Aerospace Engineering at UB

            Throughout history, engineers have pushed the technological frontiers, building what others thought couldn’t be built and creating what never before existed.  Hundred years after the first flight, aerospace engineers have pushed the boundaries farther and higher than most and now have exciting opportunities in cutting-edge fields that range well beyond the traditional aerospace applications in airplanes, spacecraft and rocket science.  Aerospace engineers can now apply their skills in numerous technology-based industrial sectors, ranging from automobiles to power generation to air separation to computer industries.  Aerospace engineering graduates can work in such exciting new areas as computational fluid dynamics, robotics, artificial intelligence, process automation, and smart materials.

            Here at the University at Buffalo, our four-year undergraduate program leading to the B.S. degree in aerospace engineering is designed to prepare students to assume leadership positions in the aerospace industry and related industries.  This includes the traditional aeronautics and astronautics applications (subsonic and supersonic aircraft, satellites, space shuttle, space station, etc.) as well as aerospace-related component development (design of structures, devices and instruments) and vehicle and propulsion system design. A variety of industries appreciate and seek the talents of aerospace engineers. The automotive industry, for example, has recently seen increased interest in aerospace technologies such as aerodynamics, feedback control, propulsion, system dynamics, and lightweight structures. The aerospace engineering program is also intended to prepare students for service in aerospace-related government agencies, such as NASA; FAA; and the U.S. Air Force, Navy, or Marine flying services. While many students enter industry directly after completing the B.S. program, a significant number elect to pursue graduate work in engineering or other fields.

            The undergraduate aerospace engineering program imparts knowledge of the fundamentals of the profession to provide a meaningful foundation for the entire career span of its graduates. The goal is to provide students with a broad, solid foundation in applied mathematics, physics, and the engineering sciences during the first and second years. During the third and fourth years, students will build upon this foundation by learning the specialized topics of aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, vehicle design and stability and control.  A formal statement of the program objectives for Aerospace Engineering is presented on the next page.

Our cooperative education program gives a number of students the opportunity to obtain practical experience working with local and national companies.  Our laboratories boast sophisticated testing and instrumentation systems and our extensive computational facilities are available 24 hours a day to meet the demands of our students.  Most importantly, our nationally and internationally recognized faculty is here to help you attain your goal of becoming an aerospace engineer, who will work during your career to push the technological boundaries over further.

The Objectives of the

Aerospace Engineering Program at UB

            The statements below describe the objectives of our Aerospace Engineering Program combining both the knowledge and the skills that are important in the successful practice of aerospace engineering.  These objectives have been developed by our faculty and, through a series of surveys, have the consensus agreement of our graduating seniors and alumni.

A graduating Aerospace Engineer should have knowledge providing him/her with

(1)       a sense of excitement and adventure intrinsic to the history of the field and essential

to the future of aerospace engineering as it advances the frontiers of human experience;

(2)       sufficient grounding  in engineering related mathematics (calculus, partial differential equations, linear algebra etc.) and sciences (physics, chemistry, life sciences) to be able to adapt a changing engineering environment and facilitate life-long learning;

(3)       knowledge of the fundamentals of mechanics, materials science, thermal sciences, aerodynamics, gas dynamics, propulsion, aerospace structures, and system dynamics and control, as applied to the design, analysis and manufacture of aerospace engineering systems;

(4)       knowledge of basic analytical, numerical and computational techniques representative of those in use in industry/research;

(5)       experience in engineering practice appropriate for a new graduate;

(6)       an awareness of the importance of professionalism, ethics and societal and  environmental issues as they affect the practice of aerospace engineering;

The skills of a graduating Aerospace Engineer should allow him/her to:

(1)       design engineering products using modern integrated design methodologies and product realization processes to meet defined needs;

(2)       construct mathematical models of aerospace engineering systems and use computational/analytical tools and techniques to predict the performance of such systems;

