dynamics I

Flow of compressible fluids. One-dimensional isentropic flow, normal shock waves, frictional flow. Prerequisites: MECH 121 and 132. (2 units)

MECH 226. Gas Dynamics II

Continuation of MECH 225. Flow with heat interaction and generalized one-dimensional flow. Oblique shock waves and unsteady wave motion. Prerequisite: MECH 225. (2 units)

MECH 228. Equilibrium Thermodynamics

Principles of thermodynamic equilibrium. Equations of state, thermodynamic potentials, phase transitions, and thermodynamic stability. Prerequisite: MECH 131 or equivalent. (2 units)

MECH 230. Statistical Thermodynamics

Kinetic theory of gases. Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions, thermodynamic properties in terms of partition functions, quantum statistics, and applications. Prerequisites: AMTH 106 and MECH 121. (2 units)

MECH 234. Combustion Technology

Theory of combustion processes. Reaction kinetics, flame propagation theories. Emphasis on factors influencing pollution. Prerequisites: AMTH 106 and MECH 131. (2 units)

MECH 236. Conduction Heat Transfer

Flow of heat through solid and porous media for steady and transient conditions. Consideration of stationary and moving heat sources. Prerequisites: AMTH 106 and MECH 123. (2 units)

MECH 238. Convective Heat and Mass Transfer I

Solutions of basic problems in convective heat and mass transfer, including boundary layers and flow in pipes. Prerequisites: MECH 123 and 266. (2 units)

MECH 239. Convective Heat and Mass Transfer II

Application of transfer theory to reacting boundary layers, ablating and reacting surfaces, multicomponent diffusion. Introduction of modern turbulence theory to predict fluctuations and other flow properties. Prerequisite: MECH 238. (2 units)

MECH 240. Radiation Heat Transfer I

Introduction to concepts of quantum mechanics, black body behavior, and radiant heat exchange between bodies. Prerequisite: MECH 123. (2 units)

MECH 241. Radiation Heat Transfer II

Treatment of gaseous radiation in enclosures. Solutions of transfer equation in various limits and for different molecular radiation models. Gray and nongray applications. Mathematical techniques of solutions. Prerequisite: MECH 240. (2 units)

MECH 254. Introduction to Biomechanics

Overview of basic human anatomy, physiology, and anthropometry. Applications of mechanical engineering to the analysis of human motion, function, and injury. Review of issues related to designing devices for use in, or around, the human body including safety, biocompatibility, ethics, and FDA regulations. Offered every other year. (4 units)

MECH 256. Introduction to Biomaterials

Introduction to each class of biomaterial. Exploration of research, commercial, and regulatory literature. Written and oral reports by students on a selected application requiring one or more biomaterials. (2 units)

MECH 266. Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics

Mathematical formulation of the conservation laws and theorems applied to flow fields. Analytical solutions. The viscous boundary layer. Prerequisite: MECH 122. (2 units)

MECH 268. Computational Fluid Mechanics I

Introduction to numerical solution of fluid flow. Application to general and simplified forms of the fluid dynamics equations. Discretization methods, numerical grid generation, and numerical algorithms based on finite difference techniques. Prerequisite: MECH 266. (2 units)

MECH 269. Computational Fluid Mechanics II

Continuation of MECH 268. Generalized coordinate systems. Multidimensional compressible flow problems, turbulence modeling. Prerequisite: MECH 268. (2 units)

MECH 270. Viscous Flow I

Derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations. The boundary layer approximations for high Reynolds number flow. Exact and approximate solutions of laminar flows. Prerequisite: MECH 266. (2 units)

MECH 271. Viscous Flow II

Continuation of MECH 270. Similarity solutions of laminar flows. Separated flows. Fundamentals of turbulence. Introduction to numerical methods in fluid mechanics. Prerequisite: MECH 270. (2 units)

MECH 273. Designing with Plastic Materials

Mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties of engineering plastics and elastomers. Materials evaluation. Design of plastic bearings, gears, and housings. Design for creep. Prerequisite: CENG 43 or equivalent. (2 units)

