MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Would you like to be part of the team that

designs the first practical electric-powered

automobile? … that creates the first power-

generating plant with zero environmental

impact? … that develops the first desalination

plant economical enough to meet the world’s needs

for clean water? … that builds the first affordable

high speed mass-transit system?

YOU can be THERE!

with a Mechanical Engineering degree from the

University at Buffalo!

Revised: Spring 2008

Table of Contents

Page

Mechanical Engineering at UB 1

Admission to the Program 2

Advisement for ME Students 2

Academic Standing 3

Graduation Requirements 4

The B.S. Degree Program in Mechanical Engineering 6

Double Major in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering 7

Combined Degree Program – BSME/MBA 8

Co-Op Program for Mechanical Engineering Students 9

Program Planning for the B.S. Program in Mechanical Engineering 10

Choosing Electives 11

Course Descriptions 13

Faculty 23

Student Organizations 26

For more information, contact:

Director of Undergraduate Studies for Mechanical Engineering

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

318 Jarvis Hall

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY 14260

(716) 645-2593 x2200

On the Web at:

www.mae.buffalo.edu

Knowledge and Skills in Mechanical Engineering*

A graduating Mechanical Engineer should have knowledge providing:

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

(2) the fundamentals of mechanics, materials science, thermodynamics, thermal and fluid sciences, and systems sciences as applied to the design, analysis and manufacture of mechanical engineering systems;

(3) understanding of basic analytical, numerical and computational techniques representative of those used in industry and research;

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

(5) exposure to engineering practice as appropriate for a new graduate.

The skills of a graduating Mechanical 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 mechanical engineering systems and use computational/analytical tools and techniques to predict the performance of such systems;

(3) create computer-based models of machine components and assemblies using CAD/CAE tools and use them in the product synthesis/analysis process;

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

(5) be familiar with the evaluation and choice of suitable materials and manufacturing processes;

(6) communicate effectively and function well in a team-based environment.

*The statements above describe important characteristics of a mechanical engineer. These characteristics have been identified by the faculty and, through a series of surveys, have the consensus agreement of both graduating seniors and alumni. We believe that the knowledge and the skills described are important in the successful practice of mechanical engineering and we strive to deliver them in our BSME Program.

Mechanical Engineering at UB

Mechanical engineers are involved in research and development, design, manufacturing, and technical sales of the widest variety of products. Specific areas of involvement include computer-aided design and manufacturing; robotics; power plants; engines; machine tools; construction equipment; materials; agricultural implements; automotive vehicles and systems of transportation; domestic and industrial appliances; control and measurement devices; instrumentation; biomedical devices; apparatus for the control of air, water, noise, refuse, and other types of pollution; underwater technology; space flight equipment; safety devices; and food processing machinery. As you can see from this list - mechanical engineering covers a wide range of applications and is, in fact, one of the broadest of the engineering disciplines.

Many of our students enter industry directly after completing the B.S. Program, while others elect to pursue graduate work in engineering or other fields. Graduate study in mechanical engineering can lead to careers in research and teaching. Since many engineers ultimately become managers, B.S. graduates may also elect to pursue graduate studies in the field of management. Some students elect to enter other professional schools, such as medicine or law. Technical electives in the senior year permit students to tailor their programs to suit their own interests, from beginning a career in industry to further study at the graduate level.

Based on the objectives above, our program presents students with the knowledge and skills of the profession (shown on the previous page) that will be useful as they begin their careers and/or prepare for advanced studies. We offer a comprehensive program that is well balanced among the technical topics of the thermal-fluid sciences, mechanics, materials, systems and design.

Our Engineering Career Institute and our cooperative education opportunities provide many students with the possibility of obtaining practical experience working with local and national companies. Our laboratories boast up-to-date 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 are here to help you become a mechanical engineer ready to contribute to the world of technology in industry and research.

Students applying to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) from secondary schools must meet the minimum requirements of the University. When available, Regents exam scores in math, chemistry, and physics are considered along with SAT/ACT, and high school average as a supplement to the standard UB admissions criteria for freshmen. 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, as possible, some calculus and computer science. The study of mechanical drawing, including computer-aided design, is also highly desirable. When appropriate, advanced placement credit and course waivers may be possible. Four years of English are recommended. Of course, the ability to read, write and speak effectively will greatly influence one’s potential in the engineering profession.

Acceptance Criteria for Mechanical Engineering Current UB students in good academic standing may also be eligible for admission with minimum C grades in MTH 141, MTH 142, and PHY 107 with greater than a 2.0 GPA among these. In addition, a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 for all university courses, for all science courses and for all engineering courses is required. 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 Undergraduate Education, 410 Bonner Hall, for more detailed information.