(3)       create computer based models of aerospace vehicles and propulsion systems using

a range of CAD/CFD tools and use them in the product synthesis/analysis process;

(4)       use sound engineering judgment when confronted with engineering decision making;

(5)       is familiar with the evaluation and selection of suitable materials and manufacturing processes;

(6)       communicate effectively and function in team based environments;
Admission to the Program

            Students admitted to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences from secondary schools must meet the minimum requirements of the University and their high school preparation should include mathematics, physics, chemistry and English.  Students should study as much mathematics as available in high school, including algebra, trigonometry and, if possible, some calculus and computer science.  The study of mechanical drawing, including computer-aided design, is also highly desirable.  Four years of English are recommended.  The ability to read, write and speak effectively will greatly  enhance one’s progress in the engineering profession.

Acceptance Criteria for Aerospace Engineering  A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 for all university courses, for all science courses and for all engineering courses is required for admission.  When there is heavy demand for admission, the department may find it necessary to raise the GPA requirement above 2.0 to limit class sizes to an acceptable level.  Students should consult the SEAS Office of Student Services, 410 Bonner Hall, for more information.

Transfer Information  Students who have attended an accredited community college, four-year college or university may begin their aerospace engineering studies with advanced standing.  Students who have completed at least 12 semester hours of coursework prior to the date of their application to the university are considered transfer students and must meet the minimum requirements of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

            The full evaluation of personal academic records is made by the SEAS Office of Student Services at orientation as students are registering for their first semester at UB. Transfer students completing an engineering science program at community colleges can normally expect to complete the Aerospace Engineering Degree with two to two and one-half additional years of study at UB. Graduates of associate degree programs in technology receive only a very limited amount of transfer credit and can expect three and one-half to four additional years of study at UB to complete the Aerospace Engineering Degree requirements.  To limit class sizes to acceptable levels, GPA minimums for admission may vary from year to year.

            Application materials to begin aerospace engineering studies at Buffalo may be obtained from any New York State high school counselor or by writing to the Office of Admissions, Capen Hall, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260. The university web page is at www.buffalo.edu.

Advisement for AE Students

            Students are normally assigned an engineering advisor as they enter their freshman year and a departmental faculty advisor for the AE program during their sophomore year.  Although students may also have other advisors at the university, it is important that they maintain regular contact with their departmental AE advisor to be certain of satisfying graduation requirements. Engineering students are urged to see their AE advisor prior to registration each semester.  All engineering students are encouraged to take advantage of advisement offered by the SEAS Office of Student Services in 410 Bonner Hall. Individual appointments and dates and times for advisement sessions may be obtained from that office. Entering freshmen are also offered a wide range of special advisement opportunities and academic help sessions by the Office of Student Services.

In addition to regular advisement, all students must see their advisor for a compulsory advisement session one year before their expected graduation date to plan their senior year programs.  This compulsory advisement period usually takes place prior to pre-registration in April of each year.

            The main purpose of advisement is to provide help in choosing and scheduling required and elective courses to facilitate program completion enhance the learning experience at UB using suitable electives. It is, however, the student’s own responsibility to see that overall program requirements are met.  A second purpose of advisement is to build a relationship with someone to consult for more general advice concerning types of jobs, the possibility of graduate school, and other career decisions. Advisement

discussions are most productive when students carefully review this manual and prepare their own tentative course plan before seeing their advisor. The Undergraduate Catalog, published annually by the University also provides additional information about our Department, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and undergraduate programs and courses at the University at Buffalo.

Academic Standing

Honors  Students who complete the Aerospace Engineering Program with a GPA of 3.5 or higher in their engineering courses are awarded the honor of Engineering Distinction and this fact is noted in the graduation program.  In addition, the University awards Latin Honors, based on overall average.  Each semester, students with a semester grade point average above 3.2 for 15 or more credit hours are placed on the Engineering Dean’s List.