MECH 274. Processing Plastic Materials

Casting, compression, and transfer molding of thermoset plastics. Thermoforming, extrusion, rotational, and injection molding of thermoplastics. Secondary operations for plastics. Design for manufacturing of plastics. Prerequisite: MECH 273. (2 units)

MECH 275. Design for Competitiveness

Overview of current design techniques aimed at improving global competitiveness. Design strategies and specific techniques. Group design projects in order to put these design ideas into simulated practice. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (2 units)

MECH 277. Injection Mold Tool Design

Molds and mold bases, mold materials, sizes and presses, moldability of plastics, effect of tooling on plastic part design. Prerequisites: MECH 273 and 274. (2 units)

MECH 279. Introduction to CNC I

Introduction to CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machining. Principles of conventional and CNC machining. Process identification and practical application using conventional machine tools. Job planning logic and program development for CNC. Set-up and basic operation of CNC machine through “hands-on” exercises. Introduction to CAM software, conversational programming, verification software, and file transfers. The class is lab intensive; the topics will be presented primarily by demonstration or student use of the equipment. (3 units)

MECH 280. Introduction to CNC II

Builds on foundation provided by MECH 279. Emphasis on CNC programming. Overview of controllers, features of CNC machines, manual and computer-aided programming, G-code basics, advanced cycles and codes. Lab projects will consist of “hands-on” operation of CNC milling machines, programming tools, and verification software. Lab component. Prerequisite: MECH 279 or consent of instructor. (3 units)

MECH 281. Fracture Mechanics and Fatigue

Fracture mechanics evaluation of structures containing defects. Theoretical development of stress intensity factors. Fracture toughness testing. Relationships among stress, flaw size, and material toughness. Emphasis on design applications with examples from aerospace, nuclear, and structural components. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (2 units)

MECH 285. Computer-Aided Design of Mechanisms

Kinematic synthesis of mechanisms. Graphical and analytical mechanism synthesis techniques for motion generation, function generation, and path generation problems. Overview of various computer software packages available for mechanism design. (2 units)

MECH 288. Energy Conversion I

Introduction to nonconventional methods of power generation using solar energy, thermoelectric effect, and fuel cells. Description of the physical phenomena involved, analysis of device performance, and assessment of potential for future use. Prerequisite: MECH 121. (2 units)

MECH 289. Energy Conversion II

Discussion of magnetohydrodynamic power generation, thermionic converters, and thermonuclear fusion. (MECH 288 is not a prerequisite.) (2 units)

MECH 290. Capstone Project

Research and analysis of a manufacturing problem and reporting of results. Prerequisite: Must have completed required courses in master’s manufacturing option. (2-6 units)

MECH 292. Theory and Design of Turbomachinery

Theory, operation, and elements of the design of turbomachinery that performs by the dynamic interaction of fluid stream with a bladed rotor. Emphasis on the design and efficient energy transfer between fluid stream and mechanical elements of turbomachines, including compressors, pumps, and turbines. Prerequisites: MECH 121 and 122. (2 units)

MECH 293. Special Topics in Manufacturing and Materials

(2 units)

MECH 294. Special Topics in Mechanical Design

(2 units)

MECH 295. Special Topics in Thermofluid Sciences

(2 units)

MECH 296. Special Topics in Dynamics and Control

(2 units)

MECH 297. Seminar

Discrete lectures on current problems and progress in fields related to mechanical engineering. P/NP grading. (1 unit)

MECH 298. Individual Study

By arrangement. (1-6 units)

MECH 299. Thesis

By arrangement. (1-9 units)

MECH 301. Noise and Vibration Control and Monitoring

Analysis of noise and vibration generation; effects on people and machinery. Applications to design of noise reduction systems. Prerequisite: MECH 141 or 305. (2 units)

MECH 302. Noise and Vibration Control and Monitoring II

Continuation of MECH 301. Prerequisite: MECH 301. (2 units)

MECH 304. Design and Mechanics Problems in the Computer Industry

Design and mechanics problems related to computer peripherals. Dynamics of disk interface, stresses, and vibrations in rotating disks and flexible disks. Actuator design, impact and nonimpact printing, materials and design for manufacturability, role of CAD/CAM in design. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (2 units)