Transfer Information Students who have attended an accredited community college, four-year college or university may begin their mechanical engineering studies with advanced standing. Students who have completed less than 24 semester hours of coursework prior to their date of entry to the university are considered freshmen/transfer students and must submit secondary school credentials and college transcripts to the admissions office as part of their application. Students who have completed at least 24 semester hours of coursework prior to their date of entry are considered transfer students and must submit college transcripts to the admissions office as part of their application. Currently, a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required for transfer admission. A grade point average of 3.0 is recommended.

Transfer students completing an engineering science program at community colleges can normally expect to complete the Mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineering Degree requirements.

Applications to begin mechanical engineering studies at the University at Buffalo may be submitted online at www.admissions.buffalo.edu/apply/index.php, or 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.

Students entering their first semester at UB normally receive advisement from a senior academic advisor in the UB Engineering Office of Undergraduate Education, 410 Bonner Hall. In addition, most students receive a faculty mentor their freshmen year or a departmental faculty advisor 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 ME advisor to be certain that they satisfy departmental graduation requirements. Engineering students are urged to see their ME advisor prior to registration each semester. During their academic career at UB, engineering students are also encouraged to maintain contact with a senior academic advisor in 410 Bonner Hall. Our senior academic advisors provide assistance with general University requirements as well as UB Engineering requirements. Entering freshmen are also offered a wide range of special advisement opportunities and academic help sessions by the Office of Undergraduate Education.

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 normally takes place at specific announced dates during pre-registration in the Spring semester of each year. This mandatory advisement process allows students to verify that they will be able to graduate as expected.

The main purpose of advisement is to provide help in choosing and scheduling required and elective courses – facilitating program completion and the best use of flexibility in the ME program. 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 (and available on the web at http://undergrad-catalog.buffalo.edu/) also provides additional information about our Department, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and undergraduate programs and courses at the University at Buffalo.

Honors Students who complete the Mechanical 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 and on the UB transcript. In addition, the University awards Latin Honors at graduation, based on overall average. Each semester, students with a semester grade point average above 3.5 for 15 or more credit hours (at least 12 must be letter graded) 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, engineering average, and technical 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 Mechanical 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 for mechanical engineering:

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

Repeated Course Grades University rules permit students to repeat courses at UB 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 (passing on the third attempt will allow satisfaction of degree requirements).

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 consultation between the student and the instructor and then, if necessary, through departmental level procedures of the MAE Department, the decanal level through the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Vice Provostal level of the University. Possible penalties for academic dishonesty include receiving an “F” in the course involved and possible dismissal from the University.

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

(a) Minimum 2.0 GPA for all coursework taken at UB and overall (includes transfer)

Application for Degree In order to be considered for graduation (degree conferral), each student must file an “Application for Degree” with the Student Response Center, 232 Capen Hall prior to the deadlines below (applications are available in 410 Bonner Hall, on-line at http://src.buffalo.edu or in the Student Response Center, 232 Capen Hall):

Students are encouraged to see an advisor in 410 Bonner Hall to verify remaining requirements and then file their Application for Degree prior to the start of their final semester. When a degree is conferred, it is noted on the student’s academic record (official transcript and on MyUB) and a diploma is mailed to the address on the Degree Application submitted by the student. Students who find that they are not eligible to graduate on their applied degree conferral date will be requested to inform the Student Response Center of their new expected graduation date.

These are the required courses and the standard course sequence for the B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Students need not follow this semester-by-semester sequence precisely. But the prerequisite and co-requisite course requirements for each course must always be satisfied. Technical Electives are discussed more completely on pages 10 - 12. Details about transfer credit, waivers, etc., are available from the Director of Undergraduate Studies or the SEAS Office of Student Services, 410 Bonner Hall.

** 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 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

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).

* 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, EAS 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.

The MAE Department and the School of Management offer a five-year program toward a joint BSME and MBA Degree. This program reduces by one year the usual pattern of a four year undergraduate degree and a two-year MBA program. At the completion, a joint BS/MBA diploma is awarded. Students wishing to pursue the combined program should take the GMAT and apply to the MBA program early during their junior year. Admissions will be limited to students who can satisfy the entrance requirements for the MBA program. Each candidate must meet all the degree requirements of each program, except for a reduction in the total credit hours by courses common to both programs. The details of the program shown below are subject to change. To discuss the program, please contact: Dr. Kemper Lewis, 1010 Furnas Hall (kelewis@eng.buffalo.edu).