Good Standing  To be in good standing, a student must maintain a 2.0 or higher semester average, overall UB average and engineering average.  A student who does not maintain this 2.0 average will be placed on probation. A student who has not attained good standing at the end of two consecutive semesters on probation is subject to dismissal from the Aerospace Engineering Program.  Students who fail to maintain satisfactory progress toward degree requirements are also subject to dismissal from the School of Engineering and the University.  The following are representative examples of unsatisfactory progress:

            1.         Two successive “F’s” in a required course.

            2.         Two or more “F” grades in Engineering courses in a given semester.

            3.         Repeated or excessive withdrawals and/or incomplete grades.

            4.         Receipt of an “F” grade for academic dishonesty.

“S/U” Grading  University rules state that students cannot select S/U grading for any course that is required for, or is a prerequisite to, their major. S/U grading is not permitted for General Education Courses for students entering in or after Fall 1999.

Repeated Course Grades  University rules permit students to repeat courses with the goal of improving their grade. The grade earned in repeating the course replaces the previous grade (even if it is lower) and becomes the permanent grade. If a student fails to pass a course in the second effort, an “F” is the permanent grade for the course, repeating a third time will satisfy degree requirements but will not change the course grade.

Academic Integrity  The university has a responsibility to promote academic honesty and integrity and to develop procedures to deal effectively with instances of academic dishonesty. Students are responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, for the appropriate citation of sources, and for respecting the academic endeavors of others. By placing their name on academic work, students certify the originality of all work not otherwise identified by appropriate acknowledgments.

The university community depends upon shared academic standards. Academic dishonesty in any form by any member of the university community represents a fundamental impairment of these standards. When an instance of suspected or alleged academic dishonesty by a student arises, it shall be resolved first through informal consultation between the student and the instructor and then, if necessary, through the formal proceedings of the MAE Department, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the University. Penalties for academic dishonesty include receiving an “F” in

the course involved and possible dismissal from the university.

Graduation Requirements

Degree Requirements  In addition to the completion of all course requirements for the Aerospace Engineering Program, it is necessary to achieve the following academic averages:

            (a)  Minimum 2.0 GPA for all coursework taken at UB.

            (b)  Minimum 2.0 GPA for all Engineering courses taken at UB.

Application for Degree  In order to be considered for graduation (degree conferral), each student must file a “Degree Application” with the Office of Records & Registration, 232 Capen Hall prior to the deadlines below (applications are available in 410 Bonner Hall, on-line at www.studentresponse.buffalo.edu or in the Student Response Center, 232 Capen Hall):

Important Dates for Degree Application and Graduation

Students are encouraged to file their Degree Application well before the above deadline dates.  After a Degree Application has been filed, an audit of completed coursework and grades and a listing of courses to be completed to meet the degree requirements will be sent to the student.  Students who find that they are not eligible to graduate on their applied degree conferral date will be requested to inform Records & Registration of their new expected graduation date.  When a degree is conferred, it is noted on the student’s academic record (transcript) and a diploma is mailed to the address on the Degree Application submitted by the student.

The B.S. Degree Program in Aerospace Engineering

These are the required courses and the standard course sequence for the B.S. Degree in Aerospace Engineering. Students need not follow this semester-by-semester sequence precisely. But the prerequisite course requirements for each course must always be satisfied. Details about exceptions from the program below, transfer credit, waivers, substitutions, etc., are available from the Director of Undergraduate Studies or the SEAS Office of Student Services, 410 Bonner Hall.

*           EE 202 Circuit Analysis may be substituted for EE 200

**         Science Elective: CHE 108 (with lab), PHY 207 (with lab) or an approved Biology course (with lab)

***        Also offered in Spring and Summer, students unable to register for MAE 377 in the Fall may take a Gen Ed or an Applied Math Elective to maintain a full schedule

           
Double Major in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The program shown below allows students to graduate with a “double major” in both Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in as little as four and one-half years. Students completing a double major receive one diploma indicating their completion of the requirements for both the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering majors. Students who complete one degree and afterward desire the second degree are viewed as “subsequent degree” students and must complete at least 30 credits beyond the first degree. They are also limited in their selection of courses by special rules for the awarding of subsequent degrees (details available from the Director of Undergraduate Studies).