MECH 305. Vibrations I

Derivation of equations governing physical systems. Behavior of single- and multi-degree-of-freedom systems. Linearization, state-space formulation, and canonical forms. Modeling and dynamic response of discrete vibrating elastic bodies. Analytical techniques for solving dynamic and vibration problems. Prerequisites: MECH 140 and AMTH 106. (2 units)

MECH 306. Vibrations II

Vector-tensor-matrix formulation with practical applications to computer simulation. Dynamic response of continuous elastic systems. Strings, membranes, beams, and plates exposed to various dynamic loading. Applications to aero-elastic systems and mechanical systems. Modal analysis and finite element methods applied to vibrating systems. Prerequisite: MECH 305. (2 units)

MECH 308. Thermal Control of Electronic Equipment

Heat transfer methods to cool electronic equipment. Contact resistance, cooling fins, immersion cooling, boiling, and direct air cooling. Use of heat exchangers, cold plates, and heat pipes. Applications involving transistor cooling, printed circuit boards, and microelectronics. Prerequisites: MECH 122 and 123. (2 units)

MECH 310. Advanced Mechatronics IV

Application of mechatronics knowledge and skills to the development of an industry- or laboratory-sponsored mechatronics device/system. Systems engineering, concurrent design, and project management techniques. Performance assessment, verification, and validation. Advanced technical topics appropriate to the project may include robotic teleoperation, human-machine interfaces, multi-robot collaboration, and other advanced applications. Prerequisite: MECH 209. (2 units)

MECH 311. Modeling and Control of Telerobotic Systems

Case studies of telerobotic devices and mission control architectures. Analysis and control techniques relevant to the remote operation of devices, vehicles, and facilities. Development of a significant research project involving modeling, simulation, or experimentation, and leading to the publication of results. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (4 units)

MECH 315. Advanced Digital Control Systems I

Introduction to digital control systems design. Mini- and microcomputer application in industrial control. Analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters. Discrete time systems, state-space representation, stability. Digital control algorithms, optimal tuning of controller gains. Finite-time settling control. Controllability and observability of discrete-time systems. Prerequisite: MECH 142 or 217. (2 units)

MECH 316. Advanced Digital Control Systems II

Continuation of MECH 315. Linear state vector feedback control, linear quadratic optimal control. State variable estimators, observers. System identification, model reference adaptive systems, pole-placement control. Minimum variance control, tracking, and regulation problems. Adaptive control. Prerequisite: MECH 315. (2 units)

MECH 323. Modern Control System Design I

Design of control systems with multiple-input multiple-output plants containing multiple sensors and actuators using statespace and optimal control techniques. Computational methods for design of control systems using conventional and optimal techniques. Prerequisite: MECH 142 or 217. (2 units)

MECH 324. Modern Control System Design II

Continuation of MECH 323. Numerical solution for optimal control system designs using first- and second-order gradient techniques. Statistical design approaches: time and frequency domain techniques, filtering, and estimation. Prerequisite: MECH 323. (2 units)

MECH 325. Computational Geometry for Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture I

Analytic basis for description of points, curves, and surfaces in three-dimensional space. Generation of surfaces for numerically driven machine tools. Plane coordinate geometry, three-dimensional geometry and vector algebra, coordinate transformations, three-dimensional curve and surface geometry, and curve and surface design. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (2 units)

MECH 326. Computational Geometry for Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture II

Continuation of MECH 325. Composite curves, splines, and surfaces. Clipping, hidden line strategies, light sources, and shadows. Prerequisite: MECH 325. (2 units)

MECH 329. Introduction to Intelligent Control

Intelligent control, AI, and system science. Adaptive control and learning systems. Artificial neural networks and Hopfield model. Supervised and unsupervised learning in neural networks. Fuzzy sets and fuzzy control. (Also listed as ELEN 329.) Prerequisite: MECH 324. (2 units)

MECH 330. Atomic Structure and Defects

Structure of crystalline and non-crystalline materials and the relationship between structure, defects, and mechanical properties. For all engineering disciplines. Prerequisite: MECH 15. (2 units)

MECH 331. Phase Equilibria and Transformations

Thermodynamics of multi-component systems and phase diagrams. Diffusion and phase transformations. For all engineering disciplines. Prerequisite: MECH 330.