* 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

Our Co-Op Program provides ME students a ten month hands-on experience that the classroom cannot replace. Students can gain experience by working with local and national companies in a variety of areas. Students participating in co-op programs can have a jump-start when it comes to finding a job at graduation.

At the University at Buffalo, mechanical engineering students who have been selected for the co-op program will start their work experience following the Spring Semester of their third year and will work with a company through the next Fall Semester. After a Spring Semester of classes, they will start another work experience in the Summer. After one more semester of classes, students will graduate with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. This approach allows students to graduate in as little as four and one half years with the addition of a ten month co-op experience.

* 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 Electives: MAE 428, EAS 305, EAS 308, EAS 451, MTH 309, MTH 417, MTH 418

The Mechanical Engineering Program consists of required courses and elective courses (the Science Elective, Applied Math Elective, Technical Electives 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. Technical Elective courses allow students to obtain significant exposure to technical areas of their own choosing.

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. In fact, current ABET accreditation requirements require that students attain the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context, a knowledge of contemporary issues, and the ability to communicate effectively. Non-technical electives must be selected to satisfy the University-wide requirements for General Education and any related ABET concerns particularly for transfer students.

Of the total credit hours of coursework required for the B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, 30 credit hours must be completed at this institution to satisfy our residency requirement. 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 ME students are required to take a total of 12 hours of Technical Elective (TE) coursework, 3 hours of an Applied Math Elective, and 4 hours of Science Elective. A TE course may be a 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 ME degree. TE courses may not substantially duplicate the material in a required course. All TEs must be coursework at the 300 level or above. In some instances graduate level courses may be used as TEs. Nine hours of TE credit must be selected from courses offered by the MAE Department. No more than two of the following courses may be used as TE courses: MAE 496, MAE 499, EAS 480, EAS 498, and EAS 396/496 (for TE purposes EAS 396 and 496 together are equivalent to one MAE course).

The General Education Program General education focuses on a broad array of skills, knowledge, and issues that the University’s faculty considers to be particularly important for all college graduates. The program is intended to help students prepare for success and fulfillment in a continually changing world. General education complements the departmental major. In particular, the General Education Program at the State University of New York at Buffalo, in accordance with SUNY policy is designed to instill knowledge and skills in: Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, American History, Western Civilization, Other World Civilizations, Humanities, The Arts, Foreign Languages, and Basic Communication. In addition, requirements exist in two competencies: Critical Thinking (Reasoning), and Information Management. General education requirements are detailed in the undergraduate catalog (http://undergrad-catalog.buffalo.edu) and advisement regarding these requirements is available through the SEAS Office of Undergraduate Education in 410 Bonner Hall.

Choosing Electives

in Mechanical Engineering

The Mechanical Engineering Program contains four Technical Elective courses which are selected by students during their last year of study (details are indicated on the previous page). One of the four TEs may be taken outside of the MAE Department and this allows the inclusion (for example) of an extra math course, an industrial engineering course or a technical communications course as part of the ME program. The three remaining TEs must normally be selected from MAE designated courses but limited exceptions may be allowed for students with well-defined academic goals (exceptions to the requirements of the BSME program require prior approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies).

Technical Electives allow ME Seniors to adjust the final stages of their program for their own needs and interests. Students can broaden their perspectives in mechanical engineering by choosing TEs from different areas of mechanical engineering. More often, the choice of courses allows specialization. By carefully selecting TEs, students may enhance their employment resumé by focusing on a specific area or may improve their preparation for graduate study.

The courses indicated below include Technical Electives that are regularly offered in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The electives are grouped by general area of interest and these courses are appropriate for Seniors trying to develop a background in particular technical areas. Students approaching their Senior year – and interested in focusing their choice of technical electives – should discuss TE course selection with their advisor or contact a faculty member who works in the specific area of interest. It may be appropriate to select courses directly from the tracks below, to explore other TE courses, or to consider taking a graduate course for undergraduate credit. Students with strong academic records and serious interest in graduate study should especially consider taking additional applied math elective courses or selected graduate level courses to develop their analytical skills.

Please notice that the semester in which a course is normally taught is indicated in parenthesis directly after the course entry.

Dynamic Systems and Control

MAE 443 Continuous Control Systems (F)

Mechanical Design

Design and Manufacturing

CAD/CAE and Engineering Computation

Energy and Applied Thermodynamics

Fluids and Heat Transfer

BioEngineering

Materials Engineering

Applied Mechanics

Provides 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

Expected Graduation Date	Application for Degree Deadline
June 1	February 1
September 1	July 1
February 1	October 1