The Double Major Program

*           Also offered in Spring Semester and Summer, students unable to register for MAE 377 in the Fall may take a Gen Ed course, MAE 311 or MAE 364 to maintain a full schedule

**         Applied Math Elective: MAE 428, EAS 305, CIE 308, EAS 451, MTH 309, MTH 417, MTH 418

Please note that General Education courses can be scheduled during the Summer or in any desired semester.
Program Planning for the B.S. Program in

Aerospace Engineering

            The Aerospace Engineering Program consists of required courses and elective courses (the Science Elective, Applied Math Elective, Technical Elective and General Education coursework).  The program is intended to provide a broad background in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering science, together with sufficient depth in the required engineering courses to provide the essentials which form the base of the program.  Building on the base, the student chooses additional technical and non-technical courses.

            The remaining electives of a non-technical nature are very important and should be chosen carefully.  A good program of non-technical electives will broaden student interests, permitting an appreciation of the various people and cultures within our society and the global community.  Non-technical electives must be selected to satisfy the University-wide requirements for General Education.

            Of the total credit hours of coursework required for the B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, 30 credit hours must be completed at this institution.  The standard program followed by a student making normal progress toward the degree may be completed in four academic years.  The course load per semester varies from 15 to 18 credit hours.  Those students who wish to attend Summer Session classes may reduce the calendar time required to complete the degree requirements.

Elective Policy   AE students are required to take 3 hours of Technical Elective (TE) coursework, 3 hours of an Applied Math Elective, and 4 hours of Science Elective.  A TE course is any course offered by the departments of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), or a course in mathematics or the sciences which is not a required course for the AE degree.  All TE’s must be coursework at the 300 level or above.  In some instances graduate level courses may be used as TE’s.

The General Education Program  The General Education Program at the State University of New York at Buffalo is designed to encourage and reward four kinds of academic activity:  informed critical thought, the sharing of some common bodies of knowledge, the introduction of students to the activities of the faculty in a wide range of disciplines, and the personal use of the creative arts.  The General Education Program requires students to take a minimum number of courses outside of their chosen major.

            In addition, the Program requires demonstration of minimum skills in writing and mathematics. A placement process in writing and mathematics is applied to entering students.  Depending on their placement, students may be required to take English 101 and/or English 201 (neither of which can be used as General Education courses) in addition to the courses listed above.  Students may also be advised to take one or more mathematics courses before attempting Mathematics 141.  Students are also required to pass a Library Skills Test.

The General Education requirement for transfer students depends on the number of credits completed at other schools. Transfer students will be advised of these requirements by the SEAS Office of Student Services, 410 Bonner Hall, at the time of their admission. Further details on these requirements may also be obtained by contacting the Office of Student Services directly.

Course Descriptions

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

(MAE Designation)

177 Introduction to Engineering Drawing and CAD (2) (Sp)

A first exposure to mechanical design for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineers.  Includes the nature and visual representation of mechanical components and principles of engineering drawing and sketching for mechanical design.  Utilizes up-to-date computer-aided design software (such as AutoCad) for mechanical drawings and mechanical designs.  LEC/LAB

277 Introduction to Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Practice (3) (F)

Prerequisites:            EAS 140, MAE 177

Overview of engineering in industry; introduces engineering design concepts, reverse engineering, case studies including a hands-on project, basics of manufacturing processes, elementary modeling of engineering systems,  and technical communications.

311 Machines and Mechanisms I (3) (Sp)

Prerequisite:              EAS 209

Corequisite:               MAE 381

Analysis and design of machine elements; theories of failure, fatigue strength, and endurance limits; fluctuating stresses; Goodman diagram; fatigue design under torsional and combined stresses. Design of bolted connections, fasteners, welds, springs, ball and roller bearings, journal bearings, gears, clutches, and brakes.  LEC

334 Introduction to Instrumentation and Computers (3) (F)

Prerequisite:              EAS 209

Corequisite:               EAS 200

Introduces  data acquisition using A/D converters; fundamentals of transducers; static and dynamic response; amplifiers; theory of A/D and D/A converters; error analysis; elementary statistics. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory weekly.  LEC/LAB

335 Fluid Mechanics (3) (F)

Prerequisite:              EAS 209

Corequisite:               EAS 204

Hydro- and aerostatics; substantial derivatives; Reynolds transport equation; control volume approach for conservation of mass, linear momentum, moment of momentum, and the first law of thermodynamics; dimensional analysis and similitude; laminar and turbulent pipe flow of liquids; boundary-layer theory: one-dimensional, compressible flow; potential flow.  LEC

336 Heat Transfer (3) (Sp)

Prerequisites:            EAS 204, EAS 209

Introduces the transport of heat by conduction, convection, and radiation. Topics include transient and steady-state, one- and multidimensional heat conduction (treated both analytically and numerically); single-phase, laminar and turbulent, forced and natural convection, both within ducts and on external surfaces (dimensional analysis and empirical correlations); two-phase transport (boiling and condensation); radiative properties of materials and analysis of radiative heat transfer in enclosures; analysis of heat exchangers.  LEC

338 Fluid and Heat Transfer Laboratory (1) (F)

Prerequisites:            MAE 335, MAE 336

Complements coursework in fluid mechanics and heat transfer.  LAB

340 Systems Analysis (4) (Sp)

Prerequisites:            EAS 200, EAS 208

Corequisite:               MAE 376

System dynamics; characterization of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic system components; characterization of transducers; use of state space and matrix notation in system modeling and analysis; formulation methods for systems containing multiterminal components; formulation of state equations; digital computer simulation techniques, analog computer concepts.  Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week.  LEC/LAB

364 Manufacturing Processes (3) (Sp)

Corequisite:               MAE 381

Manufacturing processes including casting, forming, cutting, joining, and molding of various engineering materials (metals and non-metals).  Manufacturing considerations in design including material and process selection, tooling, product quality, and properties/processing tradeoffs.  Quality control and automation issues.  LEC

376 Applied Mathematics for MAE (3) (F)

Prerequisites:            MTH 306, EAS 230

Solution of engineering problems using computational methods. Topics include linear algebra, sets of linear and nonlinear equations, an introduction to Matlab, ordinary differential equations and matrix eigenvalues. Also topics in statistics (particularly with normal distributions) and engineering applications involving error analysis. Considers interpolation, splines and nonlinear curve fitting as time permits.  LEC

377 Product Design in a CAD Environment (3) (Sp)

Corequisites:             EAS 209, MAE 277

Mechanical design of functional, pragmatic products from inception through implementation. Topics in computer-aided-design (CAD). Discusses the design process in the context of product redesign assignments using CAD. Includes a final design project with professional documentation including sketches, detailed and assembly CAD drawings, a comprehensive written design analysis and cost breakdown.  LEC

381 Engineering Materials (3) (F)

Prerequisite:              CHE l07

Corequisite:               EAS 209

Introduces the physics and chemistry of engineering materials including metals, ceramics, polymers and composites.  Covers the relationships among the processing, in ternal structure, material properties and applications.  Internal structure includes crystal structure, imperfections, and phases.  Processing includes annealing, precipitation hardening, and heat treatment of steel.  Properties include mechanical properties and corrosion behavior.  Current industrial needs.  LEC

385 Engineering Materials Laboratory (1) (Sp)

Prerequisites :           MAE 381

Experiments designed to illustrate the relationships among the processing, internal structure and properties of engineering materials, with emphasis on metals and their heat treatment, microstructure and mechanical properties.  Hands-on experience in metallography, heat treatment and mechanical testing.  Team work.  Laboratory report writing.  LAB