MECH 332. Electronic Structure and Properties

Band structure and electrical conductivity of metals, semiconductors, and insulators with applications to electronic devices such as the p-n junction and materials characterization techniques utilizing electron-solid interactions. For all engineering disciplines. Prerequisite: MECH 330. (2 units)

MECH 333. Experiments in Materials Science

Experiments in the mechanical properties of materials. Class includes at least four hands-on experiments involving the characterization of materials. Experiments include grain structure analysis, phoelastic stress measurement, fracture mechanics, and plastic material characterization. Emphasis is on laboratory equipment use and data interpretation. (2 units)

MECH 337. Robotics I

Overview of robotic systems and applications. Components. Homogeneous transforms. Denavit-Hartenberg representation. Forward and inverse kinematics. Manipulator Jacobian. Singular configurations. (Also listed as ELEN 337.) Prerequisites: AMTH 245 and MECH 217. (2 units)

MECH 338. Robotics II

Newton-Euler Dynamics. Trajectory planning. Linear manipulator control. Nonlinear manipulator control. Joint space control. Cartesian space control. Hybrid force/position control. Obstacle avoidance. Robotic simulation. (Also listed as ELEN 338.) Prerequisite: MECH 337. (2 units)

MECH 339. Robotics III

Advanced topics: parallel manipulators, redundant manipulators, underactuated manipulators, coupled manipulator/platform dynamics and control, hardware experimentation and control, dextrous manipulation, multi-robot manipulation, current research in robotic manipulation. (Also listed as ELEN 339.) Prerequisite: MECH 338. (2 units)

MECH 340. Introduction to Direct Access Storage Devices

Introduction to direct access storage devices, including flexible and rigid disk drives. Overview of magnetic and optical recording technology emphasizing their similarity and differences and basic principles of operation. Device components technology, including head, disk, positioning actuator, drive mechanism, drive interface, and controller. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (2 units)

MECH 345. Modern Instrumentation and Experimentation

Overview of sensors and experimental techniques. Fundamentals of computer-based data acquisition and control, principles of operation of components in a data acquisitions system. Design and analysis of engineering experiments with emphasis on practical applications. Characterization of experimental accuracy, error analysis, and statistical analysis. Experiments involving measurements and control of equipment. (2 units)

MECH 350. Composite Materials I

Design, analysis, and manufacturing of composite materials. Characterization of composites at the materials and substructural levels. Hyperselection. Manufacturing technology and its impact on design. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (2 units)

MECH 351. Composite Materials II

Composite material design at the structural level. Fabrication methods. Design for damage tolerance, durability, and safety. Transfer of loads. Prerequisite: MECH 350. (2 units)

MECH 415. Optimization in Mechanical Design

Introduction to optimization: design and performance criteria. Application of optimization techniques in engineering design, including case studies. Functions of single and multiple variables. Optimization with constraints. Prerequisites: AMTH 106 and 245. (2 units)

MECH 416. System Design and Project Operation

An overview of the tools and processes of systems design as it applies to complex projects involving mechanical engineering and multidisciplinary engineering. Traditional lectures by the faculty coordinator, as well as special presentations by selected industry speakers. (2 units)

MECH 429. Optimization of Dynamic Systems I

Review of ordinary extrema. Calculus of variations. Maximum principle, optimal control of nonlinear systems, state regulators. Prerequisites: MECH 140 and AMTH 106. (2 units)

MECH 430. Optimization of Dynamic Systems II

Continuation of MECH 429. Singular control, perturbation techniques, numerical methods. Differential games. Applications to mechanical engineering systems. Prerequisite: MECH 429. (2 units)

MECH 431. Aircraft Flight Dynamics and Performance

Equations of motion of aircraft flight under various assumptions. Quasi-static performance measures for various aircraft. Flightpath optimization. Prerequisites: MECH 140 and AMTH 106. (2 units)

MECH 432. Rocket and Spacecraft Dynamics

Equations of motion for vehicles with rapidly changing mass. Orbital mechanics. Optimization of trajectories and orbital transfers. Elementary orbit perturbation theory. Prerequisites: MECH 140 and AMTH 106. (2 units)