Mechanical Engineering

Introduces the technology of 3D parametric geometric modeling to design and model mechanical engineering parts, assemblies and devices. Geometric variables and their interrelationships will be covered by projects involving the design of mechanical components, assemblies and machines to meet functional requirements. Manufacturing requirements including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing. The use of the model for analysis, optimization and simulation will be stressed. Presentation of the model through engineering drawings and pictorial renderings. Animation of mechanisms. A comprehensive commercial CAD program will be utilized.

The principles of fluid mechanics are introduced and methods are presented for the analysis of fluid motion in practical engineering problems. Specific topics include: fluid statics; integral balances of mass, momentum, angular momentum and energy; boundary layer theory and introduction to the Navier-Stokes equations; dimensional analysis; and liquid flow in piping networks with pumps and turbines. Pressure and flow measurement and experimental uncertainty.

The free and forced vibration solutions for distributed parameter system models are covered in detail. Specific system models considered include strings/cables, rods, beams, plates, membranes and shells.

A mechanical engineering design is developed and documented in the form of a technical report. Students normally work in approved teams. Industrial projects are developed in cooperation with industry and may require some period of time on site. University-based projects are developed in cooperation with university faculty. The first stage of this process involves definition of the project topic, background studies, and development of a conceptual design. An oral examination is conducted towards the end of the first term, and a written preliminary report is submitted. In the second term, a detailed design is prepared, the project is completed and orally examined, and a final report is submitted. One of the laboratory weekly hours is designated for a scheduled meeting with project advisor(s). Workshops involve practice exercises, relevant to student projects, on: problem definition and formulation, project planning, teamwork, information and communication; conceptual, parametric and configuration designs; and professional, environmental, social, human factors, and safety aspects of design.

Various methods for solving the forward and inverse displacement problems are described. Particular emphasis is made on the use of screw theory for the derivation of the Jacobian matrix. The selection of alternate frames of reference for describing the Jacobian are also discussed. Methods used in the solution of the inverse displacement problem and the inverse and forward velocity problems for kinematically redundant manipulators are discussed. 

An interdisciplinary study of the interaction of humans and their workspace. Physiological principles of work and energy. Anthropometry. Biomechanics. The ergonomics of workspace and job design. Fatigue. Work/rest schedules and nutrition. The physiological and psychological effects of human noise, vibration, lighting, vision, and the workspace environment. Lab periods include seminars and practical design exercise applying human factors and ergonomic theory to workspace problems. 

Structure and specification of robotic manipulators. Homogeneous transformations and link descriptions. Manipulator forward and inverse displacement solutions. Jacobians in the velocity and static force domains. Singular configurations and workspace analysis. An introduction to trajectory planning and manipulator dynamics. Lab experiments explore several robotic manipulators.