412 Machines and Mechanisms II (3) (F)

Prerequisites:            EAS 208, MAE 376

Kinematics and dynamics of machinery; linkages, geometry of motion, mobility, cam design, gear trains, and computing mechanisms; velocity and acceleration analysis by graphical, analytical, and numerical techniques; static and dynamic force analysis in machinery; engine analysis; flywheels; balancing.  LEC

414 Engineering Project (3) (F; Sp)

Prerequisites:            senior standing and permission of instructor

Provides experience in real-world engineering problems for senior mechanical and aerospace students. Assigns projects from local industry.  Normally requires students to spend eight hours weekly in an engineering office. Students must present written and oral reports.  TUT

415 Analysis of Structures (3) (F)

Prerequisites:            MTH 306, EAS 209

Theory of elastic structural components; elastic stress analysis; equilibrium, strain displacement, compatibility; yield criteria; plate theory; axisymmetric elements; thin axisymmetric cylinders; elastic stability of plates and beams; energy methods; finite element analysis and numerical methods.  LEC

416 Aerospace Structures (3) (Sp)

Prerequisite:              MAE 415

Theory of light structures; beam bending, shear stress, shear center, composite beams; shearflow, warping stresses and secondary warping; torsion of thin-walled single and multicell tubes; deformation of struts, plates, frames, and trusses; stress analysis of connections; composite structures and sandwich construction; computer implementation with applications to aircraft and aerospace structures.  LEC

417 Applied Orthopedic Biomechanics (3) (Sp)

Prerequisite:              EAS 209

Design implants and prosthetics in relation to the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. Topics include bone physiology, testing methods (tension, compression, bending, torsion, shear, and fatigue, including nondestructive testing), strain gage application, composite theory of bone, stress fractures and fatigue properties in the musculoskeletal system, fracture healing, external/internal fixation (Ilizarov etc.), aging and osteoporosis, pathology of osteoarthritis, joint replacement and arthroplasty, and spine biomechanics.  LEC

420 Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System (3) (F)

Prerequisite:              EAS 209

Basic aspects of anatomy; forces transmitted in the body; bones as structural members; joint and muscle forces. Kinematics of body motions; instantaneous centers of joint motions; behavior of normal and abnormal joints; remodeling. Biomaterials; ligaments and tendons. Functions of orthotics and prostheses; design considerations. The course includes a weekly seminar and one or two laboratory sessions.  LEC

422 Gas Dynamics (3) (Sp)

Prerequisite:              MAE 335

Fundamentals of gas dynamics and compressible aerodynamics; one-dimensional isentropic flow, one-dimensional flow with friction and with heating or cooling, and normal shocks. Multidimensional flows; Prandtl-Meyer flow, oblique shocks, small perturbation theory, supersonic airfoil theory.  LEC

423 Introduction to Propulsion (3) (F)

Prerequisite:             MAE 335

Combustion thermodynamics; flow in nozzle, diffuser, and constant area duct with shock; analysis and performance of air breathing and chemical rocket propulsion systems; performance of single and multi-staged rocket vehicles; space missions.  LEC

424 Aerodynamics (4) (F)

Prerequisite:              MAE 335

Flow over airfoils and wings; ideal flow theory, singularity solutions, superposition, source, and vortex panel methods; method of source panels; 2-D airfoil theory, pressure distributions, and lift; effects of compressibility; finite wings; viscous aerodynamics; boundary-layer theory; friction drag. An aerodynamics laboratory experience, including airfoil characteristics, boundary-layer measurements, and jet flow.  LEC/LAB

428 Analytical Methods (3) (Sp)

Prerequisite:              MAE 376

Methods of solution for practical problems in mechanical and aerospace engineering, involving partial differential equations: Fourier series, orthogonal functions, Laplace transforms, examples of partial differential equations—waves and heat conduction equations, method of separation of variables, Bessel functions, introduction to complex variable theory, application to potential flow.  LEC

429 Finite Element Techniques (3) (Sp)

Prerequisites:            MAE 311, MAE 376

A detailed presentation of finite element techniques in the areas of solid mechanics, structures, heat transfer and fluid flow. Selects applications from mechanical and aerospace engineering.  Stresses computer applications.  LEC

431 Energy Systems (3) (F)

Prerequisites:            MAE 204, MAE 335

Continuation of thermodynamics. Availability; psychrometrics; real gases; combustion thermochemistry; phase and chemical equilibrium; fuel cells; flow through nozzles; blade passages.  LEC

434 Aircraft Design (3) (Sp)

Prerequisite:              MAE 436

Corequisite:               MAE 416

Conceptual aircraft design for specific mission profiles is facilitated by course-licensed software; practice predicting performance of existing designs with comparison to actual performance; analyzes performance of new, student-designed aircraft.  LEC

436 Flight Dynamics (3) (F)

Prerequisites:            EAS 208, MAE 340

Reviews practical aerodynamics of wings and bodies. Performance of aircraft and missiles in the atmosphere. Longitudinal, lateral, and directional static stability, control effectiveness, and control forces. Basic equations of motion of flight vehicles. Aerodynamics, thrust and gravity forces, and stability derivatives. Analyzes aircraft and missile dynamic stability, and typical model responses to control inputs. Autopilots, stability augmentation, and analysis of the pilot as a control-system element.  LEC

438 Smart Materials (3) (Sp)

Prerequisite:              MAE 381

Introduces students to smart materials, which refer to materials that can sense a certain stimulus and, in some cases, even react to the stimulus in a positive way so as to counteract negative effects of the stimulus. Emphasizes strain/stress sensors and actuators. Topics include electrically conducting materials, piezoelectric and electrostrictive materials, magnetostrictive materials, electrorheological and magnetorheological fluids, electrolytic polymer gels, shape memory materials, layered materials, smart concrete, optical fibers, and photoelastic materials.  LEC

439 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (3) (Sp)

Prerequisite:              MAE 336

Review of psychrometrics; physiological factors; heating and cooling load calculations; refrigeration methods and applications to air conditioning; cryogenic methods; fan and duct analyses; solar energy applications.  LEC

442 Computer-Aided Analysis in Fluid and Thermal Sciences (3) (Sp)

Prerequisites:            MAE 335, MAE 336, MAE 376

For seniors and beginning graduate students interested in computer-based analysis of engineering problems in fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Emphasizes applications of computer analysis to engineering design of fluid/thermal systems. Surveys the general governing equations and methods to solve them, including finite-difference, finite-volume, panel methods, and finite element methods. Introduces the use of state-of-the-art computer tools for analysis and graphical representation of results. Gives the student a broad view of computational fluid mechanics for engineering applications in the fluid/thermal sciences.  LEC

443 Continuous Control Systems (3) (F)

Prerequisite:              MAE 340

System modeling and identification of plants to be controlled; use of feedback control systems; design of feedback control laws including P, I D; block diagrams, transfer functions, and frequency response functions; control system design and analysis in the time domain, Laplace domain, and frequency domain; computer simulation of control systems; deisgn for stability, speed of response, and accuracy; root locus, Bode, and Nyquist plots; compensation strategies; state space control design and analysis.  LEC

444 Digital Control Systems (3) (Sp)

Prerequisite:              MAE 443

Characterization of discrete time systems; analysis of discrete control systems by time-domain and transform techniques; discrete state variable techniques; synthesis of discrete systems; engineering consideration of computer controlled systems.  LEC/LAB

445 Co-Op Program Session (1) (F)

446 Co-Op Program Session (1) (Sp)

447 Co-Op Program Session (1) (Su)

448 Issues in Concurrent Design (3)

Prerequisite:              senior standing

Current interest in incorporating quality